MassHire Boston Youth Programs

Massachusetts provides a variety of programs for both in-school and out-of-school youth that create opportunities for earing a GED, HiSET, high school diploma, pursuing higher education, obtaining industry-recognized training, and advancing in a career. These initiatives are supported by funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Program Description:

University High School (UHS) is a secondary education program created through a special partnership between the community-based organization Action for Boston Community Development and Boston Public Schools. UHS offers students in Boston, ages 16 to 22, a dynamic opportunity to reengage with their education through an accelerated path to earning a high school diploma. To be eligible for admission, students must be at least one grade level behind and show an interest in pursuing further education options, such as community college, a four-year college or university, or vocational training. At ABCD University High School, the guiding principle is “We RISE!” Through Resilience, Integrity, Scholarship, and Empowerment, students are supported to graduate with a high school diploma, a clear educational path, and the skills and knowledge needed to achieve their goals in education, career, and civic engagement.

Career Exploration:

Older youth explore careers in Health Careers, Financial Services, Multimedia Building Trades and Green Jobs, Early Childhood Education, Culinary Arts and others. Learn basic skills, visit worksites, receive job placement and case management services.

Total Number Out-of-School Youth: 81

Total Number In-School Youth: 6

Program Service Elements: Alternative Education, Financial Literacy, Guidance Counseling, Adult Mentoring, Supportive Services, Leadership Development Opportunities, Education and Workforce Preparation, Work Experiences, Entrepreneurial Skills Training, Occupational Skills Training, Tutoring, Follow-Up Services, Labor Market Information, Transition to Postsecondary Education and Training

To learn more about Action for Boston Community Development, Click Here

Program Description:

Uncornered identifies key figures involved in violence within communities and offers them an alternative path. Using a data-driven approach, we provide educational resources, mental health and spiritual support, and work towards transforming both their futures and our cities.

The Uncornered model focuses on creating impact at the community level, addressing issues street by street and corner by corner. Data demonstrates that engaging the right Core Influencers, recruited from effective networks and given proper support, can reduce street violence. Investing in the city’s most marginalized and disruptive residents foster opportunities and hope for everyone.

They focus on supporting young adults aged 18 to 30 with reentry and success through the following services:

  • HiSET preparation to achieve a high school credential
  • College readiness to facilitate enrollment in accredited post-secondary programs
  • On-campus support to ensure success in obtaining a college degree
  • Connection to community-based mentors for access to additional services such as mental health support, housing, and other needs

To learn more about Uncornered, Click Here

Program Description:

Every year, MassEdCO advisors assist approximately 5,000 middle and high school students across Massachusetts with education and career readiness services. Our aim is to guide students in making postsecondary decisions that are both academically and financially suitable.

Considering a vocational program or a 2- or 4-year degree? Choosing the right school and program at an affordable cost is essential for your success. Our MassEdCO staff and partners are ready to help students at any of our participating schools throughout the state find the best program for their needs.

To learn more about MassEdCO, Click Here

Catholic Charities Boston serves communities across Eastern Massachusetts by offering support to the most vulnerable populations. As one of the largest social service nonprofits in Massachusetts, they are dedicated to assisting their neighbors without regard to religion, race, gender, age, disability, or ethnicity. Their programs include Adult Education & Workforce Development.

Adult Education & Workforce Development

Education is a key step toward achieving independence. Learning English, building foundational skills, and receiving training are essential for securing employment that offers a livable wage.

  • ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages: Education is a key step toward achieving independence. Learning English, building foundational skills, and receiving training are essential for securing employment that offers a livable wage.
  • High School Equivalency Programs: Individuals who did not complete high school have alternative pathways to earning a high school equivalency credential.
    • High School Equivalent Test (HiSET) Programs: Out-of-school youth can join our GED preparation and skills training programs. Available options include YouthWorks, Teenstart, and the Education and Parenting Skills Center.
    • GED and HiSET Adult Basic Education (ABE): ABE classes are open to anyone aged 18 and older with at least an intermediate level of English proficiency. These classes help adults enhance their skills and knowledge in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Students can enroll to achieve personal and career goals or to prepare for High School Equivalency exams like the GED or HiSET. Classes in reading, writing, and math are offered at various levels, including beginning literacy and numeracy. All Catholic Charities ABE classes are available from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Job Training (NA/HAA and IT): Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become a valuable member of the workforce, with ample opportunities for advancement. We provide training to launch careers in rapidly growing, in-demand fields such as Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, and IT Support.
    • Programs:
      • El Centro IT Program – Jamaica Plain: The El Centro IT Training Program equips students for a successful career in the rapidly evolving field of Information Technology, which offers opportunities across various industries such as e-commerce, healthcare, education, and finance. The program features: 6 months of training leading to IT certifications in Network and Cybersecurity; Employment placement assistance upon completion; Online instruction via Zoom, with classes held 20 hours per week from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; In-person study groups and tutoring; All classes and materials are provided at no cost, with advanced English skills required.
      • Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide Training – South Boston: You can begin your career in health care with a role as a Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide (NA/HHA), two of the fastest-growing occupations in the field. There are numerous job opportunities available in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and private care agencies. Starting as a Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide can pave the way to higher-paying roles in health care, such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN).
      • Nursing Assistant and Home and Health Aide Training-Brockton: Start your career in health care with roles as a Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide (NA/HHA), two of the fastest-growing occupations in the field. There are numerous job opportunities available in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and private care agencies. Working as a Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide can serve as a stepping stone to higher-paying roles in health care, such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN).

