 |
| 波士頓市議員Henry Santana（右）安排他辦公室的青年發言。（周菊子攝） |
這計劃目前有基督教青年會（YMCA）、青年藝術家組織（Artists for Humanity）、男孩女孩俱樂部（Boys and Girls Club）、波士頓私人產業委員會（Boston Private Industry Council, PIC）、波士頓聯邦儲備銀行（Federal Reserve Bank of Boston），以及大波士頓商會基金會（Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation）參與，確定了將支持學年期間目標2000個的其中475個青少年工作機會中。
桑塔納指出，青年團體與社區組織在預算聽證會中持續施壓，促使市府調整資源。他辦公室的青年倡議團隊「Youth Force」與數百名青年參與發聲，強調了工作收入和房租與學費都有關係。
桑塔納表示，他長期關注青年就業政策，認為公私合作雖有助填補當前缺口，但強調市政府在青年就業上有持續責任，未來應建立長期且可持續的資金機制。
以下為桑塔納辦公室新聞稿：
COUNCILOR SANTANA APPLAUDS 2,000 NEW YOUTH JOBS SECURED THROUGH NEW PARTNERSHIP, CITING PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND YOUTH ADVOCACY AS PROOF OF VITAL NEED
BOSTON, MA – Following the Mayor’s announcement of a new private partnership securing 2,000 year-round jobs for Boston’s youth, City Councilor Santana issued a statement celebrating the influx of opportunity while emphasizing that the expansion was born out of absolute necessity to bridge a critical funding gap in the FY27 budget. Thanks to a collaborative, city-wide advocacy push, Boston will secure more year-round youth employment opportunities this year than last.
For Councilor Santana, the urgency of protecting these positions is backed by personal proof. Santana’s own trajectory was shaped by local school-year and summer programs that provided a safe environment, vital mentorship, and the foundation to spend 15 years giving back through the Mission Hill Summer Program. Santana views their current role on the City Council as a direct extension of that early opportunity.
"Youth employment isn’t a luxury we fund only when the budget allows—it’s a non-negotiable baseline for Boston’s survival," said Councilor Santana. "I’m on the City Council today because my first job in Mission Hill gave me a safe space and a path forward. A first job teaches a young person that their voice has weight and they have a real stake in this city. Securing these 2,000 jobs bridges a critical gap, but it’s just the starting point. If we want our youth to carry Boston forward tomorrow, we must stand fiercely behind them today."
This new partnership is the direct result of relentless advocacy from hundreds of young people and community organizations who mobilized to keep pressure on city leadership. Councilor Santana extended explicit thanks to the YMCA, Artists for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club, Boston Private Industry Council (PIC), Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation for taking immediate, actionable steps to safeguard these positions.
"I can say with 100% honesty that I wouldn't be where I am today if our city partners hadn't given me a chance to work year-round and grow," said Joaquim Lombos, a Youth Ambassador from Santana’s Youth Force, at today's announcement. "I know this experience is shared by young people all across Boston. These jobs aren't just something extra for us—they are absolutely essential for us to live and survive in this city."
The critical need for sustainable youth funding was put on full display during recent city budget hearings. Members of Santana’s Youth Force—the dedicated team of young advocates working directly within the Councilor’s office—stepped forward alongside hundreds of other Boston youth to share how high the stakes truly are. For these youth leaders, a year-round job is a matter of absolute survival, acting as the primary anchor keeping food on the table, rent paid, and college tuition within reach.
During their testimony members of Santana’s Youth Force spoke passionately about the profound pride and independence that comes with financial self-reliance, and the vital confidence gained by learning to navigate professional adult spaces. Beyond personal growth, these young advocates emphasized that their jobs allow them to actively build up their neighborhoods, voicing a deep responsibility to ensure that the same doors of opportunity remain wide open for their younger siblings and the next generation of Bostonians.
While Councilor Santana commended the administration and Mayor Wu for exploring creative solutions during this challenging budget cycle—noting that this initiative aligns with other recent innovative city partnerships with institutions like Dana-Farber and Brighton Marine—he emphasized that relying on private partnerships underscores an ongoing municipal responsibility.
"We celebrate this great milestone for our youth today, and tomorrow we keep working," added Councilor Santana. "Ensuring that every young person who wants to work can find an opportunity remains a non-negotiable priority for my office. I will continue to advocate fiercely during the budget process to champion the permanent, sustainable funding and comprehensive programming that meets the diverse needs of all our youth."
沒有留言:
發佈留言