IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
CONNECTING ACTIVITIES
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s “Connecting Activities” initiative helps in-school youth experience the world of work through internships, enabling youth to see the relationship between what they learn in school and their career aspirations.
YOUTHWORKS
This state-funded youth employment program helps teens and young adults (ages 14-21) get the skills and experience they need to find and keep jobs. The program serves income-eligible youth who live in targeted cities across the Commonwealth (including Worcester). Participants have paid short-term work placements at public, private, and nonprofit worksites.
The program is offered through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts EOLWD and administered statewide by Commonwealth Corporation. Locally it is coordinated through the MCRWB and managed on their behalf in Worcester by the Worcester Community Action Council and in Southbridge by the Center of Hope.
OUT-OF-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
WORKFORCE INNOVATION OPPORTUNITY ACT
Funded by WIOA, out-of-school services emphasize educational and career pathways training to youth ages 16-24 who are no longer in school. A network of regional service providers offer participants access to the following components:
- Tutoring, Study Skills Activities
- Alternative Secondary School Activities
- Paid and Unpaid Work Experience
- Occupational Skills Training
- Education with Workforce Prep Activities
- Leadership Development
- Support Services
- Adult Mentoring
- Follow-up Services
- Guidance and Counseling
- Financial Literacy Training
- Entrepreneurial Skills Training
- Labor Market and Employment Information