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 *

* MIT living wage calculator

At CareerLabs, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston alums are engaging in:

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Skill Development

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

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Career Exploration

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

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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.

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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.

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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-img
Dana Smith
Hamza Abdul-img
Hamza Abdul

Our Approach

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Our Impact

We are actively measuring our efficacy and impact.

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Short-Term Outcomes (0–2 years)

  • Job readiness skills

  • Foundational work experience

  • Professional networks

  • Clarity in career plan

  • Mentorship

  • Support for challenges

Medium-Term Outcomes (2–5 years)

Long-Term Outcomes (5+ years)