BOSTON – In an effort to mitigate the City of Boston’s recent financial commitment to extend its summer jobs program from August 20 to September 6,
United Way of Massachusetts Bay (UWMB) is today granting $10,000 to the City of Boston to help extend its summer jobs program for youth. Milton J. Little, Jr., president and chief executive officer of UWMB, announced the $10,000 grant to Boston business leaders at a breakfast hosted this morning by
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino at the Parkman House to welcome Milton J. Little, Jr. as the new leader of UWMB.
“Recent violence in our neighborhoods underscores the urgent need to provide youth with safe, productive learning activities this summer,” Little said. “In the short-term, this investment will assist Mayor’s Menino’s recent extension of the City’s summer jobs programs. Long-term, this will help hundreds of Boston’s young people to gain skills that will put them on the path to a productive future.”
“I want to thank the United Way for joining me in our campaign against violence,” Mayor Menino said. “The United Way’s contribution to the Summer Jobs program is an invaluable step towards making our city safe for all residents.”
The decision to grant the funds to the City of Boston is driven by recent community events and demonstrates UWMB’s ability to respond quickly to a compelling need. The investment reflects United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s belief that the success of youth depends on adults who care and activities that engage. It is part of UWMB’s efforts to increase opportunities for youth by reinforcing and enriching academic learning and developing crucial life skills, so that young people graduate from high school with opportunities to flourish.
