Worcester Youth Center

The Worcester Youth Center is both a center that provides a wide range of services for youth as well as an organization that advocates for youth on a city-wide basis. Throughout 1995, it was embroiled in a bitter political debate that focused on the right of young people to have a high visibility downtown youth center run for and by local youth, rather than a center tucked away in an adult-run service agency. The atmosphere is at times chaotic, but provides an excellent opportunity to be involved in an empowerment model for youth. Activities include running a wide range of recreational activities, various educational and training programs, supporting local youth in mobilizing themselves as a political power in the city and/or running a youth newspaper.