ADP Youth was established in 1998, organizing in partnership with UMass to establish a pipeline program for low-income youth of color. This early program included work-study tutors, bringing admission and financial aid staff to ADP neighborhoods, and twice yearly on-campus weekend visits.  ADP’s model pipeline became a state initiative called “Diversity Initiative Grant” and received multiyear funding.

In September of 2008 Governor Deval Patrick appointed 28 youth leaders to share their perspective youth related issues in the commonwealth. An ADP Youth leader sat on this council as a representative of Hampton County; wielding & building statewide power, building relationships with state elected officials, & implementing policy change in the state. 

During every summer, since 2005, ADP has employed 40+ youth from our four affordable housing co-ops to work in their own neighborhoods. As part of job training, ADP Youth receive skills trainings, critical leadership development, and community building experiences. We believe it’s important to prepare youth in our communities for the workplace by bringing real-life jobs into the community.

"We want our youth to know they have a seat in an organization where they’re not pressured by societal expectations, and where they have a voice - with that voice they have the power to create lasting change. The ADP Youth Program is not just any program - it’s a safe place where young leaders are given the resources they need to succeed."