To learn more about Catholic Charities Boston, Click Here

Program Description:

More Than Words is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering youth aged 16-21 who are in the foster care system, court-involved, homeless, or out-of-school. Our approach helps these young people take control of their lives by managing a business. The MTW model is based on the belief that a real job–offering hands-on, practical training along with high expectations, accountability, and personal development opportunities–is the most effective way to equip youth with the marketable skills needed for success in education, employment, and life. What started in 2004 with a collection of books by the roadside has evolved into a successful business with a well-defined model, a theory of change, and a proven record of achieving both social impact and business success.

More Than Words supports youth aged 16-24 who are in the foster care system, court-involved, homeless, out of school, parenting, or engaged with the Department of Mental Health. At More Than Words, these young individuals earn a position on their team, helping to manage a thriving $4M business. They have opportunities for advancement, set and achieve personal goals, advocate for their rights, and acquire skills that prepare them for success in any career they pursue.

Opportunities:

  • Readiness: Youth begin with thorough assessments and receive 4-12 weeks of intensive support services to address immediate needs. They monitor progress across nine readiness areas, such as food access, transportation, and housing, to prepare them for job training.
  • Business Job: Young people work approximately 20 hours per week managing their book, clothing, and online social enterprise ventures. They lead shifts, process and ship books, oversee warehouse operations, handle customer service, and more–acquiring valuable work experience and building self-efficacy.
  • YOU Job: Youth engage in intensive case management to set and reach goals for their education, career, and personal life. Our curriculum supports them in achieving milestones along their self-directed career path.
  • Career Services: Young people receive over 2 years of regular check-ins, job search assistance, and career coaching. Through Bridge Contracts, they cover living expenses while young people pursue training to secure a career with a livable wage.

To learn more about More Than Words, Click Here

Program Description:

The Notre Dame Education Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in South Boston, has been dedicated to providing goal-oriented education for adults and youth since 1992. The Center fosters a diverse and supportive community, helping adult and youth learners reach their full potential. Annually, they serve over 700 students from Boston and around the globe. Their three departments offer a wide array of classes and programs, along with personalized counseling and support. 

The Youth Education Services Department: Provides a High School Diploma Program for students with 10 or more high school credits, allowing them to complete their education and earn a diploma from Boston’s Cathedral High School. Additionally, their HiSET and Post-Secondary Preparation program caters to Boston youth aged 16-24, with classes held at the Tierney Learning Center in the Homes at Old Colony. Both programs include a weekly course focused on college and career exploration.

Program Description:

Through Pathways to Success, Sociedad Latina provides youth with nine years of comprehensive, free year-round programming that utilizes culturally and linguistically responsive practices to leverage their strengths and assets, such as bilingualism, high aspirations, resilience, and strong family and community connections. Their approach collaborates with families and a broad network of cross-sector partnerships to enhance young people’s skills and knowledge in the following areas:

