"I love that these programs keep [my children] off the streets," Jones said.

Many at the event also thanked Harvard for getting involved in the partnership, saying it will provide valuable educational tools and resources to help improve afterschool education.

"Through your commitment, President Rudenstine, our children will look across the Charles River to your institution and say 'I will study there one day,'" Groover said.

Rudenstine, in turn, emphasized Harvard's willingness to work with the community to create a joint effort.

But the speakers also said that yesterday's event was just the beginning of the partnership, and that they will work to gain financial commitments from more sources, including the state.

To end the event, all of the partners signed a large novelty check, as they were surrounded by on-looking children from Jackson/Mann.

"We come together to acknowledge the efforts currently in place, and we come together to tell you we want more, and we're going to have more," said Marian Heard, president and CEO of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. "This is merely phase one."