The Worcester Youth Center is the only free drop-in program in the city for youth ages 14 to 24.

In addition, the Youth Center has a long list of activities that young people can get involved with. These activities are grouped into four different program types which are:

Academic Support

Young people are encouraged to continue their education by staying in school, getting a GED or going to college. We offer homework assistance in our academic lab, which is staffed every afternoon, equipped with computers and provides special tutoring by local college volunteers. Learn More.

Creative Expression / Leadership

Youth leadership and community service learning programs are combined in order to develop leadership, communication, planning and writing skills that youth put into practice to identify and solve community problems. Learn More.

Health / Wellness

Youth gain access to physical and mental health services through our community partners. Recreational activities serve as the primary introduction to the Center where youth and staff begin to build relationships. Activities include the recreation room, dancing, martial arts and recording studio. Learn More.

Work Preparation

This program is designed to prepare youth to enter the workforce with soft skills like resume writing, interviewing, business letters and e-mails, and workplace expectations and behavior. Vocational training is conducted with our partners, which include: Quinsigamond Community College for culinary arts; Becker College for digital game creation; and, the Worcester Tree Initiative for our young adult forestry program. Learn More.

Some activities are offered only at certain times of the year or may be by appointment only, for example summer jobs. Interested persons should contact the Center at 508-791-4702 to understand what is most appropriate.