Immediate Restoration of Funding for Youth Programs, Summer Jobs, and Nonprofit Initiatives

We, the undersigned residents of Boston, are calling for the immediate reinstatement and protection of funding that supports:

Summer youth employment programs

Community-based nonprofit organizations
Youth camps and safe recreational spaces
Mentorship, arts, and educational initiatives

These programs are not luxuries—they are essential lifelines for our communities.

Why This Matters

Boston’s youth depend on structured programs for:

Safety: Keeping young people off the streets and away from violence
Opportunity: Providing first jobs, income, and career pathways
Mental Health: Offering support systems, mentorship, and stability
Community Growth: Strengthening neighborhoods through engagement and leadership

Cutting or canceling funding for these programs directly impacts the most vulnerable populations—especially in underserved communities.

Community Impact

Without these resources:

Youth lose access to safe summer environments

Families face increased stress due to lack of affordable programs
Nonprofits are forced to reduce services or shut down
Violence and negative outcomes are more likely to increase

Boston has long prided itself on investing in its future—our youth are that future.

Our Demands

We respectfully demand that the City of Boston:

Immediately restore all canceled or reduced funding for youth programs
Provide transparency regarding budget decisions affecting community services
Engage directly with community leaders and nonprofit organizations before making funding cuts
Commit to long-term investment in youth employment and development programs

We urge Mayor Michelle Wu and city officials to reconsider these decisions and prioritize the well-being, safety, and future of Boston’s youth.

Invest in our youth. Protect our communities. Build a stronger Boston.