Teen Resources

• Homework Help Mentors – Free drop-in homework help, academic support, and mentoring available during the school year in all subject areas to students in grades K – 8. Homework help is provided by high-achieving high school student mentors from Boston’s public and private schools. Times and locations.
• Boston Teacher’s Union tutors – Teachers from the Boston Public Schools offer tutoring for students in all grades during the school year.
• Online resources available at the Boston Public Library opens a new windowto assist with homework, research paper, and more! Check out a few of our readily available resources below:
  • Electronic Resources & Databasesopens a new window
  • Research Servicesopens a new window – Professional staff who assist the public in their informational and research needs as well as provides access to non-circulating and special collections such as newspapers, Rare Book and Manuscripts, digital prints, and Special Collections.
  • Norman B. Leventhal Map Centeropens a new window – The Map Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to use the collection of 200,000 maps and 5,000 atlases for the enjoyment and education of all through exhibitions, educational programs, and a website that includes more than 3,700 digitized maps at leventhalmap.org.
  • Interlibrary Loan Office – If the Boston Public Library does not own a particular book or publication, we can get it for you through our Interlibrary Loan service.

Test Prep Help

Free Test Prep Help:

• MCAS Test Prep from the Massachusetts Department of Educationopens a new window – information about the MCAS tests including schedules, questions and answers from previous year’s tests, and a way to generate your own custom set of MCAS questions to practice with
• LearningExpress Libraryopens a new window – Whatever your goal – HiSet, SAT, GED, AP tests, TASC – LearningExpress Library’s resources will help you succeed. Each of the Learning Centers offers the practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, and information you need to achieve the results you want—at school, at work, or in life.
• Prepare for the SAT or ACT for free at Number2.comopens a new window or The College Board.
• HiSet Practice Testsopens a new window – The HiSET^® exam can expand your opportunities — but it does require preparation. Get the tools you need to prepare from the HiSET program, your test center or adult education program, or other test prep providers.
• GED Practice Testsopens a new window – Test-Guide.com’s free GED sample tests provide you with an opportunity to assess how well you are prepared for the actual GED exam.
• Free online practice tests from Kaplan:
  • PSAT
  • SAT
  • ACT
• Massachusetts Permit Practice Tests – Attention Teen Drivers! Try this FREE RMV Permit Practice Test now, containing 25 questions, & learn how to PASS your MA Practice Test today!

   Fee-Based Test Prep Help:

• Boston Tutoring Servicesopens a new window – A fee-based, private in-home tutoring company that offers one-on-one instruction for K-12 students throughout Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Tutoring is conducted in your home or local library and is provided by an experienced staff of tutors and admissions coaches who are largely Massachusetts Certified Teachers with Master’s Degrees or higher.

Additional Resources for College Planning and After-School Programs

More sources for homework help and after school programs in Boston:

• American Student Assistance –opens a new window At American Student Assistance® (ASA), our vision is for every student who wants a college degree to be able to get it in a financially responsible way. To help as many people as possible do this, we are committed to ensuring our services are accessible.    
  • Copley Square Boston Public Libraryopens a new window location – Open to students of all ages and income levels, our BPL Center offers guidance on college selection and financing, managing money, college guidebooks and resources, and career planning services.    
    • Drop ins or appointments can be made by calling 617-536-0200 or visiting the ASA Center during business hours:
      Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
      Friday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Action for Boston Community and Development (ABCD)opens a new window – ABCD helps youth prepare for college and work through its signature SummerWorksopens a new window program, and during the school year, youth can also participate in Career Exploration opens a new windowprograms. ABCD neighborhood sites also offer an array of programs for youth from further job training and placement programs, to before and after school programs, workshops, youth boards, and other enrichment programs.
• BOSTONavigator – Search thousands of programs that run before and after school, on weekends, and during the summer to find the program that is right for you.
• Boston Youth Zone – Find activities, opportunities, and other fun stuff for kids and teens, plus important information and resources for parents.
• YMCAopens a new window –  YMCA After School programs are held during after school hours, school vacations, on certain holidays and teacher professional development days. Many sites also offer before school programs. All of our programs focus on character development and reinforce the four core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. In addition, the curriculum promotes self-confidence, respect for one another, and community building skills.