UTEC

UTEC is a nonprofit organization with the slogan "Breaking Barriers to Youth Success." Founded in 1999 by youth in Lowell, UTEC aims to ignite and nurture the ambition of disengaged young people to steer away from violence and poverty towards social and economic success. Operating in Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill, MA, the organization provides intensive street outreach, gang peacemaking, and case management for young adults aged 17-25 with a history of serious criminal or gang involvement. UTEC also offers paid work experience through social enterprises, alternative education, and dual-enrollment opportunities for community college credits. Emphasizing social justice and civic engagement, UTEC's model focuses on reduced criminal involvement, increased employability, and educational attainment. The organization has achieved a remarkable recidivism rate of less than 20% among enrolled young adults, compared to the statewide average of over 50%.