Mass. introduces grants to boost teen employment

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is launching a new initiative to increase employment opportunities for young residents this summer. More than $400,000 in state grant funding has been allocated to support youth and teen hiring across local communities.

Thirty-eight distinct organizations, including nonprofits and municipal government entities, have been selected to receive these funds. This program is administered through the attorney general’s office. Officials noted that interest in the initiative is high, as the department received 155 applications for support this year.

The paid positions created by these grants cover several priority sectors. Participating teens will engage in work related to public health initiatives, professional development, and community-based peer support. Other programs include environmental projects, violence prevention strategies, and substance-use harm reduction efforts.

These roles are intended to provide local youth with meaningful work experience while addressing key community needs. The state-backed funding ensures that young participants are compensated for their contributions to these public-facing projects during the summer months.