Youth Career Pathways Initiative (YCPI)

Program Type: Matching grant program for volunteer engagement in youth career development

Geographic Scope: Massachusetts

Goal: Strengthen and sustain the ability of organizations to support volunteer work that allows youth to develop meaningful and tangible work-related skills and/or explore a variety of work environments and career options.

Award: Matching grants of up to $20,000

Funding Source: Massachusetts Service Alliance's connection to AmeriCorps' Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF)

Eligible Applicants

• Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (incorporated in Massachusetts)
• Institutions of higher education
• State agencies
• Community or faith-based organizations
• Federally recognized Tribal Nations
• City councils or other municipal government entities
• Partnerships of any of the above entities

Eligible Uses of Funds

YCPI funds can be used for implementation of new programming, expansion of existing programming, or replication of promising models that either:

Option 1: Career Development Support

• Engages volunteers to support youth specifically with their career development and/or exploration
• Examples:

- Career development-focused mentoring programs for youth
- Student Success or Post-Secondary Transition Coaches (to improve college access and success in higher education)
- Specialized tutors/instructors for specific career readiness skill building
- Job readiness and job search assistance coaches/case managers for youth

Option 2: Youth as Volunteers

• Engages youth as volunteers to both meet urgent community needs while simultaneously developing skills that will better their chances for future employment
• Examples:

- Service-Learning programs combining learning and service with exposure to career options
- Student internships with local nonprofits for skill and experience building
- Apprenticeship programs

Program Expansion Definition: May include new geographic area(s) not currently served, engaging a new population of volunteers and/or youth, or building new partnerships with established organizations to deliver programming.

YCPI Grant Application Process

Request for Proposals (RFP):

MSA releases annual RFP for the 2026 grant period

Full RFP document available on website

Grant Info Session:

Attend the Youth Career Pathways Initiative Grant Info Session to learn more

Example: October 8th at 2 PM (previous year)

Recording available for those unable to attend live

Required Materials:

Organizations must submit:
1. Completed grant application per RFP guidelines
2. Budget documentation using provided templates:
- YCPI Budget Template 2026 (indirect rate version)
- YCPI Budget Template 2026 (no indirect rate version)
- Time Detail Template
3. Narrative proposal addressing:
- How the program engages volunteers in youth career development/exploration OR engages youth as volunteers
- Details on new implementation, expansion, or replication of model
- Goals and measurable outcomes
- Organizational capacity and qualifications

Submission Process:

Submit per RFP instructions

Deadlines specified in annual RFP (typically fall/winter timeframe)

For More Information:

Contact Ian Whalen-Stone, Program Officer for Volunteer Initiatives

Email inquiry through MSA contact form

Request fiscal reporting tools and budget templates from MSA