MASF COMMUNITY THINK TANK

Community Innovation Pods are small, theme-based teams (youth + adults) that use arts, media, and technology to solve real neighborhood problems. Each pod “adopts” a focus area—like music & media, wellness, green tech, or entrepreneurship—and meets weekly in the C.E.E.D. Hub to learn skills, design projects, and build working prototypes or programs. A trained facilitator guides them through a simple cycle: identify a community need → research and co-design a solution → build and test it → share results with the wider community and potential funders/partners. Over time, the strongest pod projects can grow into full programs, social enterprises, or IP managed through the MASF / SCi-FLY ecosystem.

Digital Literacy Program for Seniors

Our Digital Literacy Program for Seniors makes sure older adults aren’t left out of the innovation happening at the C.E.E.D. Hub. Seniors can choose one of two paths:

Foundations Track – step-by-step support on how to use a computer, tablet, or smartphone; basic internet safety; email; video calls with family; and accessing online services and benefits.
Innovation Track – seniors who are already comfortable with technology join our Community Innovation Pods, where they help design solutions, record stories and podcasts, and co-create projects that improve life in Harlem.
Both paths are welcoming, patient, and hands-on—honoring seniors as knowledge keepers and partners, not just “students.”

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Creative Technologies Development

At the C.E.E.D. Hub, Creative Technologies Development is where art, storytelling, and emerging tools come together. We use music, film, design, and next-generation media (including AI, interactive audio, and digital production tools) to help community members create original work, protect their IP, and explore new careers in the creative economy. Projects developed in this wing can grow into studio productions, community apps, educational tools, and social-impact ventures led by Harlem residents.