The City of Boston has launched an initiative designed to deeply assist local youth, ages 14-24, in finding summer employment opportunities. Through the online portal futureBOS, more than 8,500 jobs are being made accessible. According to an announcement on the City of Boston official website, the program provides a step-by-step guide to navigate the application process. With the process set in motion, around 2,000 young people have already locked down jobs for the approaching summer.
Mayor Wu's 2024 Summer Safety Plan hinges on this kind of engagement, with the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity (YEO) taking a primary role. They're striving to fully ensure that Boston's youth are prepared for successful careers post-adolescence. Youth Employment and Opportunity has not been shy about to quickly implement key strategies and form partnerships to provide maximum opportunity ahead of summer. Research provided by Northeastern University has backed up the significant, positive impact of these programs, showing, namely, a decline in criminal justice involvement among participating youth.
Youth Employment and Opportunity's latest efforts include the opening of a Youth Welcome Center at 1483 Tremont Street in Roxbury, which operates Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until July 8, as reported by the City of Boston. Allison Vernerey, Director of the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, explained, "We are excited to see Boston’s youth engage with the many employment opportunities offered to them and want to make sure our team is here to support them every step of the way." The Center will assist in applications, reducing previous barriers and aiding in the streamlining of onboarding processes. Moreover, the office is hosting a series of "We Hire Youth" events on June 20, 25, 26, and 27, offering on-the-spot job placements.
Fostering the financial independence of young workers is another key goal. Youth Employment and Opportunity has collaborated with BankOn Boston and three financial institutions—Metro Credit Union, M&T Bank, and Citizens Bank—to offer no-fee checking accounts to youth. This step aims to easily provide a safe banking experience and encourage sound financial practices. Rachel Rodri, Interim BankOn Boston Program Manager, emphasized the benefits of this partnership: "Through this partnership, BankOn Boston aims to ensure that every futureBOS youth employee has the opportunity to learn about banking safely and at no cost," as per the City of Boston official website.
With over 200 partnerships including city agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions rallying behind Youth Employment and Opportunity, the initiative not only provides jobs but also seeks to instill a foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace. A DEI Academy has been introduced for employers to adopt industry-recognized best practices. Connectivity remains a theme, as expressed by Kimberly Sims, Sr Manager of Employment in the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, who noted the success of the Youth Welcome Center in ensuring families are supported "fully and promptly." For those unable to attend in person, virtual support is readily available via email or the futureBOS support line.
