View the photo gallery below for highlights from the graduation ceremony.
On June 11, 2026, thirteen participants were recognized at the YouthBuild graduation ceremony. These graduates either successfully completed the YouthBuild program or earned their HiSET credential.
In addition to their educational achievements, several graduates also obtained employment, demonstrating their commitment to achieving both academic and workforce goals. Other program participants continue to make progress toward earning their HiSET and remain actively engaged in services and supports designed to help them reach that milestone.
YouthBuild is a comprehensive program that helps young adults strengthen their educational foundation, develop workforce skills, explore career pathways, and build leadership abilities while preparing for long-term success. Through a combination of education, hands-on training, career readiness, and supportive services, participants gain the tools needed to achieve their personal and professional goals.
The graduation ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments, hard work, and perseverance of the participants and recognize the progress they have made toward their educational and career goals.
For more information about the YouthBuild program, visit PACE YouthBuild Program.
MassHire GNB Youth Program Manager Honored with Friend of YouthBuild Award
I wanted to share and recognize Lindsey! She is still out on maternity leave for another six weeks, but she still shows up for our youth! She is a great example of what this work should look like.
Lindsey, Mike, and I attended the YouthBuild graduation on June 11, 2026, where she was presented with the Friend of YouthBuild Award, voted on by the New Bedford YouthBuild youth. This award is in recognition of her dedication, leadership, and mentorship for each youth in the program.
Lindsey has made an impact on each youth she has worked with by showing up, being committed, providing support and encouragement, and inspiring them to achieve their goals one step at a time. Lindsey has guided youth through everyday challenges and always teaches them to show up for themselves.
This reflects on the commitment and success of each youth within the YouthBuild program, but also on the mission of MassHire Greater New Bedford in creating the opportunities and pathways for youth to be successful. This reflects on the commitment and success of each youth within the YouthBuild program, but also on the mission of MassHire Greater New Bedford in creating the opportunities and pathways for youth to be successful.
Let’s congratulate Lindsey for being the rock star that she is.
−Christina Baptiste, MassHire GNB Workforce Board Interim Youth Program Director
