Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement

Thank you for your constant support and leadership!

When we invest in our young people, we’re investing in the future of our entire city.

Thank you to our @oyea.boston.gov team for hosting the Mayor's Youth Summit, where we can celebrate the young leaders, artists, and advocates who are bringing Boston toward a better and brighter future.

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 🌱

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

Mass Poetry Teen Poetry Preliminary Slam at Teen Central Are you an aspiring young poet (age 13-19) looking to share your voice? Would you like to join a team of poets and compete across Massachusetts and beyond? In partnership with BPL’s Teen Central, Mas...

Join us on Sat, Feb 28 for a Preliminary Poetry Slam at Teen Central in partnership with Mass Poetry!

If you are an aspiring young poet looking to share your voice, this is the perfect opportunity! The top 4 poets in this slam will win a cash prize of $50.

bpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6985f...

A graphic featuring an image of Mayor Wu. Behind her are images of people chatting over information booths, and behind them is an image of the Bolling Building. Text reads: "Mayor Michelle Wu's Office Hours. Thursday, March 5, 2026 6-8 p.m. Bolling Municipal Building, 2300 Washington Street. Mayor Wu's Office Hours is a one-stop shop for support from the City of Boston. Ask the Mayor questions and connect directly with City teams and departments." A list of departments follows. Text at the bottom reads: See the full list and more information at boston.gov/officehours

We’re bringing City Hall out of City Hall and into our neighborhoods!

Led by @communityengagement.boston.gov and our incredible city teams, Office Hours will be a family-friendly, citywide, one-stop shop for residents to connect directly with me and staff from across @boston.gov.

🚨 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!!

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

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!

Happy Black History Month, Boston.

White text on a dark background that says OYEA Professional Development Series Upcoming Workshops. Text underneath says December 4, Youth Career Readiness and Workforce Development; February 4, Supporting Positive Athlete Behavior Through Responsive Coaching; February 11, Motivational Interviewing for Youth Workers; February 26, Coaching with Empathy; March 5, The Power of Evaluation: Strengthening Programs with Logic Models; March 24, Self Care: Finding the Balance. The OYEA Professional Development logo is at the bottom with white text that says boston.gov/professional-development.

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

Boston is ready for the snow. Get info & alerts at boston.gov/snow.

black text on a white background below the red mayor's youth summit logo say nominate an outstanding youth: boston.gov/youth-summit. Red city skyline graphics border the image. City of Boston and Youth Engagement and Advancement logos are on the top of the graphic

black text on a white background below the red mayor's youth summit logo say nominate a youth-serving organization: boston.gov/youth-summit. Red city skyline graphics border the image. City of Boston and Youth Engagement and Advancement logos are on the top of the graphic

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

Red Mayor’s Youth Summit logo on a white background with red skyline graphics on either side. The City of Boston and Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement logos are at the top. Black text says merch, free food, awards, entertainment, giveaways, and more. Black and red text says Saturday, February 21, 3 PM, at Artists for Humanity, for more information visit Boston.gov/youth-summit.

Red Mayor’s Youth Summit logo on a white background with red skyline graphics on the right side. The City of Boston and Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement logos are at the top. Black text says for more information visit Boston.gov/youth-summit. Logos for Boston Children's Hospital, artists for humanity, City of Boston LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement, and Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion are below red text that says Our Partners

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

See you all tomorrow!

White text on a dark background that says OYEA Professional Development Series Upcoming Workshops. Text underneath says January 8, Developing Competitors through Positive Coaching; January 22, understanding anxiety part 2; February 4, supporting positive athlete behavior through responsive coaching; February 26, coaching with empathy. The OYEA Professional Development logo is at the bottom with white text that says boston.gov/professional-development.

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

A graphic with a formal design with information for viewing the inauguration of Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston City Council on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. Streaming live on Boston.gov, Boston City TV & Boston Neighborhood Network, and on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook.

Our work to make Boston a home for everyone continues!

Please join us live on Monday, January 5 at 10 a.m. as we begin our second term and administer the oath of office to the Boston City Council. #BostonInauguration

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.

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.

Flyer for Boston Centers for Youth & Families promoting December School Vacation Week. It reads: “Celebrate December School Vacation Week with us! Our centers are planning lots of events. Visit Boston.gov/BCYF-Registration and click the Special Events tab or scan the QR code. More is added every day.” The background is teal and green with a circular photo of kids playing basketball.

A teen shoots a basketball in a BCYF gym while coaches and players look on.

A group of young girls with colorful braids gathers around a sewing machine while an adult instructor guides them. They sit closely together at a table in a craft room, watching and helping with the sewing project.

BCYF is packed with indoor fun for December Vacation Week! ❄️💙

Movie nights, swim, arts + crafts, STEM, tournaments, holiday events, and more.

See everything happening at your local center: Boston.gov/BCYF-Registration → Special Events.

Winter Soccer Clinics

⚽ Starting January 11, Parks and Rec will be hosting a free indoor Winter Soccer Clinic for athletes ages 9-17 at the Carter Playground Bubble!

Registration is now available online ➡️ boston.gov/news/parks-department-host-winter-soccer-clinics-0

Free Vaccine Clinics in Boston Everyone ages six months and older is encouraged to get the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Pregnant parents, babies, and older adults should consult their health care professional about RSV vaccin...

We’re offering free vaccine clinics in Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Back Bay, and the North End. No appointment, insurance, or identification required.

Vaccines are safe, effective, and protect against serious illness. Find upcoming clinics at boston.gov/vaccine-clinics.

White text on a dark background that says OYEA Professional Development Series Upcoming Workshops. Text underneath says December 4, Youth Career Readiness and Workforce Development; December 10, Understanding Anxiety: Creating Supports for Youth Part 1; January 8, Developing Competitors through Positive Coaching; January 22, understanding anxiety part 2. The OYEA Professional Development logo is at the bottom with white text that says boston.gov/professional-development.

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

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

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.

OYEA Partner Network The OYEA Partner Network is a group of community partners and City agencies focused on advancing the lives of youth in Boston. This group meets bi-monthly to connect, network, share resources and oppo...

The November 2025 OYEA Partner Network Meeting is coming up this week at the Bolling Building! We'll hear exciting announcements from OYEA, BPS leadership, and some special guests. As always, breakfast will be provided! For meeting details, join our partner network: boston.gov/oyea-partners

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!

White text on a dark background that says OYEA Professional Development Series Upcoming Workshops. Underneath are four red and white calendar icons with the dates November thirteenth, LGBTQ+ Identity and Expression 201, ten AM to twelve PM, Bolling building; November twentieth, Adult, Infant, and Child Heartsaver CPR with AED Certification Course, ten AM to three PM, Bolling Building; December fourth, (Training Name), ten AM to twelve PM, BCYF Tobin; and December tenth, Understanding Anxiety: Creating Supports for Youth Part 1, ten AM to twelve PM, BCYF Tobin. The OYEA Professional Development logo is at the bottom with white text that says boston.gov/professional-development

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!

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.

⚠️ 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

Tonight, I will deliver a special address on the state of Boston Public Schools.

At BPS, we put our students at the center of the class and take them on a journey of learning and self-discovery. I hope you will join us live at 7 p.m. to hear about the progress we have made together. #BostonSOTS

Join me tonight at 7 p.m for Boston’s first-ever State of the Schools address, streaming live at boston.gov/sots and posted live here on Bluesky. #BostonSOTS

Light background with black and blue text that says community events, see what youth said. Underneath the text is a blue arrow, the City of Boston logo, the Youth Engagement and Advancement logo, and the Youth Speaks Boston logo.

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

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.