UTEC has been devoted to youth outreach in the community of Lowell for over a decade. Its Streetworker Program targets proven-risk youth who are criminally-involved and out of school to reduce gang violence and improve life outcomes for young people. Recognizing the need for these youth to find meaningful, sustained employment to put themselves on a positive and stable long-term trajectory, UTEC developed a Workforce Development Program that supplements the Streetworker Program with in-house job training and paid employment opportunities through UTEC-managed social enterprises. The professional and personal supports of the new model enable UTEC to help youth avoid recidivism, improve their employment prospects, and further their education.

United Teen Equality Center Website