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Empowering Youth to Improve Their Cities

Worcester Roots Project, Worcester, MA, is a program focused on decreasing lead poisoning AND increasing economic empowerment for youth. In 2010 58% of roughly 39,000 Detroit students tested had a history of lead poisoning.

Detroit’s desolate piles of splintering buildings are causing increased levels of lead in the soil and in children. In 2010, 58% of roughly 39,000 students tested -- 22,755 children -- had a history of lead poisoning, according to a study by the Detroit Public Schools. * Lead poisoning puts the kids at a disadvantage for education, health, and success.

The Worcester Roots Project (Worcester, MA) is an urban program focused on decreasing lead and increasing economic urban empowerment for kids at the same time. 

Founded in 2001, the organization first offered free soil testing and taught low-cost soil remediation methods. Then a group of youth founded Toxic Soil Busters as a year-round youth employment program with a focus on youth empowerment. The group trains youth as community organizers, lead-safe landscapers and video producers working for environmental justice. The project has become an example of sustainable youth employment.

In 2009, Worcester Roots and Toxic Soil Busters launched Youth In Charge, a youth program tackling community-identified issues. Youth In Charge is a year-round community improvement program led by six youth and inspired by Toxic Soil Busters’ leadership style.

In 2010, Worcester Roots adopted Worcester Energy Barnraisers as a program. The Worcester Energy Barnraisers (WEB) strive to promote environmental sustainability as well as social and economic justice through collaborative home energy efficiency projects.

This group encourages kids to make change in their community while increasing everyone’s chances of living in a healthy environment.

* Detroit Free Press, May 16, 2010 

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