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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 01/09/2026

We closed out an incredible summer with one final Boston After Dark last week! Our BCYF Curley event was a special celebration on the beach with youth joining from across the city. Thanks to everyone who joined us at Boston After Dark this summer! Stay tuned for more events coming soon!

four youth stand side by side on the beach at BCYF curley in Boston After Dark shirts. They hold peace signs and smile at the camera

a room full of teenagers face two tv screens as they play video games together

Three young people dance and play near a calm body of water with a distant shoreline under a cloudy sky.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 26/08/2026

Last week we pulled up to Parkway YMCA, BCYF Gallivan, and BCYF Charlestown for Boston After Dark! As the summer comes to a close, we hope you'll join us for one last extra special Boston After Dark: Beach Edition! This Friday, we'll be at the BCYF Curley from 5-8pm. Visit boston.gov/after-dark

Four teenage boys sitting on a concrete ledge against a brick wall, casually eating snacks and making hand gestures.

Tattoo artist carefully working on a client's forearm using an airbrush tattoo machine in a gym setting.

Three students sitting on a concrete ramp outside a brick building, smiling and chatting together.

Nick Shea sits across from two youth and draws their portraits while they smile and chat

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 18/08/2026

We brought Boston After Dark to BCYF Curtis Hall last Friday! Our portraits, youth DJ, ice cream, free food, and inflatables made this night special. Thanks to everyone who joined us, and make sure you don't miss out on our last two weeks of Boston After Dark! Boston.gov/after-dark ☀️

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 17/08/2026

Last Thursday, the MYC Summer Ambassadors hosted a Youth Town Hall at BCYF Tobin! We had games, free food, and exciting giveaways of merch and Red Sox tickets! Thanks to everyone who showed up and voiced their ideas for Boston's youth, and to our MYC Ambassadors for a great summer of programming 🎉

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 17/08/2026

We are excited to announce our upcoming five professional development trainings, completely free for Boston-area youth-serving professionals. Join us for: RSVP today at boston.gov/professional-development. See you soon!

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 12/08/2026

Happy International Youth Day, Boston! As you continue to inspire new ideas for Boston's future, we are here if you need any support. Visit Boston.gov/youthline to find our resource directory, community calendar, and newsletter sign-up so you can stay in touch!

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 11/08/2026

Last week we hosted Boston After Dark at Commonwealth BHA! Swipe through for some of the highlights and don't miss out on our last three weeks of Boston After Dark events! Boston.gov/after-dark

a wide shot of a sunny teen room filled with youth engaged in various activities

two teens smile at the camera as they sit and eat dinner side by side

a teen smiles and poses for a caricature

teens line up in front of a table to receive airbrush tattoos inside a sunny room

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 05/08/2026

Last week we brought Boston After Dark to Draper Pool! Our youth DJ, portraits, ice cream, and barbeque helped make this a great night. Thanks to everyone who joined us, and make sure you come back this week! boston.gov/after-dark

kids crowd around staff as they pull a raffle drawing

teens line up for buffet dinner in front of a wall that says Mary Draper Pool House

two teens pose side by side smiling at the camera outside

teens chat and eat ice cream while playing on a swing set

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 04/08/2026

We had a blast last Thursday with our Partner Network for our annual Partner Celebration! We enjoyed great food, music, and company. Special thanks to Tiki Cove and their staff for hosting us in their amazing space ✨

Crowded tropical-themed bar with people socializing under netted ceiling decor and lush green plants.

Two friends warmly embrace in a lively indoor gathering with tropical decor and smiling guests around them

People serving themselves food from a buffet line in a warmly lit restaurant with tropical decor.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 31/07/2026

Last weekend, our community showed OUT for Boston After Dark! We tripled the fun for our Boston teens last Friday at Moakley Park, BCYF Tobin, and BHA Franklin Field. Make sure you check out the next event by you! Go to boston.gov/after-dark

Group of diverse young people standing outdoors near parked cars and trees on a sunny day.

