To the editor:
Hello Wellesley residents! We are a group of 8th graders attending Wellesley Middle School, and it has been brought to our attention that the youth employment services in Wellesley are heavily underused, and underfunded. Our goal is to raise overall awareness about youth employment in Wellesley, and increase this year’s annual funding for the Path in the Woods program to about $35,000. In Wellesley, A Path in the Woods is the only significant youth employment program for teens 14 and above. This is a private organization that donates its money to further develop youth employment opportunities in the community.
In comparison to other Massachusetts towns and cities, the annual funding for the program is negligible (around $27,000) and the attendance rate is lackluster at best (60 students annually.) This is problematic since a thriving youth employment service can bolster the local Wellesley economy, provide an ample workforce, and inhibit youth misconduct. Furthermore, studies have been shown that towns nationwide with youth employment programs can have reduced arrest rates of up to 30% and increased graduation rates of about 7%. If we, as a community, are to retain and reinforce these benefits, then we must spread support and awareness about the Path in the Woods foundation.
Whilst these benefits are promising, our true call to action is to have our youth feel valued and accepted in the community. This program allows students who may often feel detached or separated from the town interact directly with the community and create connections. Being in touch with the community can help teens with social and mental barriers by establishing strong societal bonds that will guide them through the premiere tour of work experience and life. Furthermore, the program can help low income students maintain their place in the affluent suburb of Wellesley. Scholars of low income families are not often guaranteed permanent housing in Wellesley, and, due to high housing costs, they may be forced to leave the town. Sudden exodus can result in students getting disconnected from lifelong friends and potentially family members. However, the Path in the Woods foundation can prevent this by providing summer jobs that can give families the economic boost needed to keep living in Wellesley.
Finally, we would like YOU to participate in the annual golf-tournament fundraiser in the Sandy Burr Country Club on July 17th. (you don’t need to play to donate or show support!) This is a fun, local, golf tournament that also raises money for the Path in the Woods program. Please, tell your kids or teens who may be looking for a job about this program and spread the word. Have a great day!
Sincerely, Wellesley Middle School 8th graders,
John Mccormack
Jeremy Hu
Bryce Macguinness
Alexander Glick
