Young Adult Programs

The MassHire Berkshire Career Center assists youth with tutoring and study skills training, high school credential preparation, HiSET alternative secondary school services and GED, or drop out recovery services, leadership development and peer centered activities. Support services and comprehensive guidance is available.

MassHire Berkshire Career Center offers the Young Parents Program (YPP), part of the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) Pathways to Work Program, provides educational, vocational, career preparation and family support services to young parents, ages 14 through 24 and their families to help them achieve their educational, life and parenting goals. YPP serves recipients of Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) who (1) do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent; or (2) wish to pursue post-secondary education and training. YPP is a year-round, full-time program which seeks to reduce reliance on public benefits among young parents.

WHAT IS YPP ELIGIBILITY?

1. A parent, between the ages of 14 through 24, of a child who receives TAFDC or a pregnant or parenting TAFDC recipient between the ages of 14 through 24.
2. Currently out of school.
3. Not obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent or is seeking to enroll in post-secondary education and training on a pathway to employment

Signal Success and Emerging Workforce are comprehensive work readiness/ career readiness training curriculums designed to help youth and young adults develop essential skills for success at school, work readiness and in future careers. The curriculums are very structured, providing tailored learning for all ages and stages. The interactive and engaging lessons include topics to build critical life skills and Professional Practices most desired by employers. Work Readiness and Career Readiness is available to the public, and to all youth enrolled in internship programs!

Key skills taught are: Communication, Leadership and Initiative, Dependability, Self Discovery, Professionalism, Future Planning, Work Wellness, Self Advocacy, Time Management, Leadership, Organization and Empathy in the Workplace. In addition, Resume Writing and Interview Skills Workshops are available.

(Post HiSET/GED credential or High School Diploma)

PAID internship, services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area, entrepreneurial skills, access to integrated education and training for a specific occupation or career.

YouthWorks is a state-funded subsidized employment program designed to help low-income teens and young adults build the skills, experience, and confidence they need to succeed in the workforce. Through paid, short-term work experiences participants are placed at public, private, and nonprofit worksites.

Participants must be Berkshire County, MA residence to apply.

YouthWorks applications open in late March. Application deadline is May 28th. To apply for YouthWorks, you must submit a fully completed application and provide eligibility documentation. Application can be obtained at 160 North Street, Pittsfield, MA.

Bus passes, photo Id fee, Drivers permit & Licensing fees, HiSet or GED fees, College application fees, case management and follow-up services.