BOSTON -- Last summer, the U.S. had the lowest rate of teen employment since 1948. Low-income and at-risk youth need us to believe in them this summer.

Think about mentoring a minor with jobs, internships, training, volunteer work and other useful activities. Both State Street and Brigham and Women's Hospital intend to employ more than 100 Boston teens. Virtually no business is too small to participate.

Video

One summer, the Worcester Y took a chance on a teen named Matt. This year, they hired him part-time as he studies early childhood education at Quinsigamond Community College.

At 14, Alexander was about to join a gang. Thanks to the Career Center of Lowell, he now works part-time at the Lowell Spinners and UPS as he attends Middlesex Community College.

Another Madison Park student had failed MCAS. The Boston PIC (PICK) program found her an hour of tutoring each day AND a summer job at Citizen's Bank. She passed MCAS, graduated from high school and is now working full-time at a financial services company while saving money for college.

There are many other success stories we could share. Perhaps in a business like yours, teenagers could learn work skills and a sense of community. Job Programs are happy to help.

Call the Governor's Hotline at 866-968-8461, if you think you can help change a life.