About Us
The Challenge
31% of young adults aged 18 – 24 in economically marginalized communities of Boston and Chelsea are underemployed, not earning a living wage, or disconnected from the economy *
At CareerLabs, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston alums are engaging in:

Skill Development
Building the competencies, confidence, and adaptability needed to seize opportunities, meet workforce demands, and achieve long-term professional success.

Career Exploration
Exploring interests through project work, job shadows and networking with professionals.

Asset Mapping
Identifying and leveraging personal strengths, resources, and opportunities within local networks and community to support career growth and goal achievement and mapping plans to address and strengthen areas of challenge.

Coaching and Scaffolding
Partnering with coaches to receive personalized guidance, structured support, and engagement with mentors to chart paths, develop skills, overcome barriers, and achieve professional goals with confidence.

Mentorship
Expanding networks and potential opportunities through exposure to real-world experience and insights from professionals working in a wide variety of professional sectors.
Our Core Values
Respect
Empowerment
Inclusion
Asset-based Approaches
Equity
Integrity
Joy
Tenacity
Resilience
Community
CareerLabs Leadership

Dana Smith

Hamza Abdul
Our Approach

Asset Driven
We value all of our participants for who they are and do not view them as people in need of fixing
Our language and pedagogy reflect our belief that all people bring unique strengths, skills, resources, support systems, interests, and aspirations
We actively embrace diversity in thought, culture, and life experiences, celebrating these as vital strengths that enrich and expand our collective understanding

Experiential
Participants apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings to:
Build practical skills like problem-solving, communication, and adaptability
Develop professional connections
Receive immediate feedback
Refine their plans and pathways
Make progress toward goals

Asset Mapping
Participants explore their interests through project-based learning to:
Test different fields
Meet with professionals and job shadow
Develop plans and set goals
Build durable skills and strategies
Address challenges, overcome obstacles

Learner Led
Participants apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings to:
Empowers ownership of journey
Fosters engagement and motivation
Achieves greater alignment between interests and goals
Encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making
Builds confidence, sense of control, and responsibility
Prepares for real-world professional environments and self-direction

Peer Supported
Small group work promotes:
Collaboration, shared learning, and mutual encouragement
Exchange of ideas and perspectives
Interpersonal skills, teamwork, communication, and leadership
Safe spaces to share challenges and successes
Motivation and accountability
Networking of alums into a powerful association
Our Vision for the Future
Our vision is an inclusive economy fortifying a healthy Boston and Chelsea in which opportunity and prosperity are shared by all.

Our Impact
We are actively measuring our efficacy and impact.

Short-Term Outcomes (0–2 years)
Job readiness skills
Foundational work experience
Professional networks
Clarity in career plan
Mentorship
Support for challenges