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Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement
@oyea.boston.gov
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The official Bluesky account of the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement. Uplifting the voices and advancing the lives of young people ages 14-25 through City programs and services.
www.boston.gov/oyea-links
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oyea.boston.gov
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!
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
November 7, 2025 at 5:47 PM
oyea.boston.gov
⚠️ 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
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.
October 31, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Reposted by Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement
mayorwu.boston.gov
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
October 28, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Reposted by Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement
mayorwu.boston.gov
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
October 28, 2025 at 4:17 PM
oyea.boston.gov
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.
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
October 28, 2025 at 6:37 PM
oyea.boston.gov
We asked young people in Boston about community spaces in our Youth Speaks Boston needs assessment. Learn what they had to say at boston.gov/youth-speaks
Light background with black and blue text that says community spaces, 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 71% of youth agree there is a place where they enjoy spending time outside of home. A pie chart shows that 71% of Boston youth agree, 21% are neutral, and 8% disagree. Text at the top says better access is connected to cost, proximity, and quality of spaces. Quotes on white backgrounds that say, I think cost is one of the biggest factors to get out there and do something, from an eighteen year-old Dorchester youth. I pick places that are closer to me because I don't want to waste a lot of time, from a fourteen year-old Roslindale youth. How enjoyable a space is to use is a big part of accessibility, from a twenty-three year old Dorchester youth. I play a lot of soccer, and I think the most common issue that I face is finding a good field in proximity to me. There's a few fields near my house, but they're patchy or just unkept. I have to go almost 40 minutes to an hour just to get to a field that's up to standards, from a seventeen year-old Allston youth. 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
October 23, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Reposted by Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement
mayorwu.boston.gov
Next Tuesday, I’m delivering Boston’s first ever State of the Schools address.

Together, we’ll showcase the work of our @bostonschools.boston.gov communities and invite our entire city in pushing forward progress for our young people and families.

Join us live at 7 p.m. on boston.gov. #BostonSOTS
A graphic shows Mayor Wu and Superintendent Skipper reading books to students. Above them, text reads "State of the Schools: Tuesday, October 28th, 2025" and "Watch live at 7pm: Boston.gov"
October 23, 2025 at 8:00 PM
oyea.boston.gov
We asked young people in Boston about mental health, mentorship, and more in our Youth Speaks Boston needs assessment. Learn what they had to say at boston.gov/youth-speaks.
Light green background with black and purple text that says mental health and mentorship, see what youth said. Underneath the text is a purple arrow, the City of Boston logo, the Youth Engagement and Advancement logo, and the Youth Speaks Boston logo. Text at the top says when youth have a mentor, they feel more comfortable talking about mental health with adults in their lives. A chart shows that 58 out of 100 youth who have a mentor say that they feel comfortable talking about their mental health with adults, while 17 out of 100 youth who do not have a mentor feel comfortable talking about mental health with adults. Text at the top says there is also a connection between mentorship and a young person's knowledge of where to access mental health care. A chart shows that 65 out of 100 youth who have a mentor say that they know where to access mental health care, while 33 out of 100 youth who do not have a mentor say that they know where to access mental health care. 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
October 20, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Reposted by Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement
mayorwu.boston.gov
12/11 | BCYF Curtis Hall, 3-7pm Flu & COVID-19 (6mo+)

12/15 | BCYF Nazzaro, 10am-2pm Flu & COVID-19 (6mo+)

12/16 | Central Library in Copley Square, Boston Public Library, 9am-1pm Flu & COVID-19 (6mo+)
October 17, 2025 at 8:06 PM
oyea.boston.gov
Do young people in Boston feel like they have access to transportation? We asked them this and more in our Youth Speaks Boston needs assessment. To find out what they said, visit boston.gov/youth-speaks.
Light grey background with black and orange text that says I have access to transportation in Boston, see what youth said. Underneath the text is an orange arrow, the City of Boston logo, the Youth Engagement and Advancement logo, and the Youth Speaks Boston logo. Text at the top says which method of transportation do you frequently use? A bar chart shows that seventy-four percent of Boston youth use public transportation, forty percent walk, twenty-nine percent have others drive them, twenty-five percent use rideshare, twenty-one percent drive their own or shared car, and thirteen percent bike. Text at the bottom says Boston youth most commonly use public transportation to get around the city. Text at the top says youth who report lacking access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation are three times more likely to report trouble accessing housing and menstrual products, and two times more likely to report trouble accessing food, health care services, hygiene products, and clothing. Icons of a house, menstrual pad, fork and knife, first aid cross, toothbrush, and shirt are to the right of the text. 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
October 16, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Reposted by Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement
publichealth.boston.gov
The Mayor's Health Line is a free, confidential, information and referral service. Get help enrolling in health insurance, finding primary care providers, and more. We help all residents regardless of immigration status.

