After talking about American Training Inc. in last week’s blog post, we wanted to keep the love going and talk about another wonderful organization, located right here in Lowell! Many of you have probably heard of UTEC or even driven by, but you may not know about all of the extensive programs and services they offer. Their mission is “to ignite and nurture the ambition of Lowell’s most disconnected young people to trade violence and poverty for social and economic success”. It all begins with street outreach and peacemaking, they reach out to some of the most disconnected youth by “meeting them where they’re at”. From there, they engage them in workforce development and alternative education, which for many is the turning point that will change their lives for the better. 
Founded in 1999, UTEC was the result of a movement driven by some extraordinary young people, who wanted to do something about the gang violence in the area. Today, they are nationally recognized as a model youth development agency, which is pretty impressive if you ask us. They consider themselves a family, and offer everyone a clean slate while urging them to think big about what they can achieve for both themselves and their community. They do this through a variety of programs that aim to trade violence and poverty for social and economic success. There are three outcomes that they hope to achieve with their programs: reduced recidivism and criminal activity, increased employability, and increased educational attainment. Their Workforce Development and Social Enterprise program offer youth paid on-the-job experience which helps them learn industry-specific skills which will eventually help them launch their careers. Their education programs help youth to obtain their GED, or a Lowell High Diploma through their Alternative Diploma Program, which can be earned onsite at UTEC. They also have Civic Engagement and Enrichment programs that allow youths to express their creativity, participate in athletics, and take on leadership roles.
Have we mentioned on of our favorite features that they have? Their Café UTEC is not only a wonderful (and delicious) lunch spot right here in Lowell, it is also an opportunity. An opportunity for you to help support the wonderful work done by those at UTEC, but also an opportunity for the youth that they work with to gain valuable job skills and real earnings which will help them continue on the path to success. They engage young leaders in the building and management of their businesses, which helps to bring out the young entrepreneurs in each of them. Not only can you feel good about ordering a meal there, we have personally heard many reviews praising the Café and saying how delicious their paninis, salads, and sweets are! They are also a great option for companies, as their Café offers a catering service as well!
If you’ve heard of their Café but have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to check it out, wait no longer! They will be hosting a Top Chef Dinner Series on Thursday, September 10th at 6:30 PM, featuring their very own chef, Sam Putnam! This four-course dinner will serve as the opening wine dinner of the Lowell Food & Wine Festival, and will feature wine from Aaronap Cellars. That’s not the only exciting event they have coming up, they will be hosting an open house on Thursday, August 27th from 8-10 AM. This is a great opportunity to tour their facility, learn a little m
ore about what they do, hear about the different event opportunities that are available, and maybe even consider it for your next seminar, gala, company outing, or even for a wedding! If you do choose to select them for an event, or even visit their Café, know that you are making a difference and supporting their social enterprises, which help to redefine futures. For more information or to learn about all of the exciting things they have going on, visit their events calendar.
We’re proud to have members like UTEC who make a difference in the lives of people on a daily basis, right here in our own community! If you have a chance to stop by, we cannot tell you enough how much your support means to them, whether you book an event, or just stop by for lunch, every little bit helps!
