What Happened at the BCNC Youth Program this Summer
October 7, 2025
This summer, BCNC Youth Program was filled with dynamic learning and growth opportunities. From writing and performing an original play to sharpening English skills, youth were engaged in both creative and academic pursuits. Youth also gained valuable work experience through the BCNC Summer Teen Employment program. Field trips and site visits to local museums and companies also expanded their horizons beyond the classroom.
Youth Address Social Issues through Theater Project
Twenty high school youth from Boston and Quincy came together for a transformative six-weeks to explore mental health education and community impact through theater. Three artists, Zilu Wang, Hanxiang Potter Zhang, and Grace Lenore Rogers led workshops on storytelling, improv, and script writing. Together they created Soft Scales & Hard Skins, an original play reflecting their voices and lived experiences as immigrants and children of immigrants. The project culminated in a performance at the Boston Center for the Arts. Youth were able to build leadership and creative skills and also earned stipends towards their future education. Special thanks to the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement, Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, the Summer Fund, and Van Otterloo Family Foundation for making this project possible.
“Before BCNC, I was working at a restaurant in Quincy. At BCNC, I first started learning Chinatown history, that was when I finally found a foothold in the US. Then, BCNC kept investing in me. When I found out we were putting on a play for my second summer, I was overjoyed. I’m proud of the final show we put on and truly had fun. Wherever I go, I’ll always hold a little bit of this summer and this play in my heart.” – Hugh, BCNC youth, high school senior
Gaining Essential Workplace Skills
This summer, BCNC placed 12 youth in jobs in BCNC child care, operations, and youth programs Youth gained essential workplace skills and hands-on experience that will benefit them in their future careers, thanks to funding from the City of Boston, Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity. BCNC staff also provided career exploration workshops on resume writing and mock interviews and 1 on 1 advising.
Kenny is one of the summer teen staff, a high school junior. Working in the BCNC Red Oak Summer program is his first job. He embraced the “big brother” role and engaged with the children through shared hobbies while supporting the group leaders in program activities. He learned about child development, how to manage classroom situations, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for children.
Explored Careers Through Company Site Visits
This year, the site visits focused on exposing youth to design and working in a creative, innovative environments. Special thanks to Sasaki, Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Liberty Mutual Insurance for generously hosting the site visits.
At Sasaki, youth participated in an experimental design challenge to learn about community and design .
Through hands-on activities, youth gained exposure to the urban development work at Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners.
Youth and their families spent an evening at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, enjoying art and music, watercolor painting, and tai chi.
Youth learned about financial literacy, career pathways, AI innovation, and cybersecurity at Liberty Mutual Insurance.
Learned English for Standardized Test Preparation
At our Quincy site, BCNC had an English bootcamp for 28 youth to prepare for standardized tests through structured English instruction, practice, and review. Each class included a lesson on key concepts, guided practice, and in-depth answer explanations. In addition to weekly sessions and mock exams, youth received one-on-one tutoring and took part in career exploration activities and field trips.
After taking the Bootcamp, youth reported they felt more prepared to take the exams, learned something new that would help them in future classes, and felt supported by staff.
“All the teachers and everyone were great, amazing learning environment.” – BCNC youth