Three young people playing a large outdoor Connect Four game on a blanket in a park near parked cars.

youth play video games inside a mobile video game truck

Group of teens wearing black Boston shirts gathered outside a building with green leaf decorations and a 'Welcome to the Tobin' sign.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 27/07/2026

Last week's Friday night programming featured Boston After Dark at both Mildred Hailey BHA and Menino YMCA! We had all the usual music and fun, plus a sundae bar and video games! Make sure you don't miss out on the rest of this summer's festivities: go to boston.gov/after-dark

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 23/07/2026

Last weekend, we activated the newly renovated Copley Square with our first-ever Select Markets vintage market collaboration!! Thanks to the thousands of you that came out to enjoy the weather, shopping, caricatures, tattoos, and music with us. A special thanks to Select for being great partners! 🔜🤫

Three young women laughing and looking at their portrait in front of a seated artist at an outdoor event with tents and people in the background.

Crowds browse stalls at an outdoor market with historic and modern buildings in the background on a sunny day.

Tattoo artist carefully working on a young woman's forearm outdoors at a shaded park area.

Shoppers browse and sort through piles of clothes at an outdoor market stall on a sunny day.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 22/07/2026

Introducing our 2026 Summer Ambassadors! They'll be hosting civic engagement workshops and town halls for their peers, with lots of fun Boston activities in between. Reach out to myc@boston.gov if you'd like to host a workshop for your youth group and for other collaborations!

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 17/07/2026

Boston After Dark was a blast last Friday! 🎉 At BCYF Menino and BCYF Nazzaro, we had ice cream, free food, basketball tournaments, caricature drawings, games, and DJs from YOU Boston 🏀 Don't miss the events near you this summer, go to Boston.gov/after-dark

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 01/07/2026

Last Friday, we kicked off Boston After Dark 2026 with over 100 attendees at BCYF Blackstone! Shoutout to YMCA, Boston Centers for Youth & Families Boston Housing Authority and Boston Children's Hospital for supporting the fun all summer long🤝 Check out the events near you at Boston.gov/after-dark

Group of teenagers socializing near a playground on a sunny day, some holding drinks and a colorful ball.

Group of people gathered outdoors near a table with informational materials in a community event setting.

Young people playing basketball on an outdoor court with colorful graffiti covering the brick wall behind them.

Three boys standing outdoors holding colorful soccer balls with a brick building and trees in the background.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 30/06/2026

This month we launched our Youth Access Series in partnership with DICK's House of Sport, which allows youth-serving programs to bring young people to the store throughout the summer to use the various sporting facilities. Check availability and sign-up for a time slot at at boston.gov/oyea-links.

Two young people climb an indoor rock wall

Person holding a yellow bat preparing to swing inside a batting cage with a digital baseball game screen showing a stadium and scoreboard.

Person practicing soccer shots inside an indoor sports cage with a digital target screen showing shot accuracy.

Five young people stand and smile at the camera inside DICK's House of Sport

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 26/06/2026

Food, DJs, giveaways, and more are all back at Boston After Dark! Don't miss the events in your neighborhood every Friday night this summer. Check boston.gov/after-dark for the details!

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 24/06/2026

This year, our OYEA Professional Development Series hosted 22 free trainings led by 14 different youth work experts. See you back in September for more free opportunities -- stay tuned here and on boston.gov/professional-development

a room full of professionals seated and listening to workshop presenters

Group of people attentively listening to a presenter in a conference room with notebooks and water bottles on the table. They are seated in a row and all looking down at their notes

Instructor demonstrating CPR techniques to a diverse group of adults in a spacious training room with mannequins on the floor.

A large paper divided into three columns labeled Know, Want to Know, and Learned, filled with colorful sticky notes containing handwritten text.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 17/06/2026

Boston After Dark is back this summer 2026! Mark your calendars for our on Friday, June 26 from 5 to 7pm at BCYF Blackstone ⚽ Check out boston.gov/after-dark for events in your neighborhood all summer long🎉

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 11/06/2026

#TBT to our collab with Don't Tell Comedy in April! We welcomed young adults into City Hall for a free Boston After Dark comedy show and had a blast enjoying free food, portraits by Nick Shea, and an amazing show! Sign up for our newsletter for more free 19+ events coming soon! 📸: Varun Mummadi

A young man stands on stage speaking into a microphone in front of an attentive seated audience inside a modern venue with large windows.

