“Research has shown that earlier exposure to information and experiences related to careers leads to young people making more informed decisions regarding their futures. I am excited to work with this amazing organization as we look to expand our workforce readiness strategy and ensure that all of young people get the tools that they need to succeed in the 21st century economy.” – Edward Powell, Associate Vice President of Workforce Readiness
Boys & Girls Club of Boston (BGCB) is strengthening its investment in workforce readiness by welcoming Edward Powell as Associate Vice President of Workforce Readiness. This addition marks a tremendous next step for BGCB’s ongoing work to provide pathways to success for the youth of Boston and Chelsea.
BGCB’s vision is for all young people to complete high school at grade level in reading, writing, and math, and graduate with a defined post-Club plan. Ready to Work, BGCB’s workforce readiness initiative, connects Club teens with valuable opportunities to build their own robust post-Club plan by participating in SAT prep courses, college tours, professional skill building activities, and internships with major employers throughout Boston and Chelsea.
Powell, who is looking to expand Ready to Work, brings a wealth of experience to BGCB from Justice Resource Institute (JRI), where he served as Vice President for Community Engagement and Executive Director of the STRIVE Boston program, an acclaimed workforce development program. His leadership expanded trauma-informed programming in violence-affected neighborhoods and his work created new career pathways for individuals facing long-term barriers to employment.
Powell has also served as Executive Director of Street Safe Boston, an initiative of The Boston Foundation. Engaging with 20 active violence groups in Boston, Powell implemented the Street Safe Transitional Employment Program (STEP), resulting in employment opportunities for gang-involved youth.
Edward’s dedication to improving the workforce readiness of Boston’s Youth is also reflected in his roles as a member of the Meet Boston Workforce Community Advisory Board and Advisory Board member of the Greenlight Fund and Youth Guidance’s Becoming a Man (BAM) program.
Edward Powell, Associate Vice President of Workforce Readiness
Furthermore, during his tenure at Boston Private Industry Council (PIC), Edward served as Deputy Director and as the Director of School-to-Career Program.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Delaware State University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Suffolk University. Additionally, he earned a Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from Boston University and is an alumnus of The Partnership, Inc. Next Generation Executive Program.
Boys & Girls Club of Boston is excited to add Powell to as it gears up to execute its bold, strategic plan to become the surest path to success for youth in Boston and Chelsea.
