Resources

Education


Foundation Center –  Foundation Grants to Individuals Online (GTIO) – A database of foundations that fund students and other individual grantseekers. See a librarian for assistance. In-library use at Central Library only.

Home Work  Research & Test Prep Resources

ModernStates.org –  A non-profit dedicated to making a high quality college education free of cost and accessible. Modern States’ Freshman Year for Free™ program is intended to let students earn up to one year of college credit without tuition or textbook expense.

Square One, Learn & Earn Progam – A FREE education and career building program for young parents ages 16-24, who are seeking to earn their high school equivalency diploma and begin building their careers while raising their children. Youth attend classes as well as work throughout the week.

Tech Foundry –  Springfield area  14-week IT training program that focuses on skills in four technological areas: networking, data analysis, programming, and computer troubleshooting.

U.S. Department of Education – Federal Student Aid – Read about the types of financial aid available from the government and other sources: grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.

Job Opportunities


Job CorpsWestover Jobs Corps Center –  Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. | Ages 16 – 24  | (800) 733-5627.

YWCA of Western MassachusettsWorkforce Development – YWCA YouthBuild Springfield provides HiSET preparation and job skills training program for young adults. | Ages 16-24 |  (413) 732-3121, ext.  137 – Workforce Development for Young Adults – Job skills training program for young adults. | Ages 17-24 | (413) 732-3121, ext. 108

YouthWorksA program designed to help young people learn the skills to find employment YouthWorks is part of  FutureWorks Career Center. | 16-21 years of age, in or out of school.

Recreation and Community


Boys & Girls Club – After school youth programs, evening teen programs, and summer sessions – from academic programs to the arts and athletics.

OutNow – Located in Springfield, Out Now provides a safe space for queer youth and allies to learn about themselves, develop leadership skills, explore the history of the LGBTQ movement, and much, much more.

YALSA Bookfinder –  Find Great books search  4,000+ books, audiobooks, and films by  author, genre or the latest award winners.

Safety and Health


Need Help? Local and National Resources
AddictionCrisisHousingHealthLGBTQ+Mental HealthViolence

Massachusetts Al-Anon – AlateenA fellowship of young Al-Anon members, usually teenagers, whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. (508) 366-0556 or (888) 425-2666

Narcotics AnonymousNew England Region  helpline | (866)  624-3578  and leave a message.

National Institute on Drug Abuse for TeensGet the latest facts on how drugs affect the brain, body, and lives of teens.

Behavioral Health Network – Local Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI) serves children and youth under the age of 21 who are going through a mental health or substance abuse crisis. | Call (413) 733-6661

Crisis Text Line – Text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Free 24/7 crisis support | Text HOME to 741741

Teen Line -Personal teen-to-teen education and support before problems become a crisis. | Call (800) TLC – Teen

CHDSafety Zone Help for Homeless and Runaway Youth – Short-term shelter and assistance. (Ages 14-18), Street Outreach (Under 21). Contact 24 / 7 | (413) 781-6556 Toll Free: (844) 781-6556 – Ask for the Safety Zone, leave your name and number and a social worker will return your call within minutes.

GandaraSHINE Program – Provides transitional housing and outreach services for unaccompanied young adults ages 18-24, who meet the HUD definition of homelessness.  (413) 543-2460 x 189

Mass 2-1-1 – Child Requiring Assistance Line – Simply dial 2-1-1 . For children and youth who runaway or are having serious problems at home and in school.

National Runaway Hotline: (800) 621-4000

Go Ask Alice! – A health question and answer Internet resource produced by Alice! Health Promotion at Columbia University — a division of Columbia Health.

National Eating Disorders Association – Contact the Helpline for support, resources and treatment options for yourself or a loved one.   | (800) 931-2237

Planned Parenthood of Western Massachusetts – Providers of  affordable health care and sex education.  | (800) 258 – 4448 – Sexual Health Counseling and Referral Hotline. |  (877) 686-5772

Springfield Adolescent Health Center –  (413) 794-3710

Tapestry Health – Sexual and Reproductive Health. | (413) 733 – 6639

The TLC Foundation -Provides treatment information, education, and support for anyone affected by body-focused repetitive behaviors.

LGBT National Help Center – National Youth TalkLine, peer counseling, information, and local resources. | (800) 246-7743

The Trevor Project – A National 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. | (866) 488-7386

Trans Lifeline – National Crisis Hotline by and for the transgender community. 11 AM – 5 PM | (877) 565-8860

National Alliance on Mental Illness -Learn more and find support about mental health conditions common among teens and young adults.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline – Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. | (800) 273-8255

OK2Talk.org – A community where teens and young adults struggling with mental health conditions can find a safe place to talk about what they’re experiencing. | (800) 273-TALK

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) – Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Free. Confidential. | 24/7 |  (800) 656-4673

StopBullying.gov – What Teens Can Do – Bullying stops us from being who we want to be, and prevents us from expressing ourselves freely, and might even make us feel unsafe. If you are bullied, say something!

YWCA of Western Massachusetts – R.S.V.P. (Responsive Support for youth experiencing Violence Program) – Counseling and advocacy program for youth residing in Springfield who have experienced dating violence, SA, DV, or stalking. | Ages 13-24 | (413) 732-3121 ext. 173

YWCA of Western Massachusetts – Provides shelter, support services, and tools for self-sufficiency for women and girls in our community.