  • Education: Guides youth and their families from middle school through high school and into college, with a focus on supporting English learners.
    • STEAM Team: Year-round afterschool and summer programs for middle school students combine education and enrichment to enhance academic performance, foster engagement in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), develop social-emotional skills, and explore STEM careers. Students receive homework assistance from college tutors and use STEAM to tackle community challenges through service-learning projects. They also have opportunities to celebrate their cultures and build positive relationships with adults. Many middle school participants move on to the Youth Leader program when they enter high school.
    • Mission Possible: This year-round afterschool program focuses on academic support and postsecondary success to encourage on-time graduation and facilitate access to higher education. They provide tutoring, homework assistance, mentoring, and support throughout the college application process, along with workshops on essential skills for long-term academic achievement, such as time management, communication, and effective study techniques. Each student works one-on-one with an academic case manager to create personalized plans for staying on track in school and achieving their educational goals.
    • College Access & Success: Starting in 11th grade, this program support students through their first year of college. Sociedad Latina offers bilingual one-on-one coaching, test preparation, college visits, application and financial aid assistance, and ongoing post-secondary guidance. The goal is to help low-income Latine and English learner youth graduate from high school and thrive in college.
    • Latine College & Career Access (LaCCA): The Greater Boston Latino Network (GBLN) established Latine College & Career Access (LaCCA), a coalition of five Latine-led organizations in Boston. The member organizations are East Boston Community Council (EBCC), Hyde Square Task Force (HTSF), Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA), Sociedad Latina (SL), and Boston Higher Education Resource Center (HERC).
  • Civic Engagement: Promotes grassroots Latine leadership on issues impacting youth, such as education reform, health equity, and community development.
    • Youth Community Organizing: This year-round afterschool and summer program involves young people aged 14-18 as YOuth Community Organizers (YCOs). These YCOs lead and execute bilingual, culturally relevant grassroots campaigns that engage, inform, and mobilize hundreds of community members and youth of color. Campaign topics include education reform, youth mental health, social media, and more. YCOs undergo rigorous community organizing training and participate in bi-monthly activities focused on work readiness, academic skill development, and cultural exploration.
    • Health Educators en Acción: This year-round afterschool and summer program involves young people aged 14-18 in delivering bilingual, culturally relevant health education activities and peer-to-peer workshops on sexual health, mental health, and physical wellness. In collaboration with local hospitals, health centers, and community-based organizations, participants receive comprehensive training on health disparities and evidence-based interventions. Equipped with this knowledge, they lead awareness campaigns, health and wellness activities, and sexual health workshops to help Latine families embrace healthier lifestyles.
    • Environmental and Food Justice: This year-round afterschool and summer program involves young people aged 14-18 in executing bilingual, culturally relevant activities centered on environmental sustainability and food accessibility. Participants receive comprehensive training in climate change, sustainable gardening, and food access. Using this expertise, they manage hydroponic systems within the building and at The Tobin Community Center’s community garden, create sustainable products from recycled textiles, conduct nutrition education workshops, and more.
  • Workforce Development: Prepares youth for careers in fields where Latines are underrepresented, including healthcare, public service, the arts, STEM, and entrepreneurship.
    • Internships: Youth participate in Sociedad Latina’s Work Readiness Curriculum (adapted from Signal Success) and engage in monthly career exploration activities, such as career panels and job shadows, to better understand various career fields where Latines are underrepresented. They also receive guidance from career pathways mentors to complete a capstone presentation. After finishing this training, they are placed in internships with employer partners to develop practical workforce skills, explore potential career paths, and expand their professional networks.
  • Arts & Culture: Provides high-quality opportunities for creating and experiencing art across various disciplines, with an emphasis on Latine cultural traditions.
    • Youth Artists Mastery: This year-round and summer program immerses young people ages 14-18 in a journey toward music mastery, fostering both academic and personal development. Participants receives intensive instruction in guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals, alongside lessons in music theory. They practice their instrument skills, compose original music, perform in ensembles, record a full-length album, and showcase their talents across the city. Additionally, Youth Artists organize monthly open mic events for the community. Through the BPS Arts Expansion Initiative, youth also earn high school credit.
    • Community Classes: This Saturday Music Class involves community youth aged 8-18 in small group instruction for various instruments and dance, held in school settings. The classes are led by Sociedad Latina staff, former Youth Artists, and college work-study students from Berklee College of Music.
    • Viva La Cultura!: Sociedad Latina organizes year-round arts and cultural events for our community, offering opportunities to explore and celebrate diverse Latine traditions. These include free and open-to-the-public open mic nights and ensemble performances. Annual events, such as “Viva Nuestra Cultura” and “Viva! Summer Nights” at One Brigham Circle, are supported through collaborations with Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Berklee College of Music, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

To learn more about Sociedad Latina, Click Here

Program Description:

Founded in 2000 as a 501(c)(3) organization, X-Cel Education is dedicated to enhancing access to high school completion, post-secondary education, and sustainable career paths for underserved communities in Greater Boston. They provide Pre-HiSET/GED Prep, HiSET/GED Prep, and College Prep classes at seven Boston locations. Since 2015, they have operated the Boston Opportunity Youth Collaborative Connection Center, which connects opportunity youth aged 20-24 (those with a high school credential but not currently in school or a career-oriented position) with workforce development and college bridging programs.

