Press Release  Commonwealth Corporation Audit Identifies Need for Improvements to YouthWorks Program

Boston — Today, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s Office released an audit of Commonwealth Corporation (CommCorp), which reviewed the period from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022.

CommCorp is a quasi-public workforce development agency overseen by the state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD). Its mission is to promote workforce equity across the Commonwealth by delivering professional development solutions that support diverse communities and employers.

Among CommCorp’s responsibilities is the administration and oversight of YouthWorks, a state-funded program that, through training and paid temporary work opportunities, helps young people in Massachusetts communities find and retain employment.

This audit found that CommCorp did not consistently collect or analyze employment outcome data related to its YouthWorks program participants. YouthWorks grant recipients had the ability to report in the program’s database whether each corresponding program participant had obtained unsubsidized employment or been retained by a YouthWorks partner. CommCorp did not require that YouthWorks grant recipients report this employment outcome data.

Of the more than 10,000 YouthWorks participant spots filled during the audit period, only 179 (2%) were documented to have obtained unsubsidized employment or been retained by a YouthWorks partner.

If CommCorp fails to track its participants’ employment outcome data, it cannot evaluate and understand the impact or effectiveness of the YouthWorks program on the individuals it is called to serve.

Additionally, our audit found CommCorp did not ensure that: YouthWorks grant recipients obtained eligibility documentation and accurately recorded program participant information; its employees completed cybersecurity awareness training; it had documented management approval for employees’ access rights to its YouthWorks database; and it promptly revoked former employees’ access rights to its YouthWorks database.

“Commonwealth Corporation’s YouthWorks is an invaluable program that has left a positive and lasting impact on countless young people across the Commonwealth,” said Auditor DiZoglio. “This audit has identified several areas in need of improvement to help ensure our youth and all taxpayers are better-served. We are hopeful the agency and Administration continue to work alongside our team in implementing the recommendations offered in our report.” 

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