SOMERVILLE

youth on steps with protest signs

Teen Empowerment Somerville

165 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145
(617) 625-6600 ext. 2256

youth hanging event signs

Dojo @ Somervova

15 Properzi Way, Somerville, MA 02143

SOMERVILLE PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES

young man in bleachers speaking to crowd

YOUTH ORGANIZING

In 2003 as responding to increasing drug use, the rise of gangs, and an alarming rate of suicide among adolescents, Somerville’s newly-elected mayor, Joseph Curtatone, commissioned Teen Empowerment to assess the situation and asked to utilize our programs to help address the needs. TE’s Somerville site opened in the city in the Fall of 2004.

Today, Teen Empowerment’s Somerville location operates two youth organizing sites — one community-based site and one based at Somerville High — that employ youth ages 14-19 to work in year-round youth leadership jobs. The focus of their work is to involve a large number of their peers in positive community involvement and to bring youth voices into city and school policies.

TE works with the City of Somerville to bring youth leadership into city departments. These initiatives employ Somerville teens to plan and implement workshops, events, dialogue sessions, and other projects.

Check out our featured video!

Music as Protest and Power

Somerville youth protest on the streets

SOMERVILLE YOUTH WORKERS NETWORK

TE staff facilitate this group of youth workers from across the city that meets monthly to complete joint needs assessment, planning, and collaboration on various initiatives.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

At Teen Empowerment, we are immensely grateful for the invaluable support and collaboration of our community partners. It is through their unwavering dedication and shared vision that we are able to propel our work forward, reaching more youth and making a lasting impact in the communities we serve and beyond.

Together, we stand united in our commitment to empowering young lives and fostering positive change. With the collective efforts of our partners, we continue to create meaningful opportunities, amplify youth voices, and pave the way for a brighter future. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our community partners for their ongoing support and their instrumental role in shaping the meaningful work we do.

  • Dojo @ Somernova

THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS

Your generous support plays a pivotal role in keeping Teen Empowerment's programs initiatives active in the communities we serve. Through our combined efforts, we are not just changing individual lives, but also making significant strides in transforming communities and systems. 

Together, we are realizing our shared mission of creating peace, equity, and justice. Your commitment to our cause allows us to continue to inspire, engage, and make a difference, turning our vision into a reality. We look forward to continuing our partnership as we work towards a brighter and more equitable future for all.

  • City of Somerville

  • United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley

  • Shannon Foundation

SUPPORTERS

  • MAPC