State Labor Secretary Pays Visit To Malden Summer Youth Employment Program

MALDEN, MA — Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones visited Malden this week to meet with participants in the city's Summer Youth Employment Program, highlighting an initiative that connects hundreds of young residents with paid jobs each summer.

Jones toured one of the program's community worksites alongside Mayor Gary Christenson and city officials, where she spoke with participants about their work experiences, the skills they have developed, and their future career goals. According to the city, the visit recognized the program's role in preparing young people for the workforce through paid employment and hands-on experience.

The Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program places hundreds of Malden residents ages 14 to 22 in paid positions with municipal departments, schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups and local businesses each summer. Participants are matched with worksites based on their interests, skills and career goals, giving many their first opportunity to gain professional experience while earning a paycheck.

According to the city, the program is intended to help participants develop workplace skills, build confidence and establish professional connections while exposing them to a variety of career paths. Applications for this year's program opened in the spring, with participants beginning work earlier this month. The six-week program is scheduled to conclude in early August.

Jones has served as the state's Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development since 2023 after being appointed by Gov. Maura Healey. Before joining the Healey administration, she led workforce development initiatives for the Massachusetts Business Roundtable and previously held workforce and economic development positions with the City of Boston and the Patrick administration.

Her visit comes as the Healey administration continues to invest in youth employment programs statewide. Earlier this year, the administration announced nearly $14.4 million in YouthWorks grants to support 3,786 young people in paid summer and year-round jobs across Massachusetts while launching the Youth Employment and Skills Initiative, an effort to encourage employers to expand opportunities for young workers. State officials say more than 19,000 young people have been connected to employment through YouthWorks and related initiatives since 2023.

See Also:

Many Malden Residents Affected By National Grid Power Outage

Malden Resident Named Partner At Boston Architecture Firm

4 Malden Juveniles Charged After 4th Of July Fights In Everett

Malden Place Of Worship Hits The Market

Roadwork To Impact Multiple Malden Streets In Coming Days