Department of Youth Services

 To apply for After School Youth Employment, please click here!  

 To view our Learn Grow Play Activities Guide 2022/23, please click here!

Our Goal

To support children, youth, and families-- so that all children, adolescents, and young adults reach their full potential and become productive citizens.

The City of Bridgeport Youth Service Department works in partnership with many local service providers to ensure youth ages 5 to 21 have opportunities and experiences to learn and grow in a structured environment. The department subcontracts and provides direct services for prevention activities that include the following : 

• Lighthouse Program has 24 after-school and summer sites and 7 before school programs.

• Bridgeport Youth Club program, designed for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, hosts youth & family focused activities & services including pre-school nutrition, crisis intervention, Juvenile Review Board activities, parenting classes, out of school time initiatives, etc.
  

• Youth Services Bureau holds training & employment programs, teen activities/workshops and middle school sports and clubs.  
  
• Summer Youth Employment Program places youth ages 14 through 21 in jobs, working four (4) hours a day. Youth are trained in areas related to job readiness skills, working with younger children, life skills, conflict resolution, and team building strategies. The training is offered by area professionals and provide youth with an overview of employment expectations.