With funds provided by the U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board supports four youth workforce development programs for low-income in-school and out-of-school youth to provide a combination of educational services, exposure to employment, and additional supportive services.  The goal of this comprehensive approach is to provide each youth participant with a recognized credential, personal stability, and an understanding of the requirements of the modern workplace.

The Metro North Workforce Board currently supports the following WIOA Youth Programs:

In-School: 

YWCA of Malden

“At YWCA Malden, we are committed to empowering the next generation through WorkSmart, a dynamic Career Readiness Program designed for high school students. In partnership with MassHire, WorkSmart equips youth with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in today’s workforce.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing students—especially those who are low-income, first-generation, international, and English language learners—with hands-on experiences that prepare them for real-world success. Through career exploration, professional development workshops, mentorship, internships, and job shadowing, students gain the tools to make informed decisions about their future.”

Out-Of-School:

Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences (SCALE) 

The Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences (SCALE), has been providing adult basic education programming since 1974. SCALE’s mission is to empower people, 16 and older, by providing data-informed literacy instruction, a challenging learning environment, guided support, and high expectations for student engagement. SCALE will expand students’ skills, knowledge, and habits of mind to ensure academic and career success. SCALE has extensive experience providing educational and support services to individuals looking to improve their English skills, attain their high school equivalency credential or Adult Diploma and/or earn an industry-recognized credential including the ParaPro and Certified Nursing Assistant. Our program offerings prepare students with the core proficiency skills necessary for success in diploma and certificate programs at the college or university level, employment that leads to a better standard of living, and/or workforce development training programs that further knowledge and skills. In this endeavor, SCALE has developed multiple program pathways with flexible scheduling to meet the diverse needs of our adult learners.

Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)

MassHire Metro North Young Adult Career Center provides young adults ages 16-24 with the resources and support to help them achieve their personal, educational, and career goals. With access to one-on-one career counseling, training opportunities, workshops, supportive services, and more we aim to help young adults become valuable and self-reliant members of the community. We believe that ensuring our workforce stays strong for years to come begins with a solid foundation at a young age and we are dedicated to offering guidance at every step of the process.

Breaktime United, Inc

Breaktime is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit working to break the cycle of young adult homelessness. Through transitional employment and financial empowerment, Breaktime works to break down barriers to job security, financial security, and–ultimately–housing security for young adults ages 18-25. This process of early intervention enables Breaktime to combat long-term chronic homelessness and support young adults in becoming stably employed and housed.