LogoThe Work Force Youth Program - 2026 Summer Learning and Literacy Program

Summer Pics
The Work Force Summer Literacy Program is a free six-week summer program for rising 8th grade (current 7th grade) students who are either currently a 7th grade Work Force participants at CSUS Work Force, and/or whose families live in Cambridge Housing Authority developments and leased housing. 

The goal of the Summer Learning Literacy Program is to empower students to become active owners of and advocates in their own education.  Through youth-initiated research, group projects, peer to peer learning, guest speakers, and field trips, students will learn all about their personal learning styles and preferences, how to effectively engage with their schools and teachers and how to increase their academic success in 8th grade and beyond!

Summer Learning Literacy Program Facts:

  • Runs Monday July 6th through Thursday, August 13th
  • Hours are Monday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • For current 7th graders entering 8th grade in fall of 2025
  • Program will take place at 119 Windsor Street, Cambridge 02139
  • Must live in Cambridge Housing Authority developments and/or leased housing, or be part of the CSUS Work Force Program
  • Earn up to a $250 Stipend for full participation in the program
  • ALL OF THIS FREE TO FAMILIES

There are only 20 spaces and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  


Last Day to apply is May 15, 2026

To start please click Next Page
Applications are accepted on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.
This application will close on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Applicant Information










This is needed to pay participant their stipend. This data is secure and will only be shared with the CHA fiscal department.






School Information




Please check all the programs you are currently enrolled in:                                                                    
Check if 'Yes', otherwise leave unchecked.

Primary Parent/Legal Guardian Information
First Parent

Legal name.



Include street name, number, and apartment number







Second Parent

Legal name.



Include street name, number, and apartment number







Emergency Contacts
Emergency Contact #1                                                                                                                                
Emergency Contact #2
Student Questionnaire
In order for us to get to know you a little better please rate each statement describing you below on a scale of Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. YOUR ANSWER WILL NOT HAVE AN IMPACT ON YOUR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM, they are just a way for us to get to know you before the summer.
Summer Plans


Recommendation Form
As part of your application we need a recommendation from your most recent/current Teacher. The recommendation is for us to get to know you better as a learner, and it does not impact our decision making. Please let them know that they will be receiving an email request for an online recommendation form from Work Force. Please fill out the name and email of your Teacher that we can reach out to for a recommendation:
If you are having trouble filling out this form, or have questions, please contact either Summer Teacher listed below:

Vanessa Bellony at vbellony@cambridge-housing.org; (617) 499-7107

Yanley Francois at yfrancois@cambridge-housing.org; (617) 499-7169
ONCE YOU SUBMIT YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO A SCHOOL RELEASE FORM. 
PLEASE PUT THE SCHOOL THAT YOUR CHILD WILL BE ATTENDING IN THE FALL OF 2026.

If you need help with this form please call Carmen Blyden, Work Force Director, at 617-520-6350.