YouthWorks
Meeting the needs of the most vulnerable
What is YouthWorks?
YouthWorks is a state-funded youth employment program that helps teens and young adults get the skills and experience needed to find and keep jobs.
Interested in becoming a YouthWorks participant?
Step 1 is to fill out an eligibility screening form.
Click on the button below and start today!
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YouthWorks Program Contacts:
Elyse Baumann baumann.elyse@bvhub.org
Lauren Barrett barrett.lauren@bvhub.org
Joscelyn Young young.joscelyn@bvhub.org
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How does it work?
Participants take part in:
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Paid work placements at public, private, and nonprofit work sites
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Complete employability and durability skill paid training (Signal Success)
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Weekly case management with BV Hub staff
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Create next steps in their education and career pathway
Over the past five years, more than 26,000 teens and young adults from low-income communities in 31 cities have taken part in YouthWorks; in the summer of 2015, 4,489 young people had summer employment through the program.
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The YouthWorks Program is an exciting opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience, develop employability skills, and receive mentorship. YouthWorks connects eligible youth with employment opportunities and support services to help them succeed in the workforce. Participants will gain skills in leadership, communication, and workplace readiness while earning a paycheck.
For more details about the program, visit the YouthWorks Program Page.
How to Apply
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Complete the FY26 Eligibility Form
Begin by filling out the FY26 Eligibility Form. Once submitted, BV Hub staff will review your responses to determine if you are eligible for the program. Click Here -
Eligibility Review
After reviewing your form, you will be notified if you qualify for YouthWorks within 30 days. If eligible, you will receive an email to schedule the Intake Process. This does not guarantee a placement. -
Complete Virtual Intake & Return Signed Intake Paperwork
Attend a 10-15 minute virtual intake with BV Hub staff to review program guidelines and complete formal CommCorps application. Review and sign participant agreement. Email barrett.lauren@bvhub.org with questions and follow-up documents. -
Program Placement
After your intake documents are reviewed, BV Hub staff will confirm worksite placement availability and enrollement. Please note more applications are received than budget allowed placements in our region. If placement is available, you will receive communication via email and an offer to officially join the YouthWorks Program.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for YouthWorks, students must meet specific income verification criteria. This includes:
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Statistical analysis based on zip code or other factors
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Proof of enrollment in public assistance programs
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Unemployment or Social Security Benefits documentation
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Pay stubs, W-2, or 1099 forms from working household members
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Self-attestation by the head of household
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Participation Requirements
If selected for the YouthWorks Program, you agree to the following:
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Signal Success Employability Skill Training
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10 hours required (hybrid format)
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Must be completed within 30 days of your official start date
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Case Management with BV Hub Staff
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Regular check-ins throughout the program
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Weekly forms, phone calls, or Zoom calls as needed for ongoing support
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Virtual Intake (Zoom)
After completing your eligibility screening, you will have a Zoom Virtual Intake with BV Hub staff to discuss the next steps and complete formal application.
Important Note:
Students must complete all steps independently to be considered for the YouthWorks Program. School staff, please share this information with students to ensure they understand the application process.
For any questions or assistance, please contact Lauren Barrett at barrett.lauren@bvhub.org.
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Contact for further information:
Lauren Barrett, barrett.lauren@bvhub.org
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Program Summary
The goal of the state’s subsidized employment program, YouthWorks, is to help ensure young people gain the needed skills and experience to enter the workforce and begin to design a path toward sustained success. For the past 20 years, 14 to 21-year-old income eligible teens and young adults from 31 Massachusetts cities have participated in one of the few state-funded youth employment programs in the country.
YouthWorks represents a statewide effort of local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) and Career Centers partnering with businesses, state agencies and local community-based organizations to recruit, train, place, and supervise teens and young adults (aged 14 to 21) in job opportunities in public, nonprofit, and private-sector placements. In 2021-2022, the program will increase reach and capacity by operating in additional priority communities with high rates of youth living in poverty.
2020 was the first full-scale implementation of YouthWorks new three-tiered developmental model focused on meeting the needs of participants in terms of age, stage and path. As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, the summer of 2020 also marked the start of widespread virtual and hybrid programming within YouthWorks. With input from regional and local stakeholders, Commonwealth Corporation developed a comprehensive, virtual career development program aligned to the YouthWorks age, stage and path model. This robust program was administered collaboratively across the state and focused on building essential skills, increasing career awareness and fostering positive connections with professionals and peers. The ongoing YouthWorks Year-Round program is building off emerging best practices while also addressing lessons learned. The program model that follows aligns core programmatic goals and the YouthWorks tiered developmental model with an updated virtual and hybrid offering that combines the strength of statewide elements with the flexibility to embed local programming and work placement options.