#  About 

 



###  About 

The Harvard Ed Portal connects the Allston-Brighton community with Harvard University, offering free programs and events for people of all ages. We provide access to educational, cultural, and professional development opportunities, from mentoring and scholarships to wellness and career resources. Our goal is to empower residents and bridge the gap between Harvard and the local community to foster learning, growth, and connection.



 

 

 

       ![outside of ed](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/hep/files/about-herojpg.jpg?itok=B50ixq2M) 

 

 



 

 



 

 ### Our Team

The Ed Portal is a Harvard University-wide initiative, managed by Harvard Public Affairs & Communications.

[Meet the Team](/edportal-team)



 

   ![Ed Portal Lobby](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/hep/files/ed_portal_dec2018_066.jpg?itok=CChWAr_y) 

 

 

 

 ### Annual Report

Providing an in-depth update on many of the exciting collaborations and programs taking place in the community every day.

[Download the Report](/annual-report)



 

   ![Arts Walk House](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/hep/files/report_cover.jpg?itok=rHqQL0mh) 

 

 

 

 ### Advisory Boards & Task Force

Advisory boards & task force are comprised of members from the City of Boston, Harvard University, and the greater community.

[View the boards](/advisory-boards-task-force)



 

   ![Multi lingual cards](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/hep/files/multi_lingual_cards.png?itok=N_byyydG) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

### From Concept to Creation 

 

The concept for the Harvard Ed Portal originated during discussions around the Harvard Allston Science Complex, where community leader Ray Mellone envisioned a space to connect neighborhood youth with Harvard’s resources. This vision was championed by Professor Rob Lue, who served as the Harvard Ed Portal's Faculty Director from 2008 to 2020, continually shaping its programs through feedback from the community, students, and university staff. Though both Ray Mellone and Professor Lue have since passed, their commitment to community engagement and educational access remains the foundation of our work today.



 



      ![learn-rug](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/hep/files/bhi_j0203_7.jpg?itok=NhUZWA35) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

##  Serving the Allston-Brighton Community Since 2008 

   ![rob-lue-with-student](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-04/121111_showcase_267.jpg?itok=IAmn-Wov) 

 

   ![mellone-park-opening](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-04/110511_Mellone_092.jpg?itok=3523XfC2) 

 

Created to be a bridge between Allston/Brighton residents and Harvard teaching and learning, the Harvard Ed Portal opened its doors in 2008 offering mentoring for area children and a faculty speaker series. Today, it has broadened and evolved to include workforce and economic development learning opportunities, support and exhibition/performance opportunities for local artists, health and wellness programs and more.

The concept of the Harvard Ed Portal emerged during the public regulatory process for what was the Harvard Allston Science Complex (now the Science & Engineering Complex). As a part of the public process, Ray Mellone, a community member and chair of the Harvard Allston Task Force who guided the discussions of community benefits suggested creating access to Harvard resources for neighborhood youth—creating a space where neighborhood youth could access the resources of Harvard and benefit from having Harvard as a close neighbor.

As the concept moved forward into reality, Professor Rob Lue was tapped as the Harvard lead and served as Faculty Director of the Harvard Ed Portal from 2008 through 2020. Lue was an advocate for extending STEM education to communities at all levels and believed firmly in life-long learning. His vision for the Ed Portal came both from his visionary ideas for community learning but also through the conversations he had and feedback he received from residents, City officials, students, and staff.

The Harvard Ed Portal, emerged from these two individuals' commitment to community and community access to education. Professor Lue passed away in the fall of 2020. Ray Mellone passed away in early 2019.

“The education portal is a way for Allston and Harvard to move forward together as we jointly explore better ways to teach and learn,” Prof. Rob Lue

“We just have to get Harvard and the community to assimilate with each other in a way that’s beneficial for both of them.” – Ray Mellone



 

##  About Our Partners 

The Ed Portal works with a wide range of partners from the community, City of Boston, and across Harvard University. These connections help make the relationship between the University and with the Allston-Brighton neighborhood so meaningful.

 

 



 ### Harvard Partners

The Harvard Ed Portal works with faculty, staff, research centers, schools, and departments from across the University to develop rich and engaging programming.



 

   ![Graduate School of Education](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/hep/files/050317_features_rl_3284.jpeg?itok=4gGWRwmD) 

 

 

 

 ### Community Partners

The Harvard Ed Portal works with partners from across Allston-Brighton, the City of Boston, and with local businesses and organizations to deliver collaborative programming. Community partners include: The Family Nurturing Center, Allston Brighton Health Collaborative, Artisan's Asylum, ABCDC, and Boston Public Schools.



 

   ![girl-playing-at-table](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/hep/files/012524_game_night_195-cropped-small.jpg?itok=s7vJuJ0k)