FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WORCESTER, Mass. — Thirty-eight young people completed Worcester Youth Center’s 2026 Paid Summer Internship Program, gaining work experience at 19 local worksites. With 40 youth selected, the program achieved a 95% completion rate.

The interns were selected from 75 youth who completed 20 hours of work-readiness training in five groups during the 2025–2026 school year. After interviews with Youth Center staff and participating employers, the selected youth were matched with summer worksites.

Throughout the summer, Youth Center staff provided coaching, while worksite supervisors guided interns through their daily responsibilities. These partnerships gave young people opportunities to earn wages and practice what they had learned.

“It gives them an opportunity to demonstrate what they can do, develop confidence, build relationships with employers, and gain the habits and skills that will help them succeed in future jobs, education, and life,” said Samuel Martin, Executive Director of Worcester Youth Center.

Supervisor evaluations showed growth in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and other workplace skills. Among the 37 interns with both first and final ratings, average scores increased by 23%. Supervisors used the Massachusetts Work-Based Learning Plan to assess basic workplace skills and skills specific to each employer.

“We are grateful to every worksite partner and supervisor who invested their time, knowledge, and encouragement in our interns,” Martin said.

Worcester Youth Center welcomes businesses, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and funders interested in supporting future paid internships. To learn about hosting an intern or supporting the program, contact the Center at 508-791-4702 or Info@worcesteryouthcenter.org.

Program Support

The work-readiness and summer internship programs were supported by the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General’s Healthy Youth Summer Jobs program; the City of Worcester’s Shannon Community Safety Initiative; United Way of Central Massachusetts—YouthConnect; MA Department of Public Health’s Gun Violence Prevention Program;  TJX Foundation; Golub Foundation (Price Chopper); The Hart Foundation; and Greater Worcester Community Foundation.

About Worcester Youth Center

Worcester Youth Center, Inc. is a nonprofit that provides a safe, welcoming place for young people to learn and grow. Its programs include education, job preparation, leadership, recreation, and mentoring.

Media Contact

Worcester Youth Center, Inc. | 508-791-4702
Info@worcesteryouthcenter.org | https://worcesteryouthcenter.org