Do something great this summer.
Working Towards Change offers hands-on programs for high school students who want to build skills, make an impact, and step into leadership — not just check a box.
The best summers aren’t the ones where students are busy — they’re the ones where students grow. Working Towards Change creates meaningful opportunities for high schoolers to develop leadership skills, engage in genuine community service, and build the kind of real-world experience that shapes who they’re becoming. Whether your student is already service-minded or just looking for the right place to get started, there’s a place for them here.
These are not sit-and-listen programs. This is real work, real decisions, and real impact.
Program Overview
Green Threads
Pop Up Thrift Store
Launch and run a real student-led pop-up thrift shop
Become a Social Entrepreneur
Develop a business concept that gives back to the community
Youth Leadership Board
Help shape the direction of
Working Towards Change
Performing Arts Youth Advisory
Help develop our first (annual) fundraising gala and showcase
Green Threads & More Leadership Lab
Launch and run a real student-led pop-up thrift shop — from donation drives to live sales events. No lectures. No simulations. Just real business experience with real community impact.
Students will:
- Learn product sourcing and runs donation drives
- Develop inventory management and merchandising
- Implement marketing, branding, and social media strategies
- Create Financial tracking and pricing strategy
- Develop Community partnerships and outreach
- Participate in event planning and pop-up shop execution
At the same time, students will explore:
- Sustainability and ethical consumerism
- The intersection of business and social impact
- Leadership, collaboration, and accountability
- How to translate experience into compelling college applications and essays
Details:
- Rising 10th - 12 graders
- 10 - 15 hours a week
- Hybrid - some meetings will be held in person (Newton, MA)
- We understand that students already have travel plans or summer commitments. Students will be excused from meetings and program expectations during those times, as long as absences are pre-arranged.
Youth Leadership Board Advisory Committee
Ready to help shape the direction of WTC itself? Weekly volunteer meetings are your entry point — pre-training for students who want to earn a seat on our Youth Leadership Board and take ownership of what we do next.
Students will:
- Research and develop 2026 - 2027 WTC events and programming
- Participate in leadership development training
- Advise WTC on future direction of programming
- Participate in weekly service activities
- Create a marketing plan
- Build a recruitment plan to attract new members
At the same time, students will explore:
- The intersection of mental health benefits and volunteerism
- Leadership, collaboration, and accountability
- How to translate experience into compelling college applications and essays
Details:
- Rising 8th - 11th graders
- 2 hours a week
- Hybrid - meetings will be held in person (Newton, MA)
- Cost: Free
- We understand that students already have travel plans or summer commitments. Students will be excused from meetings and program expectations during those times, as long as absences are pre-arranged.
Performing Arts
Youth Leadership Advisory Board
The Youth Leadership Performing Art Advisory Board is a group of high school students in the greater Boston area who are passionate about the Arts, Community Service, and Creating Change.
Students will:
- Plan and execute our 1st Annual Performing Arts Gala
- Participate in leadership development discussions, strengthen communication skills
- Build out a business plan, research to acquire sponsors
- Create a marketing plan
- Research the beneficiaries of business
At the same time, students will explore:
- The intersection of arts and social impact
- Collaboration, and accountability
- Leadership in arts administration
- How to translate experience into compelling college applications and essays
Details:
- Rising 9th - 12th graders
- 2 hours a week
- Meetings will be held in person (Newton, MA)
- Cost: Free
- We understand that students already have travel plans or summer commitments. Students will be excused from meetings and program expectations during those times, as long as absences are pre-arranged.
What Makes This Different and Why it Matters
Most summer programs are curated for students. This one is built by them.
Students leave with:
A tangible project they helped create and run
Leadership experience with real responsibility
Measurable impact (funds raised, items distributed, partnerships built)
A story that is actually worth telling
Program Details:
Duration: 6 weeks
Who: Rising 9th–12th graders
Format: In-person (with optional virtual planning components)
Time Commitment: ~6–10 hours/week
Final Outcome: A fully executed pop-up thrift shop + impact report
Program Tracks (Students Choose or Rotate):
Operations Team – logistics, inventory, pricing
Marketing & Brand Team – social media, campaigns, storytelling
Community Impact Team – partnerships, donation strategy
Finance Team – budgeting, pricing models, tracking revenue
Final Showcase: Students will:
- Run the live pop-up shop
- Present results (financial + community impact)
- Reflect on leadership and growth
- Package their experience for resumes and college essays
Application
Green Threads & More: Summer Application
(Social) Entrepreneur Leadership Training
A 7-week course (both in-person and virtual options) in which students will develop a business venture concept that includes a way to give back to the community, create a real pitch, a basic business model, and a defined community impact plan.
Students will:
At the same time, students will explore:
Details: