FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2021
CONTACT:
Cherrelle Norris
617.455.7212
cherrelle.norris@bostonabcd.org
(BOSTON, MA) – ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development) announced the launch of their summer job programs for Boston youth ages 14 to 21. Income-eligible youth are urged to apply to ABCD SummerWorks immediately.
Participants can earn a paycheck while gaining skills that will help prepare them to return to school in person through meaningful work that gives back to the community, mentoring, and job readiness workshops. Together with partner employers, the programs will offer safe onsite opportunities as well as online project-based work.
After the most difficult year in memory, these programs also have the potential to bring peace, hope, and vision to young people, families, and the city overall.
“Programs like ABCD SummerWorks allow our young people to access meaningful employment opportunities. These programs are essential and allow for experiences and skills that can benefit participants and their host organizations for years to come,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “If you’re a young person, apply. If you’re an employer, hire. Supporting our young talent and talent pipeline is more essential than ever.”
ABCD is a long standing partner in the Mayor’s Summer Jobs program. President/CEO John J. Drew thanks Mayor Janey and her administration for deepening ABCD’s long standing partnership with the City. He emphasized that the need is greater than ever.
“The pandemic compounded the social and economic obstacles that our youngsters already faced. They became isolated and, with COVID-related disruptions affecting their families, had a tough time keeping up academically. Today, we can provide them with a peaceful, purposeful, and productive summer,” said ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew.
Thousands of youth would benefit
Currently, ABCD can fund 1,000 youth, but the need is far greater. No young person living in Boston who wants a paid summer job should be left behind. That’s why ABCD urgently requests Boston area businesses, funders, and philanthropists to step up and donate to our proven programs. Joining this effort will assure that all eligible youth get the opportunity to work while learning skills that will last a lifetime.
The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in Boston
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the lower-income communities of color. People have lost jobs; and many, considered essential workers, were exposed to the coronavirus more than other populations. Their health suffered and they have lost loved ones in greater numbers than other communities.
In addition, due to the state of emergency, young people were suddenly isolated, without access to technology, the internet, and their peers—the connections they needed to keep up in school and in life.
ABCD SummerWorks offers an immediate solution as well as skills and experience that will last a lifetime.
Refer youth to ABCD SummerWorks!
ABCD asks community organizations to refer prospective participants to their programs without delay.
CONTACT INFORMATION
ABCD SummerWorks
Boston youth who are 14-21 can apply via the SummerWorks application on summerworks.net.
Questions? Email summerworksinfo@bostonabcd.org or call 617.348.6548.
Donations gratefully accepted
ABCD is grateful for private donations to support our youth programs, emergency services including food security, rental assistance, and others. To make a donation, call
617-348-6559, email give@bostonabcd.org or visit bostonabcd.org/donate.
