Youth Development, Empowerment & Education
Investing in Our Future Starts With Our Youth
My years in Boston's public schools and Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) weren't just a job—they were a calling.
They gave me a visceral understanding of the power and the vulnerabilities of our city's young people. I saw firsthand how their struggles, their dreams, and their families' needs are inextricably linked to the future of Boston itself.
Investing in our youth is the most strategic investment we can make.
That's why I'm driven to translate my experience into concrete policy changes—changes that amplify youth voices, and, most importantly, strategically invest time and resources into the programs and support systems that empower them to thrive.
Our city's youth aren't just the future –
they're the now.
Their voices must be heard in the decisions that shape their lives, and we owe them the resources and support to build a foundation for their success.
-Councilor At-Large Henry Santana
Strengthening Our Schools & Youth Programs
We must provide our youth with the resources they need to excel, and that includes robust funding for vital youth programs, schools and our community centers.
These are not just childcare or recreational spaces; they are essential hubs for growth, learning, and community building. They offer safe havens, enriching activities, and vital support systems for our young people and their families.
This also means ensuring full inclusion for all our youth, including language access for our diverse communities and appropriate resources and programming for our special education communities.
Amplifying Youth Voices
Our young people deserve a seat at the table, and their families deserve to be heard.
I believe that youth and their families are the experts on their own lives, and their experiences must inform the policies that affect them. That's why I prioritize working directly with youth and families to identify their needs and translate those needs into concrete legislative filings and policy initiatives.
Actively including youth in civic engagement empowers them to become informed and engaged citizens, laying the foundation for a lifetime of involvement in shaping their communities.
Creating Meaningful Youth Employment Opportunities
For youth a job is more than a paycheck; it's an opportunity for growth and a crucial investment in our city's future.
I file initiatives that create meaningful youth employment opportunities, providing young people with the skills, experience, and income they need to succeed and contribute to our economy. These jobs are not just summer gigs; they're building the foundation of our future workforce.
Youth employment provides the next generation with hands-on experience, applicable skills, and exposure to diverse career paths, directly bolstering Boston’s economic development.
LGBTQIA+ Youth Support & Protection:
Our queer and transgender youth deserve our unwavering support.
I prioritize policies that expand access to mental health services, combat stigma, and ensure they have the resources and support they need to flourish emotionally and mentally.
Their well-being is non-negotiable.
