RESOURCES
The world can be unpredictable, making it challenging to determine the best way to move forward. As Youth Underground explores the topic of planning for the future, we’ve found that it’s often easiest to take things one step at a time. Consider what you can do today. Below, you will find hyperlinked resources that can assist you on your journey.
Basic Needs
- Cambridge Public Health Department has compiled a Cambridge Food Resource Guide with information about food pantries, free community meals, food resources for older adults, and more.
Cambridge Housing Authority and the City of Cambridge have a long, proud tradition of providing support to our low-income, elderly, and disabled citizens. Whether you need help with childcare, healthcare, finishing school, learning a trade, or looking for something fun to do on the weekend, the Community Resources Page can be a helpful resource.
- The City of Cambridge offers a variety of programs for safety, housing, food security, and coping with severe weather.
Mental Health
Cambridge Youth Council has compiled a mental health awareness campaign for youth, by youth. Check out the CYC Youth Headspace Campaign for mental health resources, organizations, facts, quotes, and de-stressing techniques.
CopeCode Club provides a database of support resources available to youth in Boston.
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (NAMI Massachusetts) is a nonprofit grassroots organization seeking to improve the quality of life for people living with mental health conditions, their families, and their caregivers. Check out their resource directory at https://namimass.org/resources/.
Education
- Cambridge Public Schools have published resources for Students, Families, Teachers & Staff
- National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is a leading organization dedicated to supporting students through their journey to higher education. They provide resources, professional development and guidelines for college counselors and admissions officers all over the world. They frequently host college fairs and have a lucrative student resource page.
Employment
- The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) offers a variety of Youth Employment Programs and services to Cambridge teens and young adults, their families and programs that support them. During the Summer, teens can apply to work with Youth Underground as a part of the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program.
- Cambridge Employment Program (CEP) provides free employment assistance to Cambridge residents including counseling and job search assistance, help with resumes and cover letters, identifying job leads, researching employers, and using the Internet for job search. The program’s job developers also work with job-ready clients to match them with open positions.
- Career Source provides employment services to all types of businesses and job seekers at all professional levels. Career Source offers free access to computers for job search at their respective program offices. Career Source also offers enrolled clients free workshops in Internet use for job search and classes in Microsoft Office software.
- Mass Cultural Council works to elevate our rich cultural life in Massachusetts serving the Commonwealth and all who live, work, visit, and play here by amplifying creativity, providing resources, expanding relationships, and championing transformational changes that maintain and grow a thriving creative and cultural ecosystem. Their Artists & Creatives Page outlines opportunities for grants, space rentals, and jobs across Massachusetts.
Climate
Climate Psychology Alliance North America (CPA-NA) addresses the urgent psychological dimensions of the climate and ecological crisis and promotes cultural shifts toward human resilience, regeneration, and equity. Join CPA-NA for a Climate Cafe or Event and check out resources for Those Affected By Disasters, General Climate & Mental Health Resources, and An Educator’s Guide to Climate Emotions.
- Mass Audubon Youth Climate Leadership Program empowers MA youth passionate about combating the climate crisis through partnerships, project-based learning, and social activism. The story of one of these Youth Climate Leaders was included in the play. Check out the organization’s Climate Change Resource Page.
Book Bans
- With the help of PEN America, learn 5 Ways to Fight Book Bans, Tips for Students to Mobilize and Respond, and Strategies to Combat Censorship.
- Educate yourself about book bans and the 10,046 books banned in the 2023-2024 school year.