The START program (adult) is a five-week, full-time workshop that simulates the rigors of a full-time job followed by an employer week where employers offer.  Topics covered include defining professional development, attitudes, perceptions and stereotypes, writing resumes and thank-you notes, interviewing techniques, how to search for employment, coping with rejection, professional dress, and financial literacy. Other curriculum components include vocabulary work, writing assignments, computer training, participation in mock interviews as well as GED/Hi-SET coursework offered in collaboration with our community partner X-Cel, Inc. We have employer partners in three pathways: Customer Service, Social Services and Healthcare. This service includes case management, job placement and follow up services.

Complete the START program inquiry form.

STRIVE Future Leaders program (Youth)starts with our Future Leaders Workshop, a two-week training in which participants learn soft skills, participate in goal-setting and mentoring sessions, and benefit from an online platform administered by Penn Foster that enables youth to get industry recognized certifications.in three areas Retail, Construction and Culinary art. Participants may further enroll in our Youth Leadership program which pairs youth with members of the local community who have similar backgrounds as them and have succeeded in changing their lives which allows them to see the results of working towards goals and helps them envision a different future. These services include case management services, family and educational support, career exploration, job readiness and life skills workshops, job placement, service learning activities, legal support services, and 12 months of post-program follow-up services.

Complete the STRIVE Future Leaders inquiry form.

Suleika Soto was looking for a rewarding career with great benefits.  She learned about STRIVE Boston at the DTA office when applying for welfare benefits.  Through STRIVE, she went back to Bunker Hill Community College.  Suleika met people from all walks of life, who like her, wanted a change.  She learned to be self-sufficient and a problem solver.  After updating her resume and having a clear vision of the kind of company she was looking for, Suleika connected with Starbucks during the employer week phase of the STRIVE program.  She was hired as a Shift Manager within one week of graduating.  She has been employed by Starbucks for one year and is now training to move up to the Assistant Manager position.  Suleika wants people to know that no matter what your past situation looked like, you have the power to create your own success story!