In Summer 2026, approximately 1,000 youth from the City of Worcester and Central MA will participate in programming funded by School-to-Work Connecting Activities and/or YouthWorks programs. Starting with the “Senior Scoop” Job Fair for HS students 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 tap YouthWorks funds to provide paid career development experiences for youth ages 14-25. Participants learn what it’s like to have a job, have weekly “Signal Success” job readiness training, and explore educational and career pathways.
- WCAC: Hosts participants at more than 50 worksites from July 7 – August 15. WCAC’s relationships with regional employers make its YouthWorks program a model for others across the Commonwealth.
- MYC: Places youth in the Milford Parks Department, Milford Town Library, Milford Youth Center, Nutriforia Nutrition, We All Hoop, Bob’s Marina, and Sweet Inspirations.
