Check Out Education Opportunities for Youth in Greater Boston
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD):
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) is a member of the Community Action Network, established through the Economic Opportunity Act signed into law in 1964. This comprehensive initiative aimed to enhance the lives of all Americans, regardless of their situations. As a community action agency, ABCD operates under a tripartite board structure, which includes representatives from the local private sector, public sector, and low-income community. These members are democratically chosen by a local ABCD Advisory Board of their peers. Leaders from each sector work together to address the needs of our most underserved and at-risk neighbors.
Check out ABCD’s Educational Youth Programs Below!
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 16-22 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 more. They will learn basic skills, visit worksites, and receive job placement and case management services.
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’s University High School, Click Here.
At Ostiguy High, they offer academic, clinical, and supportive services designed to support your recovery from substance abuse while working toward earning your high school diploma. Their goal is to help you take the next step–whether that’s college, vocational training, or employment.
Who Qualifies: We welcome students in recovery, aged 14-21, primarily from Greater Boston, but also accept referrals from across eastern Massachusetts. Referrals can come from schools, parents, courts, state agencies, drug and alcohol treatment organizations, community youth programs, and residential programs.
Recovery and Discovery: Founded in 2006, Ostiguy High is the first high school in the nation accredited by the Association of Recovery School. They serve 75 students each year, offering small class sizes with certified teachers skilled in both their subject and working with youth in recovery. This program includes after school and summer tutoring opportunities, credit recovery, and standardized test preparation tailored to your needs. Under the guidance of the Gavin Foundation, a nonprofit focused on community-based substance abuse treatment, education, and prevention, you and your guardians will create and regularly update a personalized recovery plan. Their licensed counselors will provide one-on-one and group counseling to help you develop and apply the behavioral, emotional, academic, and social skills essential for advancing in both recovery and academics.
To Learn More About William J. Ostiguy High School, Click Here.
Catholic Charities Boston:
Catholic Charities Boston is the foremost provider of emergency assistance and long-term economic empowerment for families and individuals across Massachusetts. Driven by their faith-based mission, they extend compassionate and respectful support to everyone in need, regardless of their background.
Individuals who did not complete high school have alternative pathways to earning a high school equivalency credential. Catholic Charities Boston offers multiple High School Equivalency program. Out-of-school youth can join their GED preparation and skills training programs.
Out-of-school youth can join Catholic Charities Boston’s GED preparation and skills training programs, which include YouthWorks, Teenstart, and the Education and Parenting Skills Center.
To Learn More About the High School Equivalency Program (HiSET), Click Here.
Open to individuals 18 and older with at least an intermediate level of English proficiency. ABE classes assist adults in enhancing their skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. These classes support adults in achieving personal and career objectives or preparing for High School Equivalency exams such as the GED or HiSET. Courses in reading, writing, and math are available across various levels, including beginning literacy and basic numeracy. All Catholic Charities classes are currently scheduled between 9 AM and 3:30 PM.
To Learn More About GED and HiSET Adult Basic Education (ABE), Click Here.