The Youth Council is the subcommittee of Boston’s MassHire Workforce Board charged with making recommendations to the Board for the distribution of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth dollars. The Council also approves the framework for WIOA Youth programs in order to develop education and training pathways for out-of-school youth and young adults. Boston’s new policy framework requires that providers go beyond program completion to make sure that graduates take the next step on their career path.
Currently, WIOA Youth funding supports six programs to provide alternative education, job training, employment, and postsecondary support services for at-risk youth and young adults.
Youth Council Members
- Michael O’Neill (Chair), Zozimus
- Reggie Jean, Haley House
- Adeola Ebekozien, Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity
- Lori D’Avella, Boston Housing Authority
- Papa Diop, Boston Centers for Youth & Families
- Rory Duggan, Starbucks
- Ed Frechette, Boston College
- Kelly Folsom, BYSN, X-Cel Education
- Alicia Lewis, Building Pathways
- Dan O’Sullivan, Massachusetts Department of Youth Services
- Joshua Shanck, Starbucks