Mayor Michelle Wu Highlights Success of Inaugural Cohort of Boston Climate Youth Corps

Mayor Michelle Wu highlighted the inaugural Boston Climate Youth Corps' success, a pilot initiative launched this summer to merge climate career pathways with youth employment. The program, supported by the fiscal 2026 operating budget and a YouthWorks grant, provided paid opportunities for Boston residents aged 14 to 24. Participants contributed to projects in urban forestry, tree canopy expansion, and climate storytelling, gaining valuable experience in sustainability and environmental justice. City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata praised the program for empowering youth and promoting climate action alongside workforce development. The initiative tests new models for integrating climate goals into youth jobs, allowing for tracking outcomes and identifying best practices.

As a complement to PowerCorpsBOS, it focuses on younger participants while fostering community-based partnerships. Oliver Sellers-Garcia, Green New Deal Director, noted the importance of investing in a diverse green workforce. This program positions Boston as a leader in addressing climate change through youth empowerment and economic opportunity.