State Sen. Pavel M. Payano, who represents Lawrence, Haverhill and Methuen, was recently honored with the YouthBuild Champion Award during the 30th Annual YouthBuild Advocacy Day at the State House.
Payano was honored by the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition in recognition of his leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities for young people across the Commonwealth. The award follows passage of Payano’s budget amendment that doubled funding for YouthBuild from $1.75 million to $3 million.
“YouthBuild doesn’t just give young people a second chance, it gives them the power to define their own future,” said Payano. “This is about more than education and job training. It’s about showing young people that they are seen, that they matter, and that we will stand with them as they build the lives they deserve.”
Terry Moran, executive director of the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition, said the increase was a turning point for YouthBuild programs across Massachusetts, many of which were at risk of deep cuts. He explained “Last year, we were on the verge of losing nearly half of our funding. Imagine that. Half. That would have meant that for every two young people in this room, only one would have had a seat.”
YouthBuild Lawrence, operated by Lawrence Prospera, was founded in 1992 by the City of Lawrence Youth Commission. The organization offers English as a Second Language courses, citizenship education and mentoring programs. Over the past 30 years, YouthBuild Lawrence has graduated more than 500 young people and contributed to building over 10 homes in the city.
Payano shared the story of Stanley, a YouthBuild Lawrence participant, who, after dropping out of high school, found a second chance through the program. With YouthBuild’s support, Stanley earned his GED, obtained an OSHA certification and is now on the path to becoming a professional welder.