FAQs for Youth

YouthWorks Program Frequently-Asked-Questions
by Teens and Young Adults
What is the process to apply and qualify for YouthWorks?
The first step is to get in touch with the contact person at the Workforce Investment Board that covers
your city to get more information about applying. YouthWorks operates in 31 cities and towns. See the
Contact List at the end of this FAQ to find out if your city is a YouthWorks city.
If I don't qualify for YouthWorks, are there other employment options?
There may be additional employment programs in your area. Additionally, many areas have career
centers with information and resources targeted to youth and young adults. The youth contact person
at your local Workforce Investment Board can give you more information.
What's the deadline for submitting an application for YouthWorks?
It's best to check with your local Workforce Investment Board to find out about the deadline for
applying in your city. Many areas use a lottery system to place students in summer jobs—so meeting
the deadline might mean that you are entered in the lottery system.
When does YW start and end?
The YouthWorks program usually starts the first week in July and ends the last week in August. It
typically runs for 6 or 7 weeks weeks.
What are the hours and pay?
In most cases, YouthWorks participants work between 20 and 30 hours a week, depending on the
program. All participants make at least the state minimum wage of $9 an hour.
What types of jobs are available?
YouthWorks offers a wide variety of jobs. Young people take part in administrative and research
support; conduct special projects; work outdoors in landscaping and maintenance positions; work in
retail and service jobs; and work with children and elders. They work in a range of industries including
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business, education, recreation and hospitality, health care, IT, media and communication, law,
government and public service, education and many others.
What is expected of me as part of the program?
Whether this is your first job, or if you have worked before, the goal of the program is to help young
people like yourself learn more about the world of work, explore future career paths, and earn money.
As part of the program you will take part in 15-20 hours of work-readiness workshops that help you
understand and practice how to meet workplace expectations, communicate effectively with
supervisors and co-workers, and demonstrate professional behaviors that will propel you in a career.
Participants also learn how to succeed in a job search and showcase their strengths in resumes and
cover letters.
If I don't qualify for YouthWorks, are there other employment options?
There may be additional employment programs in your area. Additionally, many areas have career
centers with information and resources targeted to youth and young adults. The youth contact person
at your local Workforce Investment Board can give you more information.
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YouthWorks Contact list 2015
Region
Berkshire
YouthWorks Cities
and Towns
Pittsfield
Primary Contact Info
Title
Kelly Groves
Youth Counselor
413-499-2220 Xt. 145
kgroves@berkshireworks.org
Boston
Boston
Larry Smith
Deputy Director for
Youth and Human
Services
617-918-5262
Larry.Smith.jcs@cityofboston.gov
Bristol
Fall River, Taunton
Christopher C. Parayno
Youth Systems
Coordinator
508.675.1165 x102
cparayno@bristolwib.org
Brockton
Brockton
Krystel Love
Director of Youth
Services
508-584-3234
klove@bawib.org
Cape
Barnstable
Martha Burzycki
508-862-6139
Director of Education
and Special Projects
Career
Opportunities/JTEC
mburzycki@jteccorp.com
Central MA
Worcester
Jeffrey Turgeon
Executive Director
508-799-1509
TurgeonJ@ci.worcester.ma.us
Franklin
Hampshire
Northampton
Jim Parcells
413-774-3183 x 306
Director of
Planning/Youth
Programs
Franklin Hampshire
Career Center
jimparcells@fhcareers.org
Lowell
Lowell
Leslie Burke
Career Center Manager
978- 805- 4723
Leslie.Burke@cclowell.org
New
Bedford
New Bedford
Wendy Andrade
Director of Youth
Services, New
Directions
508-979-1700 ext. 102
wandrade@newbedfordcc.org
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Hampden
Chicopee, Holyoke,
Springfield, West
Springfield
Kathryn Kirby
Manager of Youth
Employment and
Workforce Programs
413-755-1359,
kkirby@rebhc.org
Merrimack
Lawrence, Haverhill
Cristy Gomez
Youth Workforce
Program Manager
(978) 722-7086
ccgomez@mvwib.org
Metro
North
Cambridge, Chelsea,
Everett, Malden,
Revere, Somerville
Priscilla Golding
Associate Director
617-864-1524
pgolding@mnreb.org
Partnerships
for a Skilled
Workforce
(formerly
Metro
South West)
Framingham
Kelley French
Director – Young Adult
Employment Initiative
508-281-6910 x4
kfrench@pswinc.org
North
Central
Fitchburg, Leominster
Mary Chase
President, Employment
Links, Inc.
978- 534- l48l ext. 152.
MChase@ccncm.com
North Shore
Lynn, Salem, Peabody
Katie Crowder
Coordinator of
Workforce Initiatives
978-741-3805
katie@northshorewib.com
South
Coastal
Plymouth, Quincy,
Weymouth
Lynn Courtney
Youth Director
617-934-4854
lcourtney@sswib.org
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