The mission of Montserrat Aspirers Inc. (the MAI) is to give aspiring youth the opportunity to gain a competitive edge in this changing society through workshops, academic tutoring, scholarship awards and cultural activities. MAI encourages collaboration among community organizations and promotes self-pride, ethnic and cultural diversity.
MAI was organized in 1974 for charitable community and educational purposes. In an effort to obtain a more visible community presence and to better assist the community, the organization bought the building located at 358 Washington Street, Dorchester MA in 1992. After years of hard work by mostly members and friends the Aspirers Community Center was opened to the public in June 1994. Three years later, the hard work and dedication was once again displayed when the basement was officially opened on Sunday, October 19, 1997.
Since 1988 annual scholarships have been awarded to high school seniors from area schools and in 1991 a tutoring program was established to help community children. In an effort to meet the increasing needs of the inner-city youth and provide a higher level of educational services., MAI’s tutorial program was renamed the Henrietta Browne College Preparatory Program in the fall of 2003.
MAI is passionate about its community service and always consider it a critical aspect of the growth of the organization. Over more than 50 years, MAI has offered the following: field trips to educational sites such as colleges and museums; career awareness day workshops; scholarship awards to more than 100 first year college students; hosted civic organizations; tutoring to public and private school students; support for cultural activities and events; and community outreach, training, and development of workforce initiatives
MAI’s programs and goals have been formally recognized by the Mayor of Boston, Members of Congress, the Supreme Court, State Representatives, City Councilors, local businesses, members of the community it serves, and other organizations locally and internationally. This organization continues to provide and improve the myriad of services it offers to its community and is grateful to those who have supported MAI over the years. The organization appeals to the private and public sector for support of its fundraising efforts as we continue to be a beacon of light in this community.
Codman Square Neighborhood Council 