YouthWorks is a state-funded youth employment program that helps teens and young adults (ages 14–25) gain the skills and experience needed to find and keep jobs. Participants take part in paid short-term work placements at public, private, and non-profit worksites. The program serves income-eligible youth living in targeted cities across Massachusetts.

YouthWorks is offered through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, and administered statewide by Commonwealth Corporation. Locally, it is coordinated through the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board.

Worcester Community Action Council will be hosting this employment program this summer from July 7th – August 15th for participants located in Worcester. Youth participants will be placed in a tier, which is based on their prior work experience and program goals. This tier determines their weekly work hours, pay rate, and job readiness training ensuring a placement that aligns with their skill level and readiness.

Application for Summer 2025 YouthWorks Employment now available!

CLICK HERE TO GET APPLICATION

Email Program Manager Adrianna Horton at or call 509-963-9037 with questions.

Youth Eligibility

To apply for a job in the YouthWorks program:

  • Applicants must reside in the City of Worcester
  • Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 25
  • Applicants must fit the State mandated low-income/at-risk criteria – income verification is required
  • Applicants must provide a signed copy of their Social Security card
  • Applicants must submit to a CORI check/drug test, where required.

Seeking Employment Partners

If you are an employer interested in hosting youth for summer employment through the YouthWorks Summer Jobs Program, please contact Adrianna Horton at 508.963-9037.

EMPLOYER PARTNER APPLICATION

  • Employers must provide meaningful, quality jobs
  • Employers shall establish hours of work within the program guidelines
  • Employers shall provide daily supervision and monitor attendance
  • Employers shall strictly adhere to all Safety & Child Labor Laws
  • Employers shall work closely with WCAC to ensure successful work experience

WCAC is responsible for all phases of the YouthWorks program; job development and placement, recruitment and eligibility, professionally developed pre-employment training, site monitoring and safety adherence, distribution of a weekly payroll, and constant communication with all interested parties. WCAC works closely with all state and local representatives to secure additional youth employment funds, as well as with many of our public and private sector employers to increase job availability for our youth.

YouthWorks is funded through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, and administered statewide by the Commonwealth Corporation. Locally it is coordinated through the Central MA Workforce Investment Board and managed on their behalf in Worcester by the Worcester Community Action Council.