The city is looking to get 7,000 teens employed over the summer, officials announced Thursday, the “largest ever investment in the summer jobs program.”
“We’re proud to be offering 1,000 more jobs than we did last year and the most jobs that this program has ever created,” Mayor Michelle Wu said at an announcement event at the Mattapan Teen Center on Thursday morning. “That means more opportunities for our students and young people to explore their interests, build a network and develop the leadership skills that will carry our city into an even more equitable future.”
In the last year, the city’s SuccessLink Youth Jobs program hit a record high, Wu said, placing 3,500 Boston teens in jobs over the summer. The 2022 program offered 6,000 spots, which will be bumped up to 7,000 for summer 2023.
Wu said coming out of the pandemic, opening applications early and fine-tuning the process, they’re hopeful they will be able to fill the spots this year.
The program is aiming to remove some of the “hoops and barriers” involved and simplify in the application process, officials said.
Participants also expressed interest in different types of jobs including those with private sector and professional experience, officials said, encouraging them to expand out to include new companies.
“Because of our partnerships, youth will explore careers across various industries and occupations such as arts and entertainment, scientific and technical services, public administration, childcare, daycare, education and others,” said Deputy Chief of the Worker Empowerment Cabinet Rashad Cope. “And we know how important exploration is.”
Leadership spoke to the importance of the programs in terms of employability, networking, safety, academic success and other metrics and cited research in partnership with Northeastern showing the positive outcomes for participants over 10 years.
“Every young person across our city should have access to job opportunities,” said Myriam Ortiz
BPS Director of Community Engagement. “And this work is crucial in our mission to empower our young people so that they can grow and thrive.”
Two Mattapan teens also spoke to their personal experience, boasting filmmaking skills and entire documentaries completed.
Officials encourage teens to attend the Youth Jobs Resource Fair at the Reggie Lewis Center on April 22 and look out for opportunities.
“For everyone here and everyone who was watching, if you’re between 14 and 18 years old, or if you know someone who is between between 14 and 18, our applications are open and you can learn more and directly apply at boston.gov/youthjobs,” Wu said.