WIOA Youth Education and Training Programs

The MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board provides federal funds, through The U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA), to support and maintain a framework of education, training and employment services for at-risk youth. Our goal is to re-connect these youth with education and employment strategies, which will lead to a lifelong attachment with the workforce and ultimately economic self-sufficiency. WIOA Programming serves two youth participant populations: In-School (16-21 and attending high school) and Out-of-School youth (16-24 and not enrolled in any school).

Our WIOA funded partner programs perform recruitment and outreach, intense case management, paid and unpaid work experiences, career readiness activities, career pathway activities, educational activities assisting with the attainment of a High School Diploma, High School Equivalency (HiSET/GED), occupational skills training leading to an industry recognized credential, financial literacy activities, self and career assessments, and follow-up services for one year after program exit.  MassHire staff provide oversight, reporting, intake and eligibility determination, testing and technical assistance.

MHGLWB Contact: Cathleen.Sturtevant@MassHireGreaterLowell.com

Greater Lowell Technical High School – Located in Tyngsboro, MA – The In-School Youth Program identifies up to 23 eligible students and provides those  students with an intervention program that promotes their success during high school and sets them up to succeed post-graduation regarding college, training or career. GLTHS will serve the most at-risk senior and junior students who have been identified as having one or more of the following: chronic absenteeism, learning disabilities, pregnant or parenting, DYS or DCF involved, foster children, or juvenile offenders.   

Program services include: Employer led communication and leadership workshops, Mass Rehabilitation Commission referrals and support, team building and employability workshops, teacher and peer tutoring programs, study skills curriculum, internship opportunities, cooperative employment placements, job site visits, college application assistance and campus tours. Individual support services such as mental health, drug and/or alcohol and guidance counseling are available.

CTI YouthBuild  – Located in Lowell, MA – CTI YouthBuild is an education and employment training program that specifically prepares out-of-school, low income youth for careers in construction and culinary arts.  The program helps young adults identify their education and career interests, develops an Individualized Employment Plan (IEP), and provides the necessary supports to help young adults achieve their goals. All program participants have access to the core components of the program which includes GED/HiSET preparation and testing, as well as specialized occupational skills training according to their individual interests and capacities. These supports will enable participants to achieve outcomes in the key WIOA performance measures of placement in employment or education, attainment of degree or certificate, and a measurable gain in skills.

International Institute of New England (IINE) – Located in Lowell, MA – The Youth GOAL (Growth, Opportunity, Advancement and Livelihood) Program supports fifteen (15) WIOA funded out-of-school youth, targeting early-status immigrants and English language learners (ELLs).  Throughout the year-round program, participating youth will engage in IINE’s holistic continuum of services for an average of 20 hours per week, including intensive case management; adult mentoring; financial literacy education; healthcare and human services vocational job training; English language education and/or referral to high-school equivalency classes; post-secondary education transition support; career exploration and career coaching; employment services and paid internships.  In addition to individualized services, youth will meet twice a week for group activities which provide critical workforce development and education components and foster a sense of community among participants, thereby encouraging program retention and completion.   

For information about any of our WIOA funded Youth Programs, please contact Cathy Sturtevant, Youth Program Manager:

 Cathleen.Sturtevant@MassHireGreaterLowell.com or 978.805.4812

We support college and career readiness for high school students through our Connecting Activities Program. Learn more below about how we make this possible.