Mayor Walsh launches SuccessLink

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced SuccessLink, an online tool that enables Boston youth to register for summer jobs. Registering also allows applicants to connect with the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment’s full menu of services including connection to peer-led personal and career development workshops, scholarships, civic engagement opportunities, and more. The SuccessLink replaces the Boston Youth Fund’s HOPELINE.

“It is time for our young people and families to start making summer plans now and we want to give them all of the tools to do so,” said Mayor Walsh. “We are opening up the SuccessLink so that teens can register for employment, and we have extended registration from 4 weeks to nearly 8 weeks to give all of our young people a chance to connect with us.”

The SuccessLink application will be available until 11:59 pm on Friday, March 27. Teens can apply 24 hours a day on the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment website, youth.boston.gov by clicking the application link.

For more than 20 years, the Boston Youth Fund (BYF) has provided employment opportunities for Boston youth in a vast array of positions at non-profit organizations throughout the city. Many of the young people employed are instrumental in assisting non-profit organizations with outreach efforts, childcare, educational awareness, and more.

Mayor Walsh explained, “the Youth Employment Program is about allowing young people to explore opportunities, gain valuable experience, and participate in development that will help to shape their futures. ”

Now, young people can register for the Youth Employment Program, partake in personal and career development workshops, get connected to resources, and join in on civic engagement initiatives designed to empower youth all in one place.

Employment opportunities include positions with the Boston Police Department, New England Aquarium, Zoo New England, radio stations, Boston municipal government departments, and more.

“Through working with the Boston Youth Fund, I learned the value of community,” said Nyasha Mooney-McCoy, who currently is in a junior in college. “It is crucial that you establish and develop a connection to the communities in which you live and work. These lessons made my work at the Denney Center and 826 Boston worthwhile. This was an exciting opportunity to be a part of these organizations and invest in positive change. I felt empowered.”

Last January, the department underwent a major restructuring combining BYF, the Mayor’s Youth Council, and the Mayor’s Youthline to transition to an actual “one-stop shop for teens” located at 1483 Tremont Street, known as the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment.
 

Potential employees must apply by using  Mayor Walsh’s SuccessLink (formerly known as BYF’s HOPELINE) in order to be considered for a position this summer.

Teens interested in applying must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a full-time resident of the City of Boston
• Must turn 15 years old, on or before Sunday, July 5, 2015
• Cannot turn 19 years old, on or before Friday, August 14, 2015
• Must be legally permitted to work in the United States

*** If interested applicants are having difficulty registering online, they can visit the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment at 1483 Tremont Street, Roxbury 02120 or call 617-635-4202 for assistance.

Applying for a summer position with SuccessLink does NOT guarantee a job, but young people can take steps to increase their chances of employment. The department will be hosting the 3rd annual Teen Job Fair at the BCYF Recreation Center at Madison Park on Saturday, February 21 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Participants will have an opportunity to meet potential summer employers, win prizes, interview for positions, and more. Interested applicants can also apply directly to sites to increase their chances of employment.

Teens interested in attending the job fair can pre-register for the event and get more information at: http://successlinkjobfair.eventbrite.com