Call us at 617-534-5050 or visit boston.gov/mayors-health-line.
Mayor's Health Line
Apply for Health Insurance: Call us at 617-534-5050 or send us an email at mayorshealthline@bphc.org and provide the following: Name Phone Number Preferred Language Best day(s) to reach you Best time(...
boston.gov
October 16, 2025 at 12:11 PM
oyea.boston.gov
Do young people in Boston feel safe? We asked them this and more in our Youth Speaks Boston needs assessment. To find out what they said, visit boston.gov/youth-speaks.
Light red background with black and blue text that says I feel safe in Boston, see what youth said. Underneath the text is a red arrow, the City of Boston logo, the Youth Engagement and Advancement logo, and the Youth Speaks Boston logo. Text at the top says overall, about six in ten Boston youth say they feel safe in their own neighborhoods. A pie chart shows that about fifty-six percent of Boston youth agree, about thirty-one percent are neutral, and about twelve percent disagree. Text at the bottom says however, across the city, there are stark differences between neighborhoods. 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
October 14, 2025 at 8:53 PM
oyea.boston.gov
Do young people in Boston feel like they belong? We asked them this and more in our Youth Speaks Boston needs assessment. To find out what they said, visit boston.gov/youth-speaks
Light blue background with black and red text that says I feel like I belong in Boston, see what youth said. Underneath the text is a red arrow, the City of Boston logo, the Youth Engagement and Advancement logo, and the Youth Speaks Boston logo. Text at the top says about two out of three Boston youth report feeling they belong in Boston. A pie chart shows that sixty eight percent of Boston youth agree, twenty-seven percent are neutral, and four percent disagree. Text at the bottom says however, there are disparities when we break down the data. 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
October 9, 2025 at 4:00 PM
oyea.boston.gov
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!
Text says OYEA Professional Development Series Upcoming Workshops at the Bolling Building. Four red and white calendar icons with the dates October first: Social Emotional Learning, 10AM to 12PM; October 16: Introduction to Restorative Justice for Youth Workers, 10AM to 12PM; November 13: LGBTQ Identity and Expression 201, 10am - 12pm; November 20: Adult, Infant, & Child Heartsaver CPR with AED Certification Course, 10am-3pm. boston.gov/professional-development
October 8, 2025 at 2:03 PM
oyea.boston.gov
At Boston After Dark this summer, we served over 1500 young people with our partners @bcyf.boston.gov, YMCA, YOU Boston, @bostonchildrens.bsky.social and Cummings Foundation 🤝 To be the first to hear about upcoming events, stay tuned to our socials and subscribe to our newsletter at Boston.gov/oyea
Pink and blue graphic on a dark background, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, Youth Engagement and Advancement, and the YMCA logos are at the top. The text reads Boston After Dark, twenty-three events, fifteen neighborhoods, fifteen hundred plus youth served. At the bottom are young people posing with Boston After Dark shirts, outlined in pink and blue A young person posing with a Sprayground backpack, outlined in pink, next to white and blue text on a dark background that says My favorite part of Boston After Dark is the community and how everybody is so together, by Senai, seventeen, Dorchester A young person, outlined in blue, holding up a peace sign, next to white and pink text on a dark background that says My favorite part of Boston After Dark is the food and it's just really fun, by Edith, thirteen, Jamaica Plain. A young person with headphones on using a DJ turntable and laptop, outlined in pink on a dark background. White and blue text says I got to DJ for Boston After Dark because of a summer program at Youth Options Unlimited and I've really enjoyed it, JT or DJ Gorilla, eighteen, Dorchester.
October 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM
oyea.boston.gov
Last Friday, @museumofscience.bsky.social hosted us and our partners for the kickoff of our 2025-26 Partner Network cycle. We shared breakfast, achievements from the summer, and a preview of findings from our Youth Speaks Boston survey. Visit boston.gov/oyea-partners for next meeting details!
September 29, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Reposted by Boston Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement
publichealth.boston.gov
We’re offering free vaccine clinics in Boston. Vaccines are safe, effective, and protect against serious illness. Getting vaccinated keeps you healthy and helps protect your family, friends, and community.