  • Pre-HiSET (Formerly GED Preparation): This Pre-HiSET Prep program is designed for individuals who are getting ready for the HiSET exam but need extra support. To enroll in Pre-HiSET Prep, students must have at least a fourth-grade reading level and be 18 years or older. Admissions are on a rolling basis with no waiting lists.
  • HiSET (Formerly GED) Preparation: This HiSET Prep program provides instruction in math, reading, writing, social studies, and science to help individuals prepare for the HiSET exam. To enroll, students must have at least a sixth-grade reading level and be 18 years or older. Admission is on a rolling basis with no waiting lists.
  • College Prep: This College Prep program is designed for college-bound students (18+) who have either passed their HiSET exams or hold a high school diploma and wish to refresh their academic skills before taking college placements tests. The classes focus on math, reading, writing, and computer skills essential for college success. Enrollment requires either a high school diploma or a high school equivalency credential. The program runs three times a year in 14-week cycles.
  • Pathways-to-Careers Initiative: Aims to assist unemployed and underemployed young adults who do not have a high school credential. The goal is to help students earn crucial educational credentials while developing the work-readiness skills and attitudes sought by employers. The initiative combines HSE preparation with career-readiness activities, including career exploration, goal-setting, workplace site visits, and job shadowing.

To learn more about X-Cel Education, Click Here

Program Description:

Year Up’s mission is to bridge the Opportunity Divide by equipping young adults with the skills, experiences, and support necessary to achieve their full potential through careers and higher education. We are dedicated to providing equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and justice for all young adults, regardless of their background, income, or location. As employers face an increasing demand for talent and millions remain disconnected from economic opportunities, these disparities deepen the Opportunity Divide in our country–a gap that Year Up is determined to close. Year Up is focused on addressing the root causes of the Opportunity Divide and create widespread pathways to opportunity. Key to this effort are their crucial partnerships with Grads of Life and YUPRO Placement, which help drive the opportunity movement and enable their work.

  • Grads of Life: Grads of Life, founded by Year Up, taps into the private sector to bridge the Opportunity Divide by promoting diverse and equitable hiring practices. It provides employers with essential knowledge, training, and tools to hire and advance Opportunity Talent. By publishing research on inclusive talent practices and partnering with employers, Grads of Life reshapes talent perceptions and develops strategies that boost economic opportunity and mobility for all.
  • YUPRO Placement: A leading skills-first placement firm that connects employers with diverse, career-ready talent. Since 2014, it has been a trusted partner for strategic, skills-based hiring solutions, leveraging a nationwide network of nonprofits and upskilling organizations. YUPRO Placement helps companies build inclusive workplaces and create pathways to economic mobility, demonstrating that socially impactful placements drive better business outcomes.

Student Benefits: Free Year Up Tuition, Eligible For College Credit, Access to An Alumni Network, Student Services Support

Skills-Based Training Paths: Year Up provides a range of skills-based job training in fields like IT, software development, business operations, and customer success. The program is entirely tuition-free and offers the support, tools, and resources needed to succeed in your career path, regardless of background or income.

Click here to view training paths available in Downtown Boston

To learn more about Year Up, Click Here

Program Description: YouthBuild supports opportunity youth in improving their lives and communities by developing essential skills and resources. With programs across the U.S. and globally, these young people advance their education, prepare for careers, and emerge as community leaders, creating brighter futures for themselves and their neighborhoods.

To learn more about their programs, Click Here

To learn more about YouthBuild, Click Here

futureBOS

Program Description:

futureBOS offers hundreds of opportunities for Boston youth ages 14-18 and young adults ages 19-24. While many employers start reviewing applications by March 15, new opportunities are posted through early May, so check back regularly.

Historical data indicates that applying to at least three jobs gives you a 70% chance of being hired. Since many positions are competitive and fill quickly, visit futureBOS frequently to see which jobs are still open. New opportunities will continue to be added through April.

For more information on the application and onboarding process, read futureBOS’ Step-by-Step Guide to Landing a Summer Job/Internship

futureBOS Work Opportunities

Applications are closed for the summer. Applications for school year jobs will re-open in the fall.

There are also part-time jobs available to youth in retail shops, restaurants, and grocery stores around Boston:

Part Time Job Application 16+

  1. America’s Food Basket
  2. Star Market
  3. Stop and Shop
  4. Whole Foods
  5. Trader Joes
  6. BJ’s
  7. Costco’s
  8. Roche Bros
  9. Wegman’s
  10. Market Basket
  11. City Feed and Supply