MAPSCorps

MAPSCorps (Meaningful, Active, Productive Science in Service to Communities) engages youth to close the information gap in under-served communities so they can access the resources we all need to do good, stay well, and live long.

We employ youth as community data scientists. They are trained to apply the scientific method and mobile technology to capture data about all the public-facing businesses and organizations serving their community. As a result, our students become confident communicators and meet high standards as they develop basic job skills. Our data boost local economies by making sure every public-facing business and organization is on the map. We’ve mapped more than 44,000 businesses and organizations in Chicago, New York City, Detroit, and Nash & Edgecombe Counties, NC. These data are used by healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, leaders, entrepreneurs, residents, and others for better health, well-being, and economic vitality.

We partner with Cook County Land Bank to inventory the condition of vacant and distressed properties in Chicago. We also partner with and support NowPow, a knowledge utility company that powers up under-served communities by providing people the vital information they need to stay well and live long. MAPSCorps & NowPow catalyze communities by building the workforce of the future and improving the health and vitality of its people, businesses and organizations.

MAPSCorps is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Hyde Park, Chicago. The organization grew out of the South Side Health and Vitality Studies, led by the research laboratory of Stacy Tessler Lindau, MD, MAPP, at the University of Chicago.