In Boston, Youth Activists Call For Increased Job Funding And Juvenile Justice Reform

Youth activists from across the state rallied at the Old South Church in Boston's Copley Square Thursday, demanding state and city leaders increase funding of jobs for young people and reform the juvenile justice system.

The group of predominantly teenage-activists was organized by the Youth Job Coalition, a collection of community and youth organizations from around the state.

Several youth speakers addressed the rally, as did Boston City Councilor and mayoral candidate Tito Jackson and former Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Adam Foss.

Speaking to the crowd, youth activist Trent Jordan spoke about what having a job meant to him.

"An early start to success can be achieved through indulging in the opportunity of a youth job," Jordan said. "A job changed my life. And you can be next."

The crowd marched from the Old South Church to Boston City Hall and then to the State House.

The Youth Job Coalition is asking Gov. Charlie Baker for $13.4 million to fund 5,000 year-round youth jobs. The group is also asking for the criminal records of youth offenders to be expunged once they turn 18 years old.