The Center for Teen Empowerment

The Center for Teen Empowerment trains and empowers young people for employment. They are partnering with the City of Sommerville, Mass in creating a youth development model for people of color that draws on the skills of trained peers. These paid youth leaders address employment, education, health disparities, and gun violence. They collaborate with small businesses, including arts groups and other nonprofits, to train youth in job readiness, offer mentorships, and provide on-the-job apprenticeships.

They employ and train youths aged between 14-19 to plan and carry out neighborhood-based youth organizing initiatives that promote peace, equity, and justice.

Through group facilitation, the arts, and collaboration with community members and leaders, they support youth as they process their experiences, heal from trauma, and then use their experiences as a platform to change the community for the better.