Boston, employers reach deal to continue teen jobs program

Catch up quick: Wu's proposed budget axes funding for several programs to close a $50 million shortfall.

• The city kept the summer jobs program for youth, but defunded a $5.9 million program giving teens jobs during the school year.
• The cuts sparked protests by students and advocates.

Driving the news: The city turned the program into a public-private partnership funded by local employers instead of taxpayers, Wu said Monday.

• At least six employers agreed to provide 475 jobs for students ages 14-18 in the 2026-27 school year.
• The city's goal is to recruit employers to fund 2,000 jobs for the year — about 278 more jobs than this year, MassLive reported.

Context: The announcement comes as the City Council prepares to take up Wu's budget proposal, which has sparked outrage from nonprofit leaders, artists and students who rely on city funding.

• The list of grant programs cut includes a business development initiative, legal aid grants for immigrants, veterans services grants, English classes and domestic and sexual violence prevention efforts, WBUR reported.

By the numbers: The YMCA of Greater Boston will hire 200 teens, providing financial and training support this school year.

• The Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston will hire 100 teens and help teach another 400 young people skills like building resumes and job shadowing.
• Artists for Humanity will hire 175 teens interested in the creative sector.

What's next: The City Council's Ways and Means Committee will review the budget proposal in a working session Tuesday at 10am.