Worcester Youth Center

The Worcester Youth Center (WYC) is an educational, recreational, and social facility for youth between the ages of 14 and 24, a place where youth are empowered and allowed to grow in all aspects of their lives. The WYC started as a partnership between youth and adults. Opening its doors in 1994, the WYC was the culmination of three years of planning by youth, city officials, other youth organizations, and adult advocates. Together, youth and adults envisioned a drop-in center that would be open to all adolescents throughout Worcester. It would charge no fees for membership or programs. Most importantly it would be a place where youth could participate in operating the space, shaping programs, delivering activities, and be voting members of the Board of Directors. We seek resources, collaborations, and opportunities that help young people to realize their full potential, sharpen their skills, and enable them to become vital, responsible, and contributing members of society. According to youth, "the power of working at the Youth Center is to better the lives of our families, friends, and community so that we may grow in an environment of respect, integrity, and justice." Young people at the WYC work to understand democracy. They engage in community organizing activities that support social justice to benefit everyone.