Summer vacation looks a little different for 25 young people in Worcester this year.
Instead of sleeping in or heading to the beach, they’re spending six weeks meeting business executives, nonprofit leaders, elected officials and entrepreneurs as part of the Worcester Youth Leadership Institute, a program designed to give participants a behind-the-scenes look at the city they call home.
Now in its 13th year, the institute brings together students ages 15 to 21 for a series of hands-on experiences introducing them to Worcester’s business, government, education and nonprofit sectors while encouraging them to consider future careers and leadership roles in the city.
The program is led by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with MassHire Central Workforce Board, United Way of Central Massachusetts, Worcester Community Action Council, the City of Worcester’s Youth Opportunities Office and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, with support from Massport and National Grid.
“The goal is simple – expose Worcester’s young people to the myriad of businesses, leaders, mentors, and possibilities available in their own communities,” Timothy Murray, president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, said in the organization’s announcement. “These youth are our future leaders. We want them to know and understand their community can offer them a unique college experience and fascinating job opportunities, and provide insight and perspective on the city’s history, leadership, business community, and government make-up.”
Running from July 10 to Aug. 14, the program combines presentations, question-and-answer sessions and site visits focused on career exploration and leadership. Participants explore topics ranging from entrepreneurship and economic development to public health and the nonprofit sector.
Some students are taking part through Worcester’s YouthWorks employment program, while others applied independently. Since its launch, the institute has graduated more than 200 students, according to the chamber.
The institute grew out of conversations in 2014 among Timothy Murray, George Smith and Ron Scott of United Families for Change, Mayor Joseph Petty, former City Manager Edward Augustus Jr., and city councilors Philip Palmieri and Sarai Rivera. The effort brought together several community organizations to launch what has since graduated more than 200 students.
This year’s program also carries special significance.
For the past decade, the institute was facilitated by Walter Jovel, whose work mentoring young people helped shape hundreds of participants. Jovel died unexpectedly in May, and organizers have dedicated the 2026 program to continuing what they described in the announcement as his legacy of service and leadership.
The institute concludes with a graduation ceremony on Aug. 14 at Auxilium.
Have a story tip, community concern, or insight to share? Email Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
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