Youth Career Pathways Initiative

Polaroid from a YDVI program.

The goal of the Youth Career Pathways Initiative (YCPI) is to strengthen and sustain the ability of organizations to support volunteer work that allow youth to develop meaningful and tangible work-related skills and/or explore a variety of work environments and career options.

MSA awards matching grants of up to $20,000 for organizations to create, expand, and replicate promising models.

2026 Request for Proposals

We are pleased to announce that we are seeking proposals for the 2026 grant period. You may find the full Request for Proposals here. 

If you want to learn more about this funding opportunity, please attend the upcoming Youth Career Pathways Initiative Grant Info Session on October 8th at 2 pm. 
Register for the YCPI info session using this link.*

YCPI FAQ

Youth Development Volunteer Initiative FAQ

Funding for this proposal is made available to the following organizations in Massachusetts: a nonprofit organization (incorporated with 501(c)(3) status); an institution of higher education; a state agency; a community or faith-based organization; a federally recognized Tribal Nation; city, council, or other municipal government entity; or a partnership of any of the above entities.

YCPI funds can be used for implementation of new programming, expansion* of existing programming, or replication of promising models that either:

  1. Engages volunteers to support youth specifically with their career development and/or exploration. (Examples of this might include: Career Development focused mentoring programs for youth, Student Success or Post-Secondary Transition Coaches in an effort to improve college access and success in higher education, Specialized tutors/instructors to support students in specific career readiness skill building, Job readiness and job search assistance coaches/case managers for youth.)
  2. Engages youth as volunteers to both meet urgent community needs while simultaneously developing skills that will better their chances for future employment. (Examples of this might include: Service-Learning programs that combine learning and service which allow students to experience certain career options. Student internships with local nonprofits where they gain skills and experience through the service being provided, and Apprenticeship programs.)

*Program expansion may include new geographics area(s) not currently served by the program, engaging a new population of volunteers and/or youth, or building new partnerships with established organizations to deliver programming.

YCPI is currently funded by the Massachusetts Service Alliance's connection to AmeriCorps' Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF).

Contact Ian Whalen-Stone, MSA's Program Officer for Volunteer Initiatives, with any questions!

Youth Career Pathways Initiative

Contact us about YCPI