Three people standing near a buffet table filled with trays of various cooked dishes in a large indoor dining area.

Audience members attentively watching a presentation or performance in a dimly lit room.

A man sketches a portrait of a woman sitting across from him in a casual indoor setting with a sign reading 'Drawing of You'.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 08/06/2026

Last week, we welcomed our Partner Network to our beautiful new City space at 26 Court Street! Thank you to our youth-serving colleagues from across City departments who came to share their knowledge and engage with the Network. We hope everyone has a great summer!

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 28/05/2026

Youth-serving providers are invited to join us on Thursday, June 11 for a free training on combatting compassion fatigue. In this two hour event, participants will enjoy free breakfast, network, and be reminded of their youth work "why." To register, visit boston.gov/professional-development.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 11/05/2026

Check out our next four professional development workshops, completely free for Boston-area youth-serving professionals. Learn more and RSVP today at boston.gov/professional-development. See you soon!

Schedule of OYEA professional development workshops in Boston from May 13 to June 3 with topics on youth engagement, restorative justice, coaching, and mental health.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 28/04/2026

Today we're doing a partner spotlight on Community Through Theater, which hosts free theater outings for LGBTQ+ 14-24 year olds in Boston! We tagged along with them to visit the WNDR Museum and then see Kinky Boots at Citizens Opera House last month. Learn more at communitythroughtheater.org.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 17/04/2026

Apply to join the 2026-27 Mayor's Youth Council and make change in your city! Boston high schoolers can now submit their application to represent their peers in City government. Visit boston.gov/myc to learn more! ⭐

Text says the Mayor's Youth Council is a dedicated group of high school leaders who represent youth from across Boston in City government. Make change in your City! MYC, CIty of Boston, and OYEA logos are at the top. Young people being sworn in are at the bottom.

White text on purple background says eligibility, Boston resident, enrolled in high school by Fall 2026. Yellow text says Learn more and apply at boston.gov/myc, email myc@boston.gov, follow mycboston on Instagram.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 16/04/2026

ICYMI: At Friday's Teen Celebration, we played games, decorated converse, took a scavenger hunt across the museum, and so much more with our BFD partners. Free entry to your local cultural institutions the first and second Sunday of every month -- visit boston.gov/familydays to learn more.

Group of five women posing together with one holding a sign that reads 'THE FUTURE IS FEMALE' in bold pink letters.

Group of people seated closely around a table engaged in a shared art activity near large windows with natural light.

four people posing indoors and wearing colorful sunglasses making small heart gestures with their fingers against a plain beige wall.

Three young men indoors, one holding a ping pong paddle raised in victory while the others hold hands nearby.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 15/04/2026

Last week, our Director Pedro Cruz visited his alma mater, Snowden International HS, to speak with 11th and 12th grade IB students about his career path. They asked insightful questions and are undoubtedly headed towards great things!

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 08/04/2026

We are offering FIVE professional development trainings in the next two months, completely free for Boston-area youth-serving professionals. Learn more and RSVP today at boston.gov/professional-development. See you soon!

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 31/03/2026

We had so much fun welcoming everyone to Roxbury Community College for March's Partner Network meeting: Post-secondary Pathways edition! Spending time learning, networking, and eating together was the perfect way to kick off spring. Many thanks to RCC and all our partners. See you in May!

4 members of the partner network stand together and smile at the camera

Room full of partners facing forward and watching partner network presentation

Director Pedro Cruz presents Partner Network and Professional Development 2025 impact to a room of partners

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 03/03/2026

We're ringing in the spring with more free professional development trainings for the youth-serving community! RSVP for March and April sessions today at boston.gov/professional-development. See you soon 🌱

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 27/02/2026

MYS 2026 was a blast! Thanks to everyone who showed up last Saturday and made it a day to remember♥️ We enjoyed youth performances, airbrush tattoos, drawings, giveaways, and more! Thanks to our partners for your support. 📸: Kenneth Palacios

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 19/02/2026

🚨 MYS 2026 IS HERE 🚨 Swipe to see our full lineup of Boston-based speakers and performers who will be taking the stage this Saturday! If you haven't already, grab your free tickets at Boston.gov/youth-summit (tickets are required for entry). We can't wait to see you there!!

