Students and Young Adult Equity Workforce Climate Service Corps Grants

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), a quasi-state economic development agency, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its Students and Young Adult Equity Workforce Climate Service Corps Grants. These grants are designed to support the development and expansion of career pathways in clean energy for young people aged 18–24, particularly those from historically marginalized or underserved communities. MassCEC's mission centers on advancing clean energy innovation and expanding access to environmental and economic benefits for residents across the Commonwealth. This RFP responds to recommendations from the Massachusetts Climate Chief to establish a Climate Service Corps that strengthens the talent pipeline for climate-critical occupations and supports the Commonwealth’s decarbonization goals. The Climate Service Corps initiative seeks to engage young adults in compensated work-based learning experiences that align with the Commonwealth’s clean energy workforce needs. These experiences are intended to provide not only technical training but also career guidance, service learning, and social capital development. Programs funded through this opportunity must address labor demands in energy efficiency, clean heating and cooling, and related fields. Special emphasis is placed on reaching individuals from Environmental Justice (EJ) neighborhoods, low-income communities, federally recognized or state-acknowledged tribes, underrepresented populations in the clean energy sector, and current or former fossil fuel workers. Two grant strands are available: Strand A offers Implementation Grants ranging from $120,000 to $375,000 for career pathway programs that meet all Climate Service Corps framework requirements and demonstrate the ability to braid or match funding. Strand B offers Planning Grants of $20,000 to $30,000 to support comprehensive program planning in preparation for future implementation. Planning Grants do not require match funding but are encouraged to identify additional support sources. Implementation programs must deliver at least 20 weeks of training and work-based experience, plus one year of alumni services. Eligible expenses include staff time, outreach, training stipends, subsidized wages, support services, and direct costs of program delivery, while general-purpose expenses and curriculum development for existing content are ineligible. Eligibility is broad and includes community-based organizations, educational institutions, workforce development agencies, for-profit training providers, and tribal entities. Partnerships are encouraged and may strengthen an application. Lead applicants must maintain a Massachusetts office and provide a Certificate of Good Standing unless exempt (e.g., public schools). Prior or concurrent MassCEC funding does not preclude eligibility if the proposed work is distinct or expands on previously supported services. Applicants must also disclose conflicts of interest and demonstrate fiscal and administrative capacity. The application process requires submission of several attachments, including a signed acceptance form, narrative responses, a detailed budget, and a proposed timeline. Proposals must be submitted via email to [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. ET on April 27, 2026. Programs planning to launch in summer 2026 must apply by February 26, 2026. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and award notifications are expected within two to three months of submission. Implementation contracts use a cost-reimbursement model, while planning grants follow milestone-based payment schedules. Ongoing technical assistance is provided by MassCEC, and grantees are expected to attend trainings, participate in cohort events, and submit regular reports and case studies. While this RFP does not recur on a defined schedule, the program may be renewed or expanded as additional funding becomes available. Proposals are reviewed against defined criteria, including experience with target populations, program design quality, funding strategy, and outcome tracking. The program advances the state’s commitment to equitable climate workforce development and offers a unique opportunity to align workforce inclusion efforts with pressing climate goals.

Prioritize braided funding, align with climate workforce needs, and design measurable outcomes.