Wayside Wizards

WPY serves more than 200 youth and their families each year in their intensive programs, and an additional 1,000 Waltham residents annually through panel discussions, film screenings and other community events. Since 2017, they have placed close to 300 young people in paid summer internships. By partnering with a range of community organizations, local universities and the Waltham business community, WPY stimulates a collective impact model that enriches the life choices and growth experiences of Waltham youth.

Current WPY Initiatives

1) Career Exploration: Through our High School Internship and Teaching for Social Justice programs, youth the opportunity to hone their strengths and discover their passions while exploring a variety of careers, developing marketable skills, and participating in paid work-based learning. 

2) Wraparound Waltham: This multi-agency collaborative, led by WPY, creates conditions to welcome newcomer immigrant youth and their families to Waltham, ensuring easy access to important school and community resources and supporting their successful graduation from Waltham High School. 

3) WPY Coalition: Comprised of youth, teachers, school administrators, social service providers, and community members, the Coalition is dedicated to fostering mental health and wellness while reducing teen substance use. The Coalition looks to its youth arm, the WPY Trailblazers, as emerging leaders and community change-makers. The Coalition also provides resources and hosts community events that promote mental health and wellness, with a particular focus on the mental health needs of marginalized communities.