
Outcomes & Impact
Our Bold Goal
Our bold goal is to provide a pathway for all proven-risk young adults in the Merrimack valley.
Outcomes
In FY21, despite the additional barriers young adults faced due to COVID-19, they continued to work towards their goals and make a difference in their communities, while staff ensured they had the support they needed to be safe, stable, and successful.
A few highlights of their accomplishments we’re proud to share:
less re-arraignments
87% of young adults who were in workforce development programming had no new re-arraignments. This recidivism rate is 1/4 of the state average.

attendance rate
86% of young adults attended at least one of the weekly virtual workshops
promotions
32 promotions were earned by young adults to advance to the next level of UTEC programming
mental health sessions
1,326 group and 1:1 mental health sessions have been attended by young adults

Outcomes and Impacts Report
Areas of Impact
UTEC is a nationally recognized program for justice-involved young adults. The program starts behind the walls of correctional facilities and transitions into an intensive program in the community post-release. The nature of our wraparound supports, social enterprises, organizing work, training institute, and innovative partnerships creates a variety of impacts in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve. With over 20 years of experience, UTEC is a catalyst, innovating in the way we serve young adults (ages 17-25) who are criminally and/or gang involved in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley.
Criminal Justice Reform / Reentry
Without intervention, 52% of young adults will be re-arraigned within one year of release.1 Young adults’ recidivism rate who are enrolled in UTEC intensive programming is consistently below 15%.
UTEC’s long-term commitment extends across multiple years, multiple chances, and a variety of pathways, which uniquely empowers young adults with the skills, resilience, and hope needed to achieve social and economic success.
Streetworkers start building relationships with incarcerated young adults through engaging them in programming that starts while incarcerated and continues upon their release into the community.
Violence / Gun Violence Reduction
UTEC Streetworkers are peacemakers in our communities. They act as first responders when there are acts of violence to ensure victims’ families and friends are supported and to reduce the possibility of retaliation.
UTEC Streetworkers host social outings with rival gang members to ease tension, promote peaceful conflict resolution, and prevent violence.
UTEC facilitates the Gun Violence Prevention Training Center for Excellence with peer organizations across the state working with high risk populations across the state on a public health approach to end gun violence.
Education
Onsite education classes prepare young adults to take the multi-part HiSET test to earn a high-school credential.
Small classes, tailored instruction, and extra support make a big difference for young people who have often been out of the classroom for several years before coming to UTEC.
Social justice and social emotional learning are integrated into all educational activities
Workforce Development / Social Enterprises
UTEC young adults are paid stipends while they are enrolled in the post-release intensive program working in one of three social enterprises (Mattress Recycling, Woodworking, & Food Services).
The three social enterprises provide growth potential for young adults while preparing them for and connecting them to external employment.
Workforce training includes certificate programs (OSHA, ServSafe, Forklift), and integrates social emotional learning.
Organizing / Civic Engagement
UTEC facilitates Teens Leading the Way (a state-wide, youth-led policymaking coalition that focuses on young adult justice.
The organizing work crew provides young adults experience in civic engagement and a pathway to public service.
Young adults plan and host candidate forums for elections from city council to U.S. Congress.
2Gen / Early Childhood Education
UTEC’s 2Gen Early Childhood Education Center provides a whole-family approach, integrating parenting supports, to end the cycle of violence and poverty.
2Gen offers free onsite childcare and education to the young children of parents who participate in our integrated program.
Mental Health
Full-time mental health clinicians provide resources for young adults to heal and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
UTEC partners with correctional facilities to increase access to mental health supports to incarcerated young adults.
Mentorship
Transitional Coaches serve as long-term mentors and wraparound service coordinators, committing 3-5 years to 1:1 support for each young adult.
Mentorship focuses on individualized personal, vocational, and educational goals through a trusted relationship.
Food Security
Free, healthy meals are provided daily to young adults in UTEC’s intensive program.
Since COVID-19, UTEC Food Services social enterprise has shifted café, catering, and events operations to provide free, healthy, culturally appropriate meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across the Merrimack Valley.
State-Wide & National Impact
UTEC leads the Gun Violence Prevention Training Center for Excellence to share best practices and facilitate peer learning in streetwork, violence intervention, and emerging adult justice with community-based organizations and municipalities.
MA Dept. of Public Health chose UTEC to lead gun violence prevention training of community-based organizations across the state.
Environment / Sustainability
450 tons of waste (22,000+ mattresses) are diverted from the waste stream annually through the Mattress Recycling social enterprise.
Products in UTEC Woodworking are handmade with local, salvaged hardwoods.
UTEC’s main program facility is LEED Platinum certified.
Donate Now
Make a difference in your community and support UTEC today.
View Past Impact Reports
FY20: Full Report (20th Anniversary Edition)
FY19: Snapshot
FY18: Snapshot
FY17: Snapshot or Full Report
FY16: Snapshot or Full Report
In the News

A new community park rises up in downtown Lowell
A largely idle site at a downtown Lowell intersection is being transformed into a community park through the efforts of a local nonprofit.
HISET Success Story on WCAP
Rebecca, Director of Education, and Rocky, UTEC young adult, join Gregg Croteau, CEO on WCAP to discuss how UTEC’s academic education program provides the support young people need to be successful.

Patriots Foundation, Bank of America give UTEC $50G
A $50,000 award from the New England Patriots Foundation and Bank of America will go a long way in helping UTEC’s mission of helping young people in the Merrimack Valley.