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 13/02/2026

send this to someone who should come to MYS 🥰 📲Boston.gov/youth-summit ❤️❤️❤️

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 12/02/2026

Thanks to Councilor Coletta Zapata, Councilor FitzGerald, and the offices of Councilors Santana and Weber for coming to speak with youth from councils around the Boston area at our second meeting of the Boston Coalition of Youth Councils!

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 02/02/2026

February and March free professional development workshops are here! Boston youth-serving professionals, RSVP today at boston.gov/professional-development. See you soon!

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 14/01/2026

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Mayor's Youth Summit awards! Do you know a youth-serving organization that supports and empowers Boston youth? Or a Boston teen who demonstrates leadership or civic engagement? Complete our nomination forms at boston.gov/youth-summit

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 09/01/2026

The Mayor’s Youth Summit is BACK! Don’t miss the celebration of the year Saturday, February 21 from 3-6 p.m. at Artists for Humanity. This event will feature entertainment, food, and giveaways! Boston youth ages 14-19, grab your free tickets and submit award nominations now! boston.gov/youth-summit

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 30/12/2025

Introducing our FREE professional development workshops for Boston youth-serving professionals in January and February! Don't miss these free training opportunities, make sure you and your colleagues RSVP today at boston.gov/professional-development

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 18/12/2025

The Mayor’s Youth Council is hosting four town halls this January! All Boston youth ages 14-19 are welcome to share thoughts on third spaces, school, mentorship, and anything important to you. Each event will feature free food and raffles. Find a town hall near you and register at boston.gov/myc.

white text on dark purple background says Youth Town Halls: Join the Boston Mayor’s Youth Council for a town hall for youth! Share your thoughts on third spaces, school, mentorship, and anything else important to you! January 6, 4pm: East Boston BPL. January 8, 4:30 PM: Josiah Quincy Upper School. January 14, 4pm: Blackstone Community Center. January 15, 4pm: Nazzaro Community Center. Food provided, open to all Boston youth ages 14-19. Register at boston.gov/myc.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 01/12/2025

Boston youth-serving professionals: ring in the New Year with our FREE professional development workshops in December and January! Make sure you and your colleagues RSVP today at boston.gov/professional-development

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 26/11/2025

Last week, MYC and OYEA had the privilege of hosting the first meeting of the newly-formed Boston Coalition of Youth Councils (BCYC). We’re excited to co-create the BCYC this year with so many powerful youth leaders and to build something that will last for years to come.

approximately 30 youth sit facing away from the camera with their hands raised, listening to a presenter at the front of the room

5 youth stand with their backs to the camera, writing on a piece of poster paper together

five youth stand and discuss with each other in City Hall

30 youth smile and pose for the camera, standing in three rows

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 18/11/2025

Youthline is an OYEA initiative that helps youth connect to over 500 programs and resources in Boston! It includes a self-service online resource directory or one-to-one resource navigation with one of our staff members. Learn more at boston.gov/youthline!

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 07/11/2025

Boston-based youth-serving professionals: register now for our FREE professional development workshops in October and November! Don't miss these valuable opportunities, make sure you and your colleagues RSVP at boston.gov/professional-development!

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 31/10/2025

⚠️ ALERT: Your November SNAP Payments may be delayed due to the federal government shutdown. Need food? The City of Boston is here to help. Visit boston.gov/SNAP for updates on local resources for you and your family. #ebt #snap #snapbenefits #Boston

blue text says Resources available: SNAP Benefits Alert: November SNAP payments may be delayed due to the federal government shutdown. Get updates and resources: boston.gov/snap or call 311.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 28/10/2025

We asked young people in Boston about community events in our Youth Speaks Boston needs assessment. Learn what they had to say at boston.gov/youth-speaks.

