YouthWorks

Putting Teens and Young Adults on the Path to Employment

Overview

YouthWorks is a state-funded employment program designed to help teens and young adults build the skills, experience, and confidence they need to succeed in the workforce. Through paid, short-term work experiences during the summer and/or school year, participants are placed at public, private, and nonprofit worksites across the state.  

In addition to on-the-job experience, participants receive training in essential soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and professionalism. They learn how to interact effectively with supervisors, colleagues, and customers, and gain insight into planning for future education and career goals. The program offers a 6-to-8-week summer session and a year-round option that runs from September to May, serving young people up to age 25. All YouthWorks programming incorporates the Signal Success curriculum, which guides youth through the tools required to thrive in their professional experiences. For more information, please contact [email protected].  

Impact Numbers

Million + in Funding for 2025-2026
0
+ Youth Served in 2023-2024
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Resources

Blog

Since its inception in 1999, YouthWorks, Commonwealth Corporation’s summer job program for teens and young adults, has relied on employer partnerships. YouthWorks requires understanding employers who are willing to help coach young adults through what is often their first job. Without them, this program would be impossible.
In today’s economy, it is difficult for young adults to find jobs. Unless you have legitimate work experience on your résumé, few employers are willing to give you a chance.
We are in the midst of a youth employment crisis.  Employment among teens in Massachusetts has dropped by nearly half since the late 1990s, from 54 percent in 1999 to just 27 percent in 2013. About half of today’s high school students have not had any job experience, leaving these young people at a significant disadvantage in the future.
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