The Life Sciences Workforce Development Initiative (LSWDI) – Career Navigation and Industry-Aligned Training Grant is administered by the City of Boston’s Office of Workforce Development (OWD) to expand equitable access to high-quality employment in the city’s rapidly growing life sciences sector. Now in its third funding round, this competitive grant supports nonprofit-led workforce programs that emphasize job placement and employer engagement. The total funding pool is $500,000, and grants are expected to average $150,000 each, with 3–4 projects selected. All grant-funded activities must be completed by August 31, 2026, with job placement outcomes tracked through February 28, 2027.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, nonprofit higher education institutions, or those working with fiscal sponsors. Programs must serve Boston residents aged 16 or older and emphasize populations historically underrepresented in life sciences occupations, including individuals without four-year degrees, communities of color, and those facing employment barriers. Applicants may apply in one or more of three categories: career navigation and reemployment support, job training and work-based learning, and employer engagement and partnership development.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate strong employer partnerships that directly contribute to job placement outcomes. Required employer involvement includes participation in program design, letters of support, and hiring commitments. Funded programs must align with employer demand, reflect clear pathways to middle- and high-wage jobs, and provide wraparound support such as job readiness coaching, interview preparation, and direct job connections. A minimum job placement target of 75% is expected for internships, externships, or direct employment for programs focused on Categories 1 and 2.
The grant is designed to promote systemic change through engagement with the Life Sciences Career Alliance, a local intermediary established by the City to strengthen employer collaboration. Grantees are expected to participate in quarterly meetings and contribute to a coordinated approach to job placement, curriculum alignment, and candidate support. Work-based learning activities must be tightly linked to permanent job opportunities with measurable advancement potential.
The application opens on September 19, 2025. A virtual info session will be held on September 26, 2025, at 3 p.m. The application deadline is October 17, 2025, at 5 p.m., and award notifications will be made by November 3, 2025. Training components must conclude by June 30, 2026, to allow two months for placement before the program end date. For questions, applicants should contact Sarah Soroui, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Analytics at sarah.soroui@boston.gov.
Emphasize employer commitments; define job targets; design placement and support services around sector access barriers
