YOUTH WORKS PROGRAM
(AGES 14-25)
For eligible Berkshire County young adults
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.
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.
In addition to on-the-job experience, participants receive training in essential soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and professionalism. They learn how to interact effectively with supervisors, colleagues, and customers, and gain insight into planning for future education and career goals. The program offers a 6-to-8-week summer session and a year-round option that runs from September to May, serving young people up to age 25. All YouthWorks programming incorporates the Signal Success curriculum, which guides youth through the tools required to thrive in their professional experiences.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO APPLY AND QUALIFY FOR YOUTHWORKS?
The YouthWorks program serves young adults between the ages of 14-25 whose household income does not exceed the annual equivalent of 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. In addition to income eligibility, participants must meet at least one of the identified demographics factors below:
- Member of the LGBTQ+ community
- Person of Color
- From a single-income household
- Experiencing housing insecurity
- Identifying as having a disability
- Involved with the justice system
- Actively in foster care or having aged out of foster care
- A school stop-out
- A child of a single parent
- Having limited fluency in English
- Being a teen parent
WHAT ARE THE HOURS AND PAY?
The hours and pay vary, but all youth participants are required to be paid at least the state’s minimum wage.
WHAT TYPES OF JOBS DO YOUTHWORKS PROGRAMS HAVE?
Youth take part in a wide variety of projects/tasks. Roles include social media marketing, landscaping and maintenance, retail, manufacturing, childcare, and much more. YouthWorks opportunities can be helpful for you to explore your career aspirations. Some youths have gone on to seek full-time roles through YouthWorks positions they were truly passionate about.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AS PART OF THE PROGRAM?
As part of the program, you will participate in paid Signal Success work readiness skills training.
Signal Success is a curriculum designed to help young people develop essential skills such as professional communication, leadership, and confidence in the workplace. Participants are expected to complete a post-program survey and stay committed throughout the program. Your program will provide more specific details once you are accepted. Your contribution to the survey is greatly appreciated and helps us improve the program for you and future participants.
ENROLLMENT IN YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMMING
Please contact Kelly Groves-Skrocki, Young Adult Program Supervisor at 413.499.2220 x145 or kskrocki@masshireberkshirecc.com.