A workforce development leader who has spent years connecting Central Massachusetts residents with career training is taking over Worcester Public Schools’ adult education program.
Jibrael N. Younis has been named coordinator of Worcester NightLife, the district announced Tuesday, succeeding Ruth Seward, who has led the program since 2021.
Based at Worcester Technical High School, NightLife combines traditional community education with workforce training aimed at preparing adults for jobs in industries facing demand for skilled workers. The program served 829 adults during the 2025-26 school year, including 642 enrolled in workforce development programs and 187 taking community classes, according to the district’s announcement.
Younis arrives with more than a decade of experience in workforce development and with an existing connection to NightLife.
Most recently, he served as operations manager for MassHire Central Career Centers in Worcester, overseeing programs funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. He also directed workforce development programming through the state’s Career Technical Initiative, working with Worcester Technical High School, Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School and Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School.
That work included partnerships designed to connect job seekers with vocational training and prepare them to enter the workforce. Younis had already worked closely with Worcester NightLife on student recruitment, eligibility and workforce readiness before being selected to lead the program, according to the district.
NightLife offers two distinct tracks. Its workforce development programs provide training in fields including health care, diesel technology, HVAC, plumbing and electrical work. Its community education side offers classes ranging from world languages and Tai Chi to do-it-yourself home improvement.
Younis holds a master’s degree in social work from Boston College and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Endicott College.
He succeeds Seward after five years overseeing a period of rebuilding and growth for NightLife. Seward helped revive the program’s community classes following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic while expanding its workforce development offerings, according to the Worcester Public Schools announcement.
The transition comes as career and technical education has taken on a broader role beyond traditional high school vocational programs, with NightLife providing adults access to training at Worcester Tech during evening hours.
