United Teen Equality Center

 The United Teen Equality Center (UTEC) is a youth development agency in Lowell. UTEC was founded in 1999 as a result of youth striving to find a positive response to gang violence. UTEC's mission and promise is to ignite and nurture the ambition of Lowell's most disengaged young people to trade violence and poverty for social and economic success. They have been undertaking significant renovations and will celebrate the opening of their new, green building expansion in November 2012. Programs continue during renovation and include education to help teens secure a high school diploma, workforce development, and various enrichment classes. Participants are encouraged to get involved in civic engagement through local and state organizing and grassroots campaigns. UTEC provides on-site Transitional Coaching- a group of case managers who provide as-needed crisis intervention and mediation. UTEC is recognized across the United States as a model youth development agency. UTEC staff is thrilled to hang donated artwork in their classrooms, dance and design studios, and other public spaces. Art will elevate UTEC’s work to foster peace, positivity, and empowerment. Visit www.utec-lowell.org to learn more.

Artists: Caren Loebel-Fried, Silvina Mizrahi, Janet Shapero, Judith Silverstein, Maria Termini