Rising Stars Program, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston Build Next Generation of Skilled Talent

The Rising Stars Program, a nonprofit focused on closing the skilled labor gap by connecting young adults to construction careers, has formed a new partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) to launch Trade Trailblazers—an eight-week summer internship and career exploration program designed to introduce Boston teens to the skilled trades.

Launching in summer 2026, Trade Trailblazers will give students ages 17–18 the chance to explore four to six union trades through hands-on technical training, safety certifications and career readiness workshops. Each participant will choose two trades for deeper exploration, gaining exposure, credentials and mentorship that can support long-term careers in high-demand fields.

The program reaches students earlier than traditional career initiatives, giving teens the clarity and confidence to understand their post-graduation options before making major decisions.

By combining Rising Stars’ industry network with BGCB’s trusted community pipeline, Trade Trailblazers will deliver meaningful real-world experiences while helping unions and contractors access a diverse pool of young talent during a period of significant workforce shortages.

“This new partnership is all about opening more doors for young people,” says David Hutchinson, Executive Director of the Rising Stars Program. “By teaming up with organizations like BGCB that share our vision, we can provide students with real opportunities to build meaningful careers and help industries find the skilled workforce they need for the future.”

Expanding Boston’s Workforce Readiness Pipeline

For Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, the partnership strengthens its workforce readiness framework—a continuum of programs that connects academic learning with real career pathways. BGCB emphasizes hands-on learning, mentorship and exposure to high-demand industries that range from healthcare and technology to the skilled trades.

Through Trade Trailblazers, the two organizations aim to ensure Boston teens, especially those from underrepresented communities, gain equitable access to opportunity and are prepared to contribute to the city’s economic growth.

“Trade Trailblazers is about creating access and confidence,” says Andrea Swain, Chief Impact Officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. “When teens can see and experience what is possible in the trades, they begin to envision futures filled with stability, purpose and pride. This partnership with Rising Stars expands our ability to prepare young people for the workforce Boston needs while giving them the tools and relationships that help them thrive.”