Outcomes & Impact

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.