Youth Workforce Development Success Stories

In Summer 2025, more than a thousand youth from the City of Worcester and Central MA participated in fun and educational activities and programming made possible through the state-funded School-to-Work Connecting Activities and/or YouthWorks programs. Beginning with “Senior Scoop” at Polar Park in May and ending in late August, the Worcester Community Action Coalition, Rec Worcester, the Milford Youth Center, the Center of Hope in Southbridge, and the Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development tapped YouthWorks funds to provide meaningful (and paid!) career development experiences for youth ages 14-25.

• Rec Worcester: Free, six-week summer program for Worcester youth ages 7-12 operated by the City of Worcester’s Division of Youth Opportunities. Rec Worcester employed more than 30 youth ages 14-25 for eight weeks (two weeks training + six weeks programming) who led more than 200 hours of free and accessible recreational programming for 970 youth. Participants received free breakfast and lunch daily from Worcester Public Schools and Friendly House. Rec Worcester’s enrollment grew 10% over 2024. Commenting on Rec Worcester’s structure and leadership, one parent said:

“This program has been a true blessing. My children are not only safe, but they’re also learning, growing, and enjoying every moment. It brings me peace of mind knowing they’re in such good hands.”

• WCAC: Hosted about 342 participants at 59 worksites from July 7 – August 15. WCAC’s program uses tiers to give participants age-appropriate job awareness, exposure, and immersion. WCAC’s robust relationships with regional employers have made its YouthWorks program a model for others across the Commonwealth. WCAC’s largest and most popular employer partner is the Regional Environmental Council, which hosted 21 youth at its YouthGrow farm. Other employer partners included Refugees & Immigrants Cultural Empowerment Massachusetts (RICEMA) and Exotic King Garage.

• MYC: The Milford Youth Center employed 19 eligible Milford youth who worked at the Milford Parks Department, Milford Town Library, Milford Youth Center, Nutriforia Nutrition, We All Hoop, Bob’s Marina and Sweet Inspirations. Participants learned at each location what it’s like to have a job, joined in weekly job readiness programming, and discovered business leaders’ respective educational and career pathways.