MassCEC Equity Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Grants in Massachusetts

Through this Request for Proposals (“RFP”), the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (“MassCEC”) is offering Equity Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Grants (“Equity Training Grants”). Donor Name: Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Equity Training Grants will increase access to modern, relevant training equipment and infrastructure and provide direct funding and technical assistance support to organizations that can build and scale career pathways leading to climate-critical priority occupations for: individuals from Environmental Justice (“EJ”) Neighborhoods or low-income communities; members of federally recognized or state-acknowledged tribes; members of underrepresented communities in the clean energy workforce; and current or former workers from the fossil fuel industry (“Fossil Fuel Workers”). Applicants may apply for Equity Training Grants for programming that falls within one (1) or more of the following categories: Strand A: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations; Strand B: Clean Energy Career Awareness, Career Exploration, Career Navigation, and Preparedness; or Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support Climate-Critical Training. Equity Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Goals: This solicitation is intended to help build job training and support capacity to fill gaps in the workforce for climate-critical sectors while creating opportunities for underserved individuals most impacted by climate change who are typically excluded from opportunities in these sectors. These funds will enable applicants to: Recruit individuals from EJ Neighborhoods or low-income communities, individuals from federally recognized or state-acknowledged tribes within the Commonwealth, members of underrepresented communities in the clean energy workforce, and Fossil Fuel Workers to explore and enter climate-critical priority occupations. Create new and/or expand technical and job readiness training opportunities to provide the skills necessary to attain placement in climate-critical priority occupations. Develop and nurture new relationships with employers in climate-critical sectors to develop job placements and identify avenues for career growth. Establish and grow wraparound and retention support services to address social and economic barriers and increase the likelihood of long-term career success. Address common barriers to equitable access to climate-critical careers through more intentional career awareness and navigation support. Expand the availability and/or effectiveness of climate-critical training by securing modern equipment and infrastructure resources for their programming. Funding Information MassCEC anticipates awarding a total of $10,750,000. Strand A: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations: $200,000-$1,200,000 Project Period:  One (1) to Three (3) year award. Strand B: Clean Energy Career Awareness, Career Exploration, Career Navigation, and Preparedness: $50,000-$600,000 Project Period:  One (1) to Three (3) year award. Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support Climate-Critical Training: $50,000-$750,000 Project Period: One (1) year to Eighteen (18) month award. Eligibility Criteria The following entities are eligible to serve as a Lead Applicant with the following conditions: Community-Based Entities (often referred to as CBOs) such as community action partnerships, environmental justice organizations, neighborhood revitalization organizations, advocacy groups, affordable housing providers, affordable housing developers, and non-profits. Note: If Applicant is not an entity with the ability to hire staff or receive funds, consider forming a partnership with another group that can act as a fiscal agent. Community Colleges, Colleges, or Universities, Comprehensive and Vocational High Schools, and Vocational Schools offering an after-hours or Career Technical Initiative evening training program. For-Profit entities such as for-profit training companies, trade associations, unions or other coalitions of businesses, clean energy installers, energy efficiency or home performance contractors, financial institutions, or other clean energy practitioners. Workforce Development Organizations, both non-profit and for-profit. MassHire Workforce Investment Boards and Career Centers. For more information, visit MassCEC.