Programs

I will aspire: Goodwill's job training, career services, and youth programs help people achieve independence.

Programs

• Job Training and Placement Services
• Career Services - Boston Career Link
• Beyond Jobs
• Clothing Collaborative for Job Trainees
• Services for Individuals with Disabilities/Ability One
• Goodwill's Youth Initiative

Goodwill's Youth Initiative

Goodwill has a long tradition of working with Boston-area youth, offering a number of academic, recreational and career-oriented programs and activities throughout the year for local young people with great potential, but limited opportunities. Goodwill's Youth Initiative includes the Youth Mentoring Program, the BNY Mellon After-School Academy for Girls, and opportunities for summer jobs.

Goodwill's Youth Mentoring Program

Goodwill's year-round Youth Mentoring Program helps teens finish high school and transition into productive careers through the guidance of trusted adults.

The overall goal of Goodwill's mentoring program is to help youth build career plans and skills, and prepare for school completion, post-secondary training and productive work by providing structured and supportive relationships with trusted adult mentors.

Goodwill's program matches youth ages 12 to 17 with committed, caring adults in one-on-one relationships for a year. Through these relationships, as well as recreational and group activities, mentors provide friendship, support, and guidance to help ensure these young people reach their potential. Mentors and their mentees meet for 4 hours per month and participate in activities that they both enjoy. There are also monthly group activities to bring all participants together. Goodwill provides comprehensive training and support to ensure the success of each mentor match.

The mission of the Goodwill's mentoring program is to empower youth to make positive choices that enable them to maximize their current and future potential.

The objective of Goodwill's program is to help youth build skills and develop career goals, prepare for school completion, as well as post-secondary training, and work by providing structured and supportive relationships with trusted adult mentors.

Click here to download an application.

Goodwill's BNY Mellon After-School Academy for Girls

Goodwill’s BNY Mellon After-School Academy for Girls encourages academic achievement, leadership development, civic engagement and career success in girls in grades 5 through 12 from communities surrounding Goodwill’s Roxbury headquarters. The Academy, which runs Monday through Friday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. during the academic year, offers the girls structured homework assistance, individualized learning plans, other academic enrichment support services, computer access and leadership development. Some Saturday programming is also offered, focusing on college and career preparation, and special programming takes place during school vacation weeks. The Academy is also a key training ground in leadership for Peer Leaders and Leaders-in-Training. Through the Academy, girls are inspired to dream of exciting possibilities for their future, and are given the tools to pursue and realize their dreams.

Programming in the Academy is tailored to meet the academic needs and healthy development of each girl. Activities and curricula are coordinated and appropriately linked, and offer safety, security and a stable environment for the girls.

Goodwill has a partnership with Agassiz Village Summer Camp in Maine, an accredited residential camp, so the young people Goodwill serves can go to camp. To apply to the camp, please go to www.agassizvillage.com or call 781-860-0200. Financial aid is available.

For more information about Goodwill's youth programs, please contact Larry Merritt, director of youth services, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (617) 541-1226.