“The University is throwing its resources behind groundbreaking and unique programs,” Autler said.

Autler sees the Harvard-Allston Education Portal as a clear example of a new commitment to engage with Allston. The Portal, created in 2008, offers mentoring and enrichment opportunities for neighborhood children and educational programs for adults. According to Autler, the Portal also acts as Allston’s single entry point to Harvard programming and benefits, such as speaker series and campus events.

Autler calls the Portal “an example for emulation elsewhere.”

In fact, the BRA recently brought the idea for an education portal to Northeastern, which will soon institute a “scaled back” version of the Harvard Portal as it begins new development plans, according to Autler.

Kairos Shen, the chief planner at the Boston Redevelopment Authority, said at a task force meeting last November that Harvard is “raising the bar” for community benefits.

Bruno went further, saying that Harvard, the most recent school to develop and implement a community benefits package, has become a leader for local universities.

“By default [Harvard has] taken on more of a leadership role,” Bruno said.

–Staff writer Karl M. Aspelund can be reached at karl.aspelund@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter @kma_crimson.

—Staff writer Marco J. Barber Grossi can be reached at mbarbergrossi@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter @marco_jbg.