WORCESTER—For the past decade, while many students have been off enjoying their summer vacations, a group of high school and college students gets busy participating in the Worcester Youth Leadership Institute. This six-week program gives students a chance to learn about various businesses, industries, and mentors in Worcester.
The Institute is part of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce’s mission to nurture and develop the city’s future leaders. A collaborative effort between the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, MassHire Central Workforce Board, the United Way of Central Massachusetts, Worcester Community Action Council, and the City of Worcester’s Youth Opportunities Office, the Institute’s mission is “to nurture and develop the city’s future leaders.”
According to coordinators of the organization, the goal is to expose the city’s younger generation to a myriad businesses, leaders, mentors and possibilities that are available—especially those that may not have been readily apparent.
Coordinated by Walter Jovel, the Institute identified 25 young people, ages 15 – 21, who are participating in the city’s YouthWorks employment program and who were nominated by their employer to participate in this summer program.
“We think this is an awesome opportunity to enhance our employment program,” said Jeff Turgeon, executive director of MassHire Central Workforce Board, in an announcement. “These students have already shown initiative by participating in the YouthWorks program, and by offering an extended learning experience outside of the typical workday, are able to give them a unique experience and hopefully a greater appreciation for their community.”
The Institute runs from July 12 to Aug. 16 and introduces participants to the business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors in a variety of ways including talks and question-and-answer sessions with the leadership structures of various sectors and organizations.
Here’s how it works: the participants in the Worcester Youthworks employment program work Monday through Thursday at city offices or local nonprofits. They explore career opportunities and learn about leadership in areas that include entrepreneurship, economic development, public health, and nonprofit organizations.
The program started in 2014 following discussions between Tim Murray, George Smith, Ron Scott from United Families for Change, Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, City Manager Edward Augustus, and City Councilors Philip Palmieri and Sarai Rivera. Since then, the program has brought together various partner organizations and has graduated 150 students over the past nine years.
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