Become a Youth Ambassador.
Make a Difference in Your Community.
Questions?
Email youth@sbchc.org
Since 2004, South Boston Community Health Center's Youth Ambassadors Program has supported teens as leaders, advocates, and changemakers in their communities. Youth Ambassadors meet weekly to explore topics that matter, work on community projects, and build real-world skills - all in a supportive, adult-supervised environment. Teens are welcome to join at any time and attend meetings as their schedule allows.
Why Teens Join Youth Ambassadors
- Build leadership and communication skills
- Make new friends from across Boston
- Work on real community projects
- Explore topics like health, wellness, and social issues
- Gain experience that looks great on resumes and applications
- Receive recognition for participation and documented volunteer hours
"To learn new stuff, also for the food and gift card." - Current YA Member, Age 13
"To learn about community and to get to know more people." - Current YA Member, Age 14
Why Teens Join Youth Ambassadors
The Youth Ambassadors Program is built on a nationally recognized youth development approach that focuses on strengths, connection, and growth. Each meeting is designed around three core areas:
1. Leadership Development
Teens build confidence, communication skills, and teamwork through discussions, activities, and leadership workshops.
2. Health & Wellness Education
Youth explore age-appropriate health and wellness topics, learn prevention strategies, and develop skills to support themselves and their peers.
3. Service to the Community
Youth Ambassadors give back through service projects, neighborhood initiatives, and community engagement throughout Boston. Together, these areas help teens grow as leaders while staying connected to their community.
Ready to learn more?
Fill out the sign-up form and our team will follow up within 48 hours.
Topics may include:
- Leadership and communication skills
- Community issues that matter to teens
- Health and wellness education
- Art, service, and neighborhood projects
- Peer discussion and teamwork
FAQs
What Teens Do in the Program
During meetings, Youth Ambassadors:
- Take part in interactive discussions and activities
- Explore topics that affect teens and their communities
- Learn leadership and communication skills
- Work on community service and neighborhood projects
- Build friendships and support networks
Recognition for Participation
Youth Ambassadors who attend meetings receive a small gift card for each session as a way to recognize their time, effort, and commitment to the program. Participation is always about learning, leadership, and community, the gift card is simply a thank-you for showing up and being engaged.
What Parents Should Know
- Free program run by South Boston Community Health Center
- Adult-supervised, structured weekly meetings
- Focus on positive youth development and community engagement
- Open to youth from all Boston neighborhoods
- Parent/guardian consent required prior to participation
- Hilary parent of Youth Ambassador
What We're Working On
Each week, Youth Ambassadors explore a new topic through discussion, hands-on activities, and community-based projects. Topics are planned in advance to give teens and parents visibility into what meetings will cover.
Youth Ambassadors follow a weekly schedule of topics focused on leadership, wellness, and community engagement. Teens are welcome to join at any time, each session stands on its own.
Fall 2026 Meeting Schedule
| Date | Topic | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 09/29 | Welcome! Design YA Build connection among youth and incorporate youth voice into program design. | SBCHC |
| 10/06 | Community Service: Clean Up Participate in a South Boston Community Health Center site clean-up (litter removal and gardening). | South Boston Community (West Broadway Area) |
| 10/13 | Values & Identity Formation: Strengthen connections within group and deepen youth insight into their own identities, values, and their inherent strengths. | SBCHC |
| 10/20 | Event: SB Chase Bank Financial Workshop 1 of 2 Budgeting and Saving: This session for young adults teaches the basics of budgeting and saving, empowering you to make the most of your money and confidently step into your financial future. | Chase South Boston Branch 441 W Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127 |
| 10/27 | Mock Election Youth can learn how voting works in Massachusetts and explore the major statewide ballot questions that voters will consider in the Nov 2026 election. | SBCHC |
| 11/03 | Event: Boston Public Library Copley Teen Central Tour Explore a dedicated teen space designed to support creativity, academic success, and personal growth. Learn about the resources, programs, and opportunities available to help young people thrive in school, career development, and beyond. | BPL Central Copley Library 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116 |
| 11/10 | Substance Use Prevention and Education: Understanding Substance Use: Effects on Physical, Mental, and Social Well-Being | SBCHC |
| 11/17 | Event: SB Chase Bank Financial Workshop 2 of 2 Understanding and Building Credit: In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn the basics of credit, including what it is and why it matters, how to check your credit score and reports, how to get started building credit and how to protect your credit. | Chase South Boston Branch 441 W Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127 |
| 11/24 | Basic Life Skills CPR Workshop with the Collaborative Center Director Jake Bombard, LICSW | SBCHC |
| 12/01 | Art Workshop on Gratitude: Learn mixed-media collage techniques and deepening understanding of gratitude practices. | SBCHC |
| 12/08 | Marshmallow Towers Challenge: Teamwork in Action Youth Ambassadors will work together to design, strategize, and build the tallest tower. | SBCHC |