College Bound Dorchester

Uncornered, formerly College Bound Dorchester, is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending generational urban poverty and violence by engaging individuals identified as drivers of street violence. Founded in Boston in 2016 by Mark Culliton and Michelle Caldeira, the organization operates on the belief that these 'Core Influencers' can be positive agents for peace and community change. Culliton, who previously served as CEO of College Bound Dorchester, drew upon his experiences in both the private sector and as a Peace Corps volunteer to shape the organization's vision. Caldeira, a co-founder, has a background in sociology and has dedicated her career to engaging at-risk individuals to end violence.

The organization's model identifies key individuals aged 18 to 30 who are at the center of street-level violence and offers them a pathway to higher education and legitimate employment. Uncornered provides participants with holistic support, including a weekly financial stipend of around $400, which allows them to focus on their education without immediate financial pressures. The program includes HiSET preparation, college readiness, on-campus support, and connections to mentors who often share similar life experiences. Additionally, it offers crucial mental health and spiritual support to help individuals address past trauma. The business model is funded through private donations and is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to the cycle of incarceration, which costs the state significantly more per individual annually.

Uncornered's core service is transforming these 'Core Influencers' from drivers of violence into community leaders and role models. By redirecting their leadership and networking skills towards positive outcomes, the organization aims to shift social norms within their communities. The program has demonstrated tangible results, with participants showing a 71% drop in recidivism and a 72% matriculation rate to college, a stark contrast to the national average of less than 1% for gang-involved youth. Initially launched in Boston, the success of the model has led to its expansion into Providence and Kansas City, with the long-term goal of national impact.

Keywords: violence reduction, anti-violence, community development, at-risk youth, educational attainment, gang intervention, social impact, workforce development, recidivism reduction, non-profit, higher education access, poverty alleviation, mentorship programs, community transformation, Boston, Providence, Kansas City, Core Influencers, criminal justice reform, social enterprise