The City of Boston is Making it Easier than Ever for Youth to Get a Summer Job

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~ Boston's youth and young adults, ages 14-24, have a unique opportunity to access over 8,500 job opportunities through futureBOS, the city's portal for all youth employment opportunities. This initiative is part of Mayor Wu's 2024 Summer Safety Plan and aims to connect young people with meaningful job experiences that will help them transition successfully into adulthood.

The futureBOS portal offers a step-by-step guide to help youth navigate the application process. Job applications are being accepted on a rolling basis, making it easier for young people to find and secure employment. The onboarding and hiring process for the 2024 Summer season is well underway, with over 2,000 youth already securing summer jobs and an additional 3,000 currently in the onboarding process.

Allison Vernerey, Director of the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity (YEO), expressed excitement about the number of employment opportunities available to Boston's youth. "We want to make sure our team is here to support them every step of the way," she said.

To further support this initiative, YEO has implemented key engagement strategies, administrative updates, and strategic partnerships ahead of Summer 2024. These efforts aim to reduce barriers to enrollment, streamline the process, and improve transparency for both youth and their families.

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One such effort is the recently opened Youth Welcome Center at 1483 Tremont Street in Roxbury. The center has multiple processing stations to ensure that every young person receives the assistance they need with their application. YEO staff have also received training in constituent services and human resources to better support youth and families throughout the process.

The Youth Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. until July 8th for in-person assistance. Additionally, YEO is hosting a series of "We Hire Youth" events at their office on various dates throughout June where young people can explore available job opportunities and potentially be offered a position on the spot. For those who prefer virtual assistance, a futureBOS support line is available via email or phone.

Kimberly Sims, Senior Manager of Employment in the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, has seen a positive response from youth and their families at the Youth Welcome Center. "It has been a great way for us to make sure families are welcomed and supported fully and promptly," she said. "Many youth are in and out in just 20-30 minutes with their onboarding complete."

Each year, YEO partners with over 200 City agencies, non-profits, higher education institutions, and lead entities to offer high-quality employment opportunities to youth. To support these partnerships, YEO has created a Partner Resource Hub and is providing technical assistance through weekly office hours for recruitment, hiring, and onboarding.

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In addition to providing job opportunities, YEO is also prioritizing equity by launching a Diversity, Equity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Academy for employers. This program offers industry-recognized best practices that employers can implement in their hiring and employment processes.

Recognizing the importance of financial literacy for young people's future success, YEO has partnered with three BankOn Boston financial institutions - Metro Credit Union, M&T Bank, and Citizens Bank - to offer no-fee checking accounts to youth ages 14 and up. These accounts can be opened in person at their summer employer's orientation or at the We Hire Youth events hosted by YEO. Alternatively, youth can also open an account by emailing BankOnBoston@boston.gov.

Rachel Rodri, Interim BankOn Boston Program Manager, emphasized the importance of this partnership in equipping young people with financial knowledge. "Thanks to the tremendous support of Metro Credit Union, M&T Bank, and Citizens Bank," she said. "These young people will be equipped with the knowledge needed to navigate personal finance and improve their financial well-being through stress-free practical experience."

With the support of YEO and its partners, Boston's youth have access to a wide range of job opportunities and resources to help them succeed in their future endeavors. For more information, visit boston.gov/futureBOS.

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