Youth Programs:

YouthBuild Just-A-Start AmeriCorps Program

YouthBuild is an alternative education, training and service program. Out-of-school youth spend approximately half their time in education, counseling, and leadership development activities, and earn a high school diploma or GED. The other half of their time is spent in renovating affordable housing and other community service. The program focuses on career development, life skills and employability; community service; intensive follow-up to support graduates in the transition to employment, vocational training or college preparation.

Students have the opportunity to enroll in AmeriCorps and serve for 1-2 years. A weekly living allowance is provided to each youth, and graduates may earn an AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $2,675. Applications are accepted July - September. Please call for information regarding the starting date of the next program. Eligibility requirement: Applicants must be 17-24; without a HS diploma and out of school for at least 6 months; residents of Cambridge, Chelsea, other MetroNorth communities or some Boston neighborhoods; and be income-eligible. No applicant is discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, age political affiliation, religion, or disability. Reasonable accommodations can be made for interviews and service.

Just-A-Start Teen Work

Teen Work is a free private-sector job placement program that helps carefully prescreened Cambridge high school students secure after-school jobs and summer jobs in settings where they do not traditionally have access. Staff provide employment readiness training, job matching and supportive counseling throughout.

Program Contact:
Kalin Mitchell (kalinmitchell@justastart.org or 617-494-0444 x320)

Career Connection

A year-round, school-to-career support program for 20 low-income, academically at-risk students. The aim of the program is to provide academic support activities: school-to-career connection activities including access to after-school jobs; and a support system, including mentors, to assist students in identifying and addressing life skill needs, help them to access resources, and gain competencies needed for school and life. The school year component consists of four 2-hour after-school meetings per week. The summer component is run in conjunction with the Just-A-Start Summer Program (see below). The program operates at the Cambridge Public Library's Central Branch on the Cambridge Rindge & Latin Quad.

Eligibility requirements: Cambridge high school youth who meet WIA income-eligibility requirements or who have a disability.

Program Contact:
Kalin Mitchell (kalinmitchell@justastart.org or 617-494-0444 x320)

Just-A-Start Summer Program

The Summer Program is a paid work experience/enrichment program which operates for 6 weeks in July and August for 20 hours per week. Youth spend half their time in academic enrichment and life skills, and half on housing rehabilitation/beautification crews providing community services to the City of Cambridge. Application is through the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP). When completing an application, please list "Just-A-Start" as the specific worksite request. Be sure to complete and return application to the Office Of Workforce Development according to MSYEP instructions and deadlines, typically by the second week of May. Program operates out of Cambridge Public Schools site. Eligibility requirements: Cambridge youth ages 14-18.

For further details on how to apply through MSYEP, please visit: www2.cambridgema.gov/dhsp2/msyep.cfm

Program Contact:
Kalin Mitchell (kalinmitchell@justastart.org or 617-494-0444 x320)

Futures for Young Parents

Futures for Young Parents is a free GED, vocational awareness, life goals, counseling and placement services program for pregnant and parenting teens on TAFDC. Applications and enrollments are accepted year round. Eligibility requirements: at least 6 months pregnant or parenting, or both; must be 14-20 years old; from the Greater Boston area; on TAFDC.

Program Contact:
Jennifer Kaufman (jenniferkaufman@justastart.org or 617-623-6667 x12)

Just-A-Start House Teen Living Program

Just-A-Start House (JASH) is an independent living program for pregnant and parenting teenage mothers between the ages of 13 and 20, and their children. JASH services include Case Management support, comprehensive training in life skills, parenting, money management and housing search.  Enrollment is year-round. To apply, teen should contact their Dept. of Transitional Assistance or Dept. of Social Services worker. 

Please click here for the Just-A-Start House Privacy Notice.

Program Contact:
Maureen Ward (maureenward@justastart.org or 617-776-8353)