Our Young Adults

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                            UTEC’s comprehensive enrollment program model is intentionally designed for young adults with proven

                             barriers to success, primarily incarceration and other serious criminal histories.

                            Our three service communities are all designated Gateway Cities: mid-sized cities characterized by
                            high poverty rates, low educational attainment levels, and a strong manufacturing heritage.

                            Our Young Adults’ experience and opportunities are shaped by these community challenges.

 

By the Numbers (FY19)

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167

young adults in our intensive enrollment program

600

young adults reached through streetworker outreach and engagement

Of the 167 enrolled, 90% had one or more barrier to success.

 
Had a Criminal Record

89%
Were Gang Involved

74%
Lacked a High School Credential

66%
Were Parenting or Expecting

38%

 

Improved Participant Outcomes (FY19)

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Despite these barriers, our young adults continue to chip away at their goals, and we roll out the orange carpet to celebrate every step of the way!

 
No New Convictions or Technical Violations

97%
No New Arrests

88%
Attempted a HiSET Test and Passed at least 1 HiSET Subject Area Test

76%
Employed in a UTEC Social Enterprise

79%
Young Adults Employed in a UTEC Social Enterprise and Earned an Industry-Recognized Certification. (e.g., OSHA or ServeSafe)

37%

 

 

More about UTEC’s Young Adults

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Racial/Ethnic Identity:
Latino 52%
Asian 10%
Black   9%
White/Caucasian 12%
Multiracial 17%
Other or Unknown   2%
 
Areas:
Lowell 72%
Lawrence 12%
Haverhill   8%
 
Sex:
Male 75%
Female 25%

 

Education
:
Incoming young adults averaged a 7th grade reading level and 6th grade applied math level according to TABE testing.

Public Assistance – 90%
Were receiving public benefits, such as MassHealth, SNAP (food stamps), or cash assistance.

Involvement in Other Systems – 80%

have been involved in the child welfare system in the past, and one-third had been adjudicated in the juvenile justice system.