The Worcester Youth Center is an educational, recreational and social facility for youth between the ages of 14 and 24. Their mission is to provide a safe place where young people can build lasting, positive changes in their lives. They accomplish this mission by seeking resources, collaborations and opportunities that help young people to realize their full potential, sharpen skills and enable them to become vital, responsible and contributing members of society. The Center has been and continues to be a “safe haven” for young people in Worcester.

The Center opened its doors in 1994 after three years of planning by youth, city officials, youth organizations, and adult advocates. Together, they envisioned a drop-in center that would be open to all young adults and adolescents throughout Worcester. It would not charge fees for membership or programs. The Center has since grown in its ability to carry out the mission.

Over the past twenty years, the Center has increased capacity to serve more youth and offers a wider variety of programs and transitional support activities promoting positive youth development. Their program model recognizes the developmental needs of youth and encourages them during the various phases of their social, physical and intellectual maturation. Today, Worcester Youth Center is truly aspiring to exemplify the motto: “it’s not just a place to go, it is a place to go further.”