Connecting Youth with Career Opportunities

YouthWorks, managed by Commonwealth Corporation on behalf of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), is a state-funded employment program that helps teens and young adults develop the skills and experience needed to build sustainable careers. Through paid, short-term placements and a focus on leadership development, YouthWorks plays a critical role in addressing youth unemployment, fostering inclusion, and promoting economic mobility. 

Spotlight on Carlos Fuentes and the Impact of YouthWorks


Carlos Fuentes brings his full-circle perspective to his role as Regional Support Manager, where he helps ensure youth across Massachusetts gain meaningful work experiences through YouthWorks. Inspired by his own experiences in community and school-based programs, Carlos now dedicates his career to empowering young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive.

 Q: What does your role as a Regional Support Manager involve?

A: My role as Regional Support Manager is providing technical assistance to regions throughout the state of Massachusetts who run YouthWorks to ensure that they’re grant compliant as well as providing Youth in their region impactful work placements. As well as providing programmatic support to YouthWorks grantees, part of this is providing our sub-grantees and their partners on best practices in recruitment, placement, youth training, and employer engagement.

Q: From your perspective, what has been the most impactful strategies Youthworks has implemented to support young people across the state?

A: I strongly believe that the most impact strategy has been ensuring that Youth throughout the state are placed in structured work. Youthworks provides learning opportunities through supporting activities such as Signal Success soft skills-building curriculum. With Signal Success, Youth receive instruction in core soft skills while engaging in meaningful future planning. With curriculums focused on building skills such as initiative, communication, collaboration, and how to handle certain workplace situations and real-life scenarios that they will face in the workplace.

Q: What drew you to this kind of work?

A: I am a direct product of programs like YouthWorks that helped shape the person and professional I am today. Growing up, I had the opportunity to participate in several community and school-based nonprofit programs that opened doors I might not have otherwise had access to because of where I lived and my background. These experiences gave me exposure to career pathways and mentorship that ultimately led me to begin my career at 13 as a Junior Counselor at my local Boys & Girls Club. Since then, I have continued to dedicate my work to the nonprofit sector, focusing on youth development and workforce development—areas that once helped me find my own path.

Q: In your view, what skills or experiences do you see young people gaining most from Youthworks, and how does that prepare them for the workforce?

A: I think YouthWorks gives young people a really strong foundation for entering the workforce. They gain hands-on experience in real jobs while developing soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management. At the same time, they build confidence and learn how to navigate professional settings—often for the first time. Through job experience with mentorship and career exploration, it allows youth to see a future for themselves in the workforce.

Q: What are your hobbies/Interests/Passions outside of work?

A: Outside of work, I really enjoy going to see Broadway musicals — I love the creativity, storytelling, and energy of live performances. I also have a passion for traveling and experiencing new adventures, whether that’s exploring a new city or trying something outside my comfort zone. In my downtime, I like to hang out with friends and try new Korean restaurants around Boston — it’s become a bit of a hobby to find hidden gems in the area. My biggest passions are my family and empowering young people to reach their full potential. Supporting youth and helping them see what they’re capable of is something that’s meaningful to me both personally and professionally.

 

 About YouthWorks:

YouthWorks provides Massachusetts youth with paid work experiences and workforce development opportunities. The program operates year-round, serving participants from 14 to 25 years old, with a special focus on vulnerable populations. Through collaboration with MassHire and local partners, YouthWorks aims to reduce unemployment, increase career awareness, and empower the next generation of Massachusetts workers.

Skills Development: Building the Foundation for Success through YouthWorks 

  • Focus on Soft Skills Development: YouthWorks prioritizes soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability, which are crucial for career success. Employers increasingly value these skills alongside technical abilities.
 
  • Collaboration with Employers: YouthWorks collaborates with local employers to align the curriculum with industry needs, ensuring that the training participants receive is relevant and applicable.
 
  • Mentorship Opportunities: The program includes mentorship components, providing young people with guidance as they navigate their career exploration and development.
 
  • Career Pathway Exploration: YouthWorks not only offers job placements but also assists participants in exploring different career pathways, helping them identify their interests and strengths.
 
  • Signal Success Integration: YouthWorks participants engage with Signal Success, a comprehensive career-readiness curriculum that strengthens workplace skills — such as initiative, communication, collaboration, and dependability —while supporting career exploration and future planning.
 
  • Community and Networking: The program fosters community among participants, leading to networking opportunities and enhancing social skills.
 

For more information about YouthWorks, visit commcorp.org/youthworks