Work Connections For Youth - Call for Internships!

While some students spend their summer days at the beach or vacationing, a new and innovative program is thriving within the walls of Brookline High School during the hottest months for BHS’s low income juniors and seniors. The program, called Work Connections for Youth (WCY), provides a great internship opportunity to these young people while they also work to take another step towards setting their goals for post-secondary education and careers.

Low income students chosen to participate in WCY spend eight weeks in a morning, paid placement where they gain entry level job skills, establish a working relationship with an onsite internship supervisor, and perform needed work. Three afternoons each week, they return to the BHS Career Center for a series of career and college preparation seminars, on campus tours, and visits to companies in areas of their career interests.

The time between 10th and 12th grade is crucial for all students to establish an academic track record, secure future goals for higher education and build a resume through jobs, summer experiences and school year extra curricular activities. This is particularly important for those students who have not had the same foundation, preparation, or attention as their wealthier counterparts. Studies have shown that income has the power to set students on lifelong “tracks” that extend from their secondary education on into college, employment, and life. Work Connections for Youth has a parallel focus in which it strengthens job connections and college connections at the same time. We also know that low income students are 5 times less likely to go to and complete four years of college. It is the aim of WCY, with the help of private industry, to influence and motivate these youth so that they push for their highest goals.

In last summer’s pilot program, WCY interns were placed in 15 jobs at various companies throughout the Brookline and Boston area, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged, Winn Companies, The Country Club, and CBT Associates. While employers pay the cost of hiring WCY’s part-time summer interns, funding for its other expenses is provided by the Brookline Youth Fund/ Brookline Community Fund, a Verizon EdLink grant and a GEAR UP grant from the federal government.

Work Connections for Youth is the latest program launched by the Brookline School Community Partnership, a coalition of schools, Town officials, housing and social service agencies, and area business and higher education institutions that works to level the playing field for low income students and their families.

WCY is looking to make more “connections” for this upcoming summer. We hope that able members of the Brookline Alumni Association will consider joining with us in the second season of this exciting new offering, by offering even one internship placement. We need your involvement! Please feel free to contact Kelly Adams, Coordinator, (kelly_adams@brookline.mec.edu) for more details about Work Connections for Youth.