Boston’s Young People Lead the Way: Community Power Drives a Breakout Summer for YOU Boston
Written by b87fm on 11/15/2025
YOU Boston connected with 161 youth this summer—about 24% more than expected—as more first-time participants and young people returning home from challenging circumstances sought support, guidance, and a pathway toward stability.
The heart of YOU Boston’s work remained the same: skill-building, mentorship, and meaningful work experiences shaped by the community itself.
None of this happened in isolation. YOU Boston’s strength comes from its network of more than 41 community partners, grassroots organizations, local businesses, and youth-led spaces that believe in investing directly in young people.
One standout collaboration this summer was with the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement’s Boston After Dark Initiative, which turned community centers into nighttime hubs where young DJs and musicians could perform. As official City of Boston vendors, youth weren’t just showcasing talent—they were running the show, earning paychecks, building confidence, and bringing their neighborhoods together.
Behind every statistic is a personal journey. One participant, SG, arrived at YOU Boston searching for direction after setbacks at school and at home. By the end of the summer, everything had changed.
“I loved and enjoyed my experience over the summer. If there’s anything I could take away from what I learned this summer, it’s that it’s okay to step out of your comfort zone and to learn from other people.”
Stories like SG’s illustrate exactly why YOU Boston’s model works: young people thrive when they’re supported holistically—through career cohorts, consistent mentorship, trauma-informed care, and spaces where they can explore who they are and who they want to be.
As YOU Boston looks ahead, the mission stays rooted in community power and equity. The organization remains committed to helping youth build the skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed—while strengthening the neighborhoods they come from.
Boston’s youth aren’t just the future. They’re shaping the city right now.
Learn more at boston.gov/you-boston.
