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Worcester, Massachusetts - Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and MA Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones were joined by Worcester City Manager Eric Batista and nearly 300 youth for a celebration kicking off the Summer 2023 YouthWorks program.
"YouthWorks allows young people to learn fundamental skills like critical thinking and communication - setting them up for success down the line," Driscoll said, noting that the state's investment of $34 million dollars will support 7,600 YouthWork youth statewide this summer.
“We’re thrilled that Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Secretary Jones are able to join us in Worcester today to celebrate the kickoff our summer YouthWorks program and to meet many of the youth who will be working this summer. Providing young people with quality work experiences is good for their career exploration and growth, is good for our local community and is good for the Commonwealth’s economy,” said Marybeth Campbell, WCAC Executive Director.
For summer 2023, WCAC anticipates placing 550 participants in subsidized employment at 78 employment partners across the City. Work experiences are typically 6 – 12 weeks long and provide on-the-job learning, combined with work readiness skill training, and case management. WCAC's Job & Education Center staff actively engage with community partners to provide, facilitate and support workforce development training programs.
YouthWorks is a state-funded youth employment program that helps teens and young adults develop skills and experience needed to find and keep jobs. Participants take part in paid short-term work placements during the summer and/or school year at public, private, and nonprofit work sites. As part of the program, they receive training in core soft skills, practice professional behavior and learn how to work effectively with supervisors, co-workers, and customers at their work sites. They also learn how to take the next steps in their education and career pathways.
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