Dozens calling for more educational opportunity funding, youth jobs

BOSTON — Dozens of young people spent part of their school vacation rallying in-person and online; calling on state and local lawmakers to create better access to jobs and education programming.

Sarah Colorado says lack of access to jobs is devastating her Boston neighborhood.

“I watched people go in and out of the system and it’s just another form of separation that’s really traumatic and really scary to go through.“

Colorado helped rally dozens of her peers at the 13th Annual Youth Justice Rally at the statehouse with the “I Have a Future” Coalition.

Every one of these young people had powerful testimony connected to inequities they’re seeing in education and employment.

“Young people continue to face cuts in housing and youth jobs and juvenile justice and any of the issues we’re advocating towards it would be just as detrimental of these communities not getting the resources they need to stay healthy,” said Ketureh Brewster, Executive Director of “I Have a Future.”

The coalition is encouraging young people in Mass to contact their state and local leaders to pass legislation that would increase funding for Youth Jobs & School to Career programs to $29 million, remove school resource officers from all schools, expand eviction protections, and increase student loan assistance.

“” By providing jobs, rather than focusing on punishing young people for the things they cannot control or punishing people for their circumstance you’re saying, alright, we’re gonna give you the economic opportunity to succeed and be better and grow,“ said Colorado.

These young people also want to hold legislators accountable for the funds promised in the Student Opportunity Act money, which has not been distributed yet despite being signed by Governor Charlie Baker more than a year ago.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW