Boston Center for Independent Living > Youth Workshops

Youth Workshops

The Boston Center for Independent Living’s Pre-Employment Transition Services is hosting a four-week employment preparation workshop series. This series is designed to help students confidently search for, apply to, and interview for jobs. Participants will learn how to find job opportunities, create strong resumes and cover letters, complete job applications accurately, and develop essential interview skills. The course focuses on practical, real-world strategies that employers expect, helping students build confidence and independence throughout the hiring process. By the end of the program, students will have the tools, knowledge, and materials needed to begin applying for jobs right away. Get started with: Searching for jobs Resumes & cover letters Applications & references Interview skills This series is offered at three different times. Participants will join one of the following groups: Group 1: April 8–29 Group 2: May 6–27 Group 3: June 3–24 Time: Wednesdays, 4:00–5:00 PM Location: Virtual (Zoom) Eligibility: Youth (ages 14–21) with disabilities who are in high school or a post-secondary education program To register: Click here or scan the QR code above. Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link via email. If you have any questions, please reach out to Maddie Heavey, BCIL’s Youth Services Program Manager, at mheavey@bostoncil.org

The Boston Center for Independent Living’s Pre-Employment Transition Services is hosting a four-week employment preparation workshop series. This series is designed to help students confidently search for, apply to, and interview for jobs. Participants will learn how to find job opportunities, create strong resumes and cover letters, complete job applications accurately, and develop essential interview skills.
The course focuses on practical, real-world strategies that employers expect, helping students build confidence and independence throughout the hiring process. By the end of the program, students will have the tools, knowledge, and materials needed to begin applying for jobs right away.

Get started with:
Searching for jobs
Resumes & cover letters
Applications & references
Interview skills

This series is offered at three different times. Participants will join one of the following groups:
Group 1: April 8–29
Group 2: May 6–27
Group 3: June 3–24
Time: Wednesdays, 4:00–5:00 PM
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Eligibility: Youth (ages 14–21) with disabilities who are in high school or a post-secondary education program
To register: Click here or scan the QR code above. Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link via email.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Maddie Heavey, BCIL’s Youth Services Program Manager, at mheavey@bostoncil.org

Join the Boston Center for Independent Living and Easterseals Massachusetts for a week of learning about and engaging in legislative advocacy for the disability community. During April break, we will be visiting Boston City Hall and participating in IL Education Day at the State House. Read below to find out more information about each fieldtrip! Visit Boston City Hall Tour city hall and learn about the different departments and disability advocacy at the city level. When: April 21st: 10:30 AM-1:00 PM Where: 1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201 (entrance near Government Center station) Lunch will be provided IL Education Day Join people with disabilities of all ages in a day of learning and advocacy at the State House. We will learn about different causes that are important to the disability community (ex: accessibility of the MBTA) and then participate in advocacy work with our state legislators! When: April 23rd, 10 AM- 3PM Where: 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133 (front of building) Lunch will be provided Eligibility: Highschool students with a documented disability (IEP, 504, medical documentation) Registration: To register: Click here or scan the QR code above. If you have any questions, please reach out to Maddie Heavey, BCIL’s Youth Services Program Manager, at mheavey@bostoncil.org

Join the Boston Center for Independent Living and Easterseals Massachusetts for a week of learning about and engaging in legislative advocacy for the disability community.
During April break, we will be visiting Boston City Hall and participating in IL Education Day at the State House. Read below to find out more information about each fieldtrip!
Visit Boston City Hall
Tour city hall and learn about the different departments and disability advocacy at the city level.
When: April 21st: 10:30 AM-1:00 PM
Where: 1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201 (entrance near Government Center station)
Lunch will be provided

IL Education Day
Join people with disabilities of all ages in a day of learning and advocacy at the State House. We will learn about different causes that are important to the disability community (ex: accessibility of the MBTA) and then participate in advocacy work with our state legislators!
When: April 23rd, 10 AM- 3PM
Where: 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133 (front of building)
Lunch will be provided

Eligibility: Highschool students with a documented disability (IEP, 504, medical documentation)
Registration: To register: Click here or scan the QR code above.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Maddie Heavey, BCIL’s Youth Services Program Manager, at mheavey@bostoncil.org

What Is Job Shadowing? Job shadowing allows participants to: • Observe employees in real work settings • Learn about daily job responsibilities • Ask questions about workplace skills, expectations, and career paths • Build confidence and workplace readiness What You’ll Experience Participants may have the opportunity to: • Tour the workplace • Observe job tasks and routines • Learn about customer service and teamwork • Explore different job roles and employment pathways Who Should Participate? • Youth and young adults interested in employment exploration • Youth supported by BCIL programs • Those interested in retail, customer service, or hospitality work Why Should You Participate? • Get a Foot in the Door: Job shadowing helps you make a first connection with real employers and learn what they look for in employees. • Connect With Retailers for Future Jobs: Build relationships with places like BCIL and Bitty & Beau’s Coffee that may help lead to future employment opportunities. • Explore Real Jobs Before Applying: See what the job is really like before deciding if it’s a good fit for you. • Build Workplace Confidence: Practice being in a work setting, talking with staff, and understanding workplace expectations. • Gain Valuable Experience: Learn skills like customer service, teamwork, and time management that employers value. • Ask Questions & Learn From Employees: Get honest answers about job duties, schedules, and how to succeed at work. Requirements: • Attend a virtual (Zoom) job shadowing workshop before participating in a showing experience o Friday April 17th, 2026 (afterschool) @ 4PM-5PM o Tuesday April 21st, 2026 @ 10AM-11AM • Youth ages 16-21 with any documented disability • You must be in high school or a post-secondary education program (university, college, vocational school, or trade school) PARTICIPATING PARTNERS: Beacon Hill Athletic Clubs A modern neighborhood gym offering strength and cardio equipment, functional training space, and personal training. Located near Maverick Station, it provides a welcoming environment where members and staff work together to support fitness goals. Students will receive a tour of the gym and learn about customer service and day-to-day operations. Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Schedule: • Meet at BCIL: 1:00 PM • Job Shadowing: 2:00–3:00 PM • Debrief at BCIL: 3:00–3:30 PM Meeting Location: Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111 (T stops: Park Street or Downtown Crossing) Job Shadowing Location: 252 Meridian St, Boston, MA Boston Children’s Museum Boston Children’s Museum is an interactive museum featuring hands-on exhibits in science, art, culture, and health that encourage learning through play. With three floors of engaging activities, it offers a dynamic environment where visitors explore, create, and build real-world skills. Students will shadow a Visitor Experience Ambassador and learn about customer service, greeting visitors, and supporting a positive guest experience. Dates: Wednesday, April 22 or Thursday, April 23, 2026 Schedule: • Meet at BCM: 8:30 AM • Job Shadowing: 9:00–10:00 AM • Debrief: 10:30–11:00 AM Meeting & Shadowing Location: Boston Children’s Museum 308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210 Debrief/Pickup Location: Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111 (T stops: Park Street or Downtown Crossing) Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Bitty & Beau’s is a nationally recognized coffee shop known for its inclusive hiring model, creating meaningful paid employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students will learn about customer service, assisting customers, preparing drinks, and working in a disability-led environment. Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Schedule: • Meet at BCIL: 11:00 AM • Job Shadowing: 12:00–1:00 PM • Debrief at BCIL: 1:30–2:00 PM Meeting Location: Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111 (T stops: Park Street or Downtown Crossing) Job Shadowing Location: 30 Water St, Cambridge, MA 02141 Shaw’s Supermarket Students will job shadow at Shaw’s and observe daily operations such as stocking shelves, assisting customers, and working as part of a team. Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026 Schedule: • Meet at BCIL: 12:00 PM • Job Shadowing: 1:00–2:00 PM • Debrief: 2:00–2:30 PM Meeting Location: Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111 (T stops: Park Street or Downtown Crossing) Job Shadowing Location: 246 Border St, East Boston, MA 02128 Stars Branding Stars Branding is a Boston-based company that provides custom apparel, printing, and branding services. Students will explore how branded products are designed and created, observing graphic design, printing, and embroidery while learning about teamwork and careers in a small business. Date: Friday, April 24, 2026 Schedule: • Meet at BCIL: 10:45 AM • Job Shadowing: 12:00–1:00 PM • Debrief: 1:00–1:30 PM Meeting Location: Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111 (T stops: Park Street or Downtown Crossing) Job Shadowing Location: 175 William F. McClellan Hwy, Boston, MA 02128 Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) The Boston Center for Independent Living is a frontline civil rights organization led by people with disabilities. It works to eliminate discrimination, isolation, and segregation by providing advocacy, peer support, skills training, PCA services, and transitional services. Students will shadow an executive assistant and learn about administrative and reception tasks such as answering phones, greeting visitors, and organizing outreach materials. Date: Friday, April 24, 2026 Schedule: • Meet at BCIL: 12:30 PM • Job Shadowing: 12:30–2:00 PM • Debrief: 2:00–2:30 PM Location: Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111 (T stops: Park Street or Downtown Crossing) For more information or to sign up, please contact: Maddie Heavey, BCIL Youth Services Program Manager Email: mheavey@bostoncil.org Phone: 617-338-6665 EXT 244
What Is Job Shadowing?

Job shadowing allows participants to:
• Observe employees in real work settings
• Learn about daily job responsibilities
• Ask questions about workplace skills, expectations, and career paths
• Build confidence and workplace readiness

What You’ll Experience
Participants may have the opportunity to:
• Tour the workplace
• Observe job tasks and routines
• Learn about customer service and teamwork
• Explore different job roles and employment pathways

Who Should Participate?
• Youth and young adults interested in employment exploration
• Youth supported by BCIL programs
• Those interested in retail, customer service, or hospitality work

Why Should You Participate?
• Get a Foot in the Door: Job shadowing helps you make a first connection with real employers and learn what they look for in employees.
• Connect With Retailers for Future Jobs: Build relationships with places like BCIL and Bitty & Beau’s Coffee that may help lead to future employment opportunities.
• Explore Real Jobs Before Applying: See what the job is really like before deciding if it’s a good fit for you.
• Build Workplace Confidence: Practice being in a work setting, talking with staff, and understanding workplace expectations.
• Gain Valuable Experience: Learn skills like customer service, teamwork, and time management that employers value.
• Ask Questions & Learn From Employees: Get honest answers about job duties, schedules, and how to succeed at work.

Requirements:
• Attend a virtual (Zoom) job shadowing workshop before participating in a showing experience
o Friday April 17th, 2026 (afterschool) @ 4PM-5PM
o Tuesday April 21st, 2026 @ 10AM-11AM
• Youth ages 16-21 with any documented disability
• You must be in high school or a post-secondary education program (university, college, vocational school, or trade school)

PARTICIPATING PARTNERS:
Beacon Hill Athletic Clubs
A modern neighborhood gym offering strength and cardio equipment, functional training space, and personal training. Located near Maverick Station, it provides a welcoming environment where members and staff work together to support fitness goals. Students will receive a tour of the gym and learn about customer service and day-to-day operations.
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Schedule:
• Meet at BCIL: 1:00 PM
• Job Shadowing: 2:00–3:00 PM
• Debrief at BCIL: 3:00–3:30 PM
Meeting Location:
Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL)
60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
(T stops: Park Street or Downtown Crossing)
Job Shadowing Location:
252 Meridian St, Boston, MA

Boston Children’s Museum
Boston Children’s Museum is an interactive museum featuring hands-on exhibits in science, art, culture, and health that encourage learning through play. With three floors of engaging activities, it offers a dynamic environment where visitors explore, create, and build real-world skills. Students will shadow a Visitor Experience Ambassador and learn about customer service, greeting visitors, and supporting a positive guest experience.
Dates: Wednesday, April 22 or Thursday, April 23, 2026
Schedule:
• Meet at BCM: 8:30 AM
• Job Shadowing: 9:00–10:00 AM
• Debrief: 10:30–11:00 AM
Meeting & Shadowing Location:
Boston Children’s Museum
308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Debrief/Pickup Location:
Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL)
60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
(T stops: Park Street or Downtown Crossing)

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
Bitty & Beau’s is a nationally recognized coffee shop known for its inclusive hiring model, creating meaningful paid employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students will learn about customer service, assisting customers, preparing drinks, and working in a disability-led environment.
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Schedule:
• Meet at BCIL: 11:00 AM
• Job Shadowing: 12:00–1:00 PM
• Debrief at BCIL: 1:30–2:00 PM
Meeting Location:
Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL)
60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
(T stops: Park Street or Downtown Crossing)
Job Shadowing Location:
30 Water St, Cambridge, MA 02141

Shaw’s Supermarket
Students will job shadow at Shaw’s and observe daily operations such as stocking shelves, assisting customers, and working as part of a team.
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Schedule:
• Meet at BCIL: 12:00 PM
• Job Shadowing: 1:00–2:00 PM
• Debrief: 2:00–2:30 PM
Meeting Location:
Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL)
60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
(T stops: Park Street or Downtown Crossing)
Job Shadowing Location:
246 Border St, East Boston, MA 02128

Stars Branding
Stars Branding is a Boston-based company that provides custom apparel, printing, and branding services. Students will explore how branded products are designed and created, observing graphic design, printing, and embroidery while learning about teamwork and careers in a small business.
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Schedule:
• Meet at BCIL: 10:45 AM
• Job Shadowing: 12:00–1:00 PM
• Debrief: 1:00–1:30 PM
Meeting Location:
Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL)
60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
(T stops: Park Street or Downtown Crossing)
Job Shadowing Location:
175 William F. McClellan Hwy, Boston, MA 02128

Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL)
The Boston Center for Independent Living is a frontline civil rights organization led by people with disabilities. It works to eliminate discrimination, isolation, and segregation by providing advocacy, peer support, skills training, PCA services, and transitional services. Students will shadow an executive assistant and learn about administrative and reception tasks such as answering phones, greeting visitors, and organizing outreach materials.
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Schedule:
• Meet at BCIL: 12:30 PM
• Job Shadowing: 12:30–2:00 PM
• Debrief: 2:00–2:30 PM
Location:
Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL)
60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
(T stops: Park Street or Downtown Crossing)

For more information or to sign up, please contact:
Maddie Heavey, BCIL Youth Services Program Manager
Email: mheavey@bostoncil.org
Phone: 617-338-6665 EXT 244

The Boston Center for Independent Living is hosting an art career workshop called Art Careers with Open Door Arts. Educators from Open Door Arts will teach youth ages 14-21 about careers in the arts and how to advocate for themselves through the arts. In addition, youth will create a visual art project as a form of self-expression. When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Time:1-3 pm Where: BCIL (60 Temple Pl, Boston) Eligibility: High School and Post secondary students 14-21 with disability documentation. Please email documentation to Maddie Heavey at mheavey@bostoncil.org. To Register: Click here or scan the QR code above. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email. If you have any questions, please reach out to Maddie Heavey, BCIL’s Youth Services Program Manager, at mheavey@bostoncil.org Best, BCIL Youth Services Team
The Boston Center for Independent Living is hosting an art career workshop called Art Careers with Open Door Arts. Educators from Open Door Arts will teach youth ages 14-21 about careers in the arts and how to advocate for themselves through the arts. In addition, youth will create a visual art project as a form of self-expression.

When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time:1-3 pm
Where: BCIL (60 Temple Pl, Boston)

Eligibility: High School and Post secondary students 14-21 with disability documentation. Please email documentation to Maddie Heavey at mheavey@bostoncil.org.

To Register: Click here or scan the QR code above. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Maddie Heavey, BCIL’s Youth Services Program Manager, at mheavey@bostoncil.org