The mission of Commonwealth Corporation (CommCorp), under the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), focuses on improving workforce outcomes for youth at risk in Massachusetts. CommCorp aims to enhance the state's workforce by fostering partnerships and leveraging programming that prepares teens and young adults with essential skills and experiences for their career paths.
The grant program, YouthWorks, supports at-risk Massachusetts youth by providing state-funded employment opportunities aimed at career readiness. For the 2024-2025 programming cycle, YouthWorks seeks to establish new partnerships and introduce innovative approaches through a competitive procurement process. The program emphasizes the importance of offering hands-on experience in high-demand sectors and widening the array of available worksites. It aims to supply critical resources to areas with the most significant needs while encouraging programs to identify and address gaps in services for at-risk youth and young adults. YouthWorks is structured around four tiers, each designed to cater to different stages of career development: Service and Project-Based Learning, Early and Career Trajectory Experiences, Career Pathway Training and Support, and Emerging into Career and Career Management. This holistic approach ensures all participants, regardless of age or career awareness level, receive meaningful and effective workforce development services.