（Boston Orange摘譯）麻州政府今（10）日啟動“青年就業門戶城市學習社區試點計畫”，旨在提升全州青年的就業機會。作為試點計畫的一部分，四個麻州聘僱區域人力委員會（MassHire Regional Workforce Board）與門戶城市和雇主合作，獲得了7.5萬美元的撥款，用於開發創新的青年參與、雇主合作和職業準備方法。
Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches New Youth Employment Pilot
Gateway Cities Youth Employment Network Pilot to Help State Develop Future Youth Employment Initiatives
Lynn — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched the Youth Employment Gateway Cities Learning Community Pilot aimed at enhancing youth employment opportunities throughout the state. As part of the pilot, four MassHire Regional Workforce Boards, in partnership with Gateway Cities and employers, were awarded $75,000 to develop innovative approaches to youth engagement, employer partnerships, and career readiness.
The announcement was made by Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones at the first quarterly learning community convening, which will serve as a forum for peer learning, joint problem-solving, and scaling effective youth-employment models.
“Every young person deserves the chance to explore their full potential and build a foundation for long-term success,” said Governor Healey. “This pilot program will allow us to support their growth and empower the next generation of workers who will drive our economy forward.”
“When we support youth employment, we’re not just creating jobs, we’re creating stronger communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Early work experiences instill responsibility, spark curiosity and set young people on a path toward meaningful careers.”
At the convening, Secretary Jones joined Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, Lynn Community Health Center CEO Brenda Rodriguez, and MassHire North Shore Workforce Board Executive Director Ed O’Sullivan for a fireside chat to discuss the collaboration needed to enhance youth employment opportunities, employer engagement strategies, and innovative next steps for municipalities and employers. The convenings are open to all MassHire Regional Workforce Boards and Gateway City leaders and seek to build a statewide learning community among Gateway cities, workforce boards, and employers committed to expanding equitable youth employment and work-based learning opportunities.
“We know that investing in our youth and young adults is an essential part of our state’s strategy to develop pathways for our future talent and workforce. And it works, especially when we’re focused on removing systemic barriers we know often hinder workforce entry,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “Youth workforce development is more than just a job. It’s about creating lifelong pathways to growth, equity, and opportunity. When young people engage in meaningful work, they gain confidence, skills, and networks that last a lifetime. I look forward to working with our partners on this pilot."
“The City of Lynn continues to see the tremendous impact that job placement has had on our youth," said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. "We are grateful for this pilot launched by the Healey-Driscoll Administration and look forward to working with our partners. This initiative holds immense potential for our young residents as they develop their skills across sectors in our community."
Youth employment is a top workforce development priority for the Healey-Driscoll Administration. Since January 2023, more than 13,000 youth and young adults have been placed in a job or received job training through the Youthworks program, which places participants in jobs in industries such as education, health care, information technology, camp counselors, and arts and communications. Participants also received vital soft skills training, including leadership, project management, and customer service, and received workforce supports to reduce barriers to employment, including transportation.
The grant recipients, year one pilot goals, and project descriptions are below:
MassHire North Shore Workforce Board - $75,000
Partnering with Salem Hospital, Lynn Community Health Center, Lynn Workforce Collaborative, and others to hire pipeline career developer, two cohorts of 5 youth at anchor employers.
MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board - $75,000
Partnering with Big Y, Holyoke Medical Center, City of Springfield, City of Holyoke, and the Chamber of Commerce to place 350 youth.
MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board - $75,000
Partnering with Moresi & Associates Development Company, Greenagers, City of Pittsfield, and others to place 70 youth in 2026.
MassHire Bristol Workforce Board - $75,000
Partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Fall River, Old Colony YMCA in Taunton, City of Fall River, City of Taunton, and others to place 50 youth in diverse sectors.
Statements of Support
Ed O’Sullivan, Executive Director, Masshire North Shore Workforce Board
“MassHire North Shore is grateful for this pilot grant, which will allow us to strengthen youth employment pathways across Lynn, Salem, and the North Shore—connecting young people with meaningful work experiences that prepare them for long-term success. This investment supports a truly collaborative model with our municipal leaders, community partners, and employers helping us build the infrastructure, employer engagement, and opportunities our youth need to thrive.”
Brenda Rodriguez, CEO of Lynn Community Health Center
“Lynn Community Health Center is pleased to collaborate with MassHire North Shore through this pilot youth summer jobs initiative. We look forward to drawing on the success of our Community Health Student Fellowship Program to help advance a model that cultivates and prepares the next generation of healthcare professionals."
Tina McLoughlin, Director of Community Health, Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital
“Mass General Brigham is deeply committed to providing meaningful learning experiences for the healthcare professionals of tomorrow and look forward to collaborating with MassHire to increase the number of youth in paid placements on the North Shore.”
Bill Kiley, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Fall River
"As an employer with a long history and experience hiring young adults, we recognize the great value that work experience opportunities provide for early skill development and career exploration. The Boys and Girls Club is prepared to support efforts to increase the number of paid work experience opportunities for young adults in our area. The Boys and Girls Club will participate with the MassHire system and the local team to develop strategies to engage more businesses in hiring youth."
Peter Farkas, President & CEO, MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board
"We are honored that Hampden County has been selected to participate in the Summer 2026 Youth Employment Gateway Cities Learning Community Pilot. This investment reflects the Commonwealth’s confidence in our region’s commitment to expanding equitable, high-quality opportunities for young people. We look forward to partnering with the cities of Holyoke and Springfield to strengthen youth career pathways, deepen employer engagement, and help build a statewide model that supports the future of Massachusetts’ workforce.”
Beverly Fein, Sr. Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Holyoke Medical Center.
"Holyoke Medical Center is proud to partner with the Commonwealth and the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board to expand meaningful employment opportunities for young people. As part of our commitment to community benefits, we recognize that investing in early career pathways not only strengthens the social and economic health of our region but also helps build a diverse and talented future healthcare workforce. We look forward to contributing to this learning community and supporting youth as they develop the skills and confidence to succeed."
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