Text at the top says what characteristics do youth want in events? A numbered list shows that community, belonging, and inclusivity is number 1. Free food is number 2. Opportunities to meet new people is number 3.

Text at the top says how do youth find out about events? A numbered list shows that friends is number 1. Social media is number 2. Adult (not a parent or guardian) is number 3.

Text at the top says see more findings from Youth Speaks Boston. Below is a laptop graphic with a screenshot from the Youth Speaks Boston StoryMap. Text at the bottom says view the StoryMap and data dashboard at boston.gov/youthspeaks

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 23/10/2025

We asked young people in Boston about community spaces in our Youth Speaks Boston needs assessment. Learn what they had to say at boston.gov/youth-speaks

Text at the top says 71% of youth agree there is a place where they enjoy spending time outside of home. A pie chart shows that 71% of Boston youth agree, 21% are neutral, and 8% disagree.

Text at the top says better access is connected to cost, proximity, and quality of spaces. Quotes on white backgrounds that say, I think cost is one of the biggest factors to get out there and do something, from an eighteen year-old Dorchester youth. I pick places that are closer to me because I don't want to waste a lot of time, from a fourteen year-old Roslindale youth. How enjoyable a space is to use is a big part of accessibility, from a twenty-three year old Dorchester youth. I play a lot of soccer, and I think the most common issue that I face is finding a good field in proximity to me. There's a few fields near my house, but they're patchy or just unkept. I have to go almost 40 minutes to an hour just to get to a field that's up to standards, from a seventeen year-old Allston youth.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 20/10/2025

We asked young people in Boston about mental health, mentorship, and more in our Youth Speaks Boston needs assessment. Learn what they had to say at boston.gov/youth-speaks.

Text at the top says when youth have a mentor, they feel more comfortable talking about mental health with adults in their lives. A chart shows that 58 out of 100 youth who have a mentor say that they feel comfortable talking about their mental health with adults, while 17 out of 100 youth who do not have a mentor feel comfortable talking about mental health with adults.

Text at the top says there is also a connection between mentorship and a young person's knowledge of where to access mental health care. A chart shows that 65 out of 100 youth who have a mentor say that they know where to access mental health care, while 33 out of 100 youth who do not have a mentor say that they know where to access mental health care.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 16/10/2025

Do young people in Boston feel like they have access to transportation? We asked them this and more in our Youth Speaks Boston needs assessment. To find out what they said, visit boston.gov/youth-speaks.

Text at the top says which method of transportation do you frequently use? A bar chart shows that seventy-four percent of Boston youth use public transportation, forty percent walk, twenty-nine percent have others drive them, twenty-five percent use rideshare, twenty-one percent drive their own or shared car, and thirteen percent bike. Text at the bottom says Boston youth most commonly use public transportation to get around the city.

Text at the top says youth who report lacking access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation are three times more likely to report trouble accessing housing and menstrual products, and two times more likely to report trouble accessing food, health care services, hygiene products, and clothing. Icons of a house, menstrual pad, fork and knife, first aid cross, toothbrush, and shirt are to the right of the text.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 14/10/2025

Do young people in Boston feel safe? We asked them this and more in our Youth Speaks Boston needs assessment. To find out what they said, visit boston.gov/youth-speaks.

Text at the top says overall, about six in ten Boston youth say they feel safe in their own neighborhoods. A pie chart shows that about fifty-six percent of Boston youth agree, about thirty-one percent are neutral, and about twelve percent disagree. Text at the bottom says however, across the city, there are stark differences between neighborhoods.

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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement @oyea.boston.gov · 09/10/2025

Do young people in Boston feel like they belong? We asked them this and more in our Youth Speaks Boston needs assessment. To find out what they said, visit boston.gov/youth-speaks

Text at the top says about two out of three Boston youth report feeling they belong in Boston. A pie chart shows that sixty eight percent of Boston youth agree, twenty-seven percent are neutral, and four percent disagree. Text at the bottom says however, there are disparities when we break down the data.

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