Learn more at boston.gov/vaccine-clinics.
A group of young people sit on a bench behind a fence at a baseball diamond. Text reads, “FREE Vaccine Clinics in Boston. Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines for free. No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome. Find dates, times, and locations at boston.gov/vaccine-clinics.” The logos for the City of Boston, Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Public Schools, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, Legacy Care Group, and Shaw’s Star Market are at the bottom.
September 24, 2025 at 7:53 PM
oyea.boston.gov
We're excited to announce that the September 2025 OYEA Partner Network Meeting will be hosted by the Museum of Science! At this meeting, we'll have exciting news from OYEA and much more. As always, breakfast will be provided! For meeting details, join our partner network: boston.gov/oyea-partners
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...
boston.gov
September 15, 2025 at 8:48 PM
oyea.boston.gov
Boston-based youth-serving professionals: register now for the first four FREE professional development workshops of our new cycle! Don't miss these valuable opportunities, make sure you and your colleagues RSVP at boston.gov/professional-development!
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 September eighteenth; Facilitation and Group Management, nine AM to twelve PM, BCYF Tobin; September twenty-fifth; Adolescent Development and Relationship Building, ten AM to twelve PM, BCYF Tobin; October first; Social Emotional Learning, ten AM to twelve PM, Bolling Building and October sixteenth; Introduction to Restorative Justice for Youth Workers, ten AM to twelve PM, Bolling Building. The OYEA Professional Development logo is at the bottom with white text that says boston.gov/professional-development
September 8, 2025 at 6:03 PM
oyea.boston.gov
Our last Boston After Dark event of Summer 2025 was LIT 🔥Curtis Hall showed out for the perfect carnival closeout including cotton candy, face painting, bounce houses, games, a DJ, and of course, ice cream 🍦Thanks to everyone who came out this summer, stay tuned for our recap reel coming soon :)
September 4, 2025 at 9:19 PM
oyea.boston.gov
As you head back to school this week, OYEA is here for you! 📚🎓 Youthline, a resource directory for youth and young adults, is available at boston.gov/youthline. 📌 Check our community calendar and sign up for our weekly newsletter, The Buzz, to stay in the loop this school year at boston.gov/oyea!
A high school student being handed a pencil outside of a school, balloons and adults smiling in the background A graphic with the text Happy First Week of School, Boston from the OYEA team on a notebook paper background. The City of Boston and Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement logos are at the top.
September 4, 2025 at 7:27 PM
oyea.boston.gov
The Youth Speaks Boston findings are live! View the results from the first-ever citywide needs assessment focusing on what Boston’s young people need in their time outside of work and school. Access the findings at boston.gov/youth-speaks.
A cartoon graphic of a laptop shows a screenshot of the Youth Speaks Boston StoryMap. Bold top text says learn what youth need across Boston. Italicized bottom text says view the storymap and data dashboard: Boston.gov/youthspeaks. City of Boston, OYEA, and Youth Speaks logos line the bottom
September 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM
oyea.boston.gov
Happy International Youth Day, Boston! From leading change in your communities to inspiring new ideas for the future, YOU are shaping a better Boston every day. Let’s continue to lift each other up, dream big, and take action — the future isn’t just ahead of us, it’s being built by you right now.
White background with young people outlined in green blue and purple. The Youth Engagement and Advancement logo is shown at the top. Text that says Happy International Youth Day.
August 12, 2025 at 4:48 PM
oyea.boston.gov
We were thrilled to welcome our Partner Network to our first annual Partner Celebration at Doña Habana last Thursday! We're grateful for the hard work our wonderful partners do all year and it was a privilege to celebrate them last week. We’re looking forward to the work and fun ahead!
August 4, 2025 at 8:59 PM
oyea.boston.gov
At Boston After Dark last Friday, we danced at BCYF Martin Pino 🕺 swam at Wang YMCA 🏊 and BBQ'd at Thomas Menino YMCA 🌭 Catch our events this Friday at BCYF Nazzaro and Oak Square YMCA to join the fun🪩To see the full line up for the summer, visit Boston.gov/after-dark
July 23, 2025 at 7:03 PM