Students and Young Adults Career Awareness and Training Grants

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), a quasi-state economic development agency, is administering the Students and Young Adults Equity Workforce Career Awareness and Training Grants. This funding opportunity, rooted in the Commonwealth’s clean energy and climate goals, aims to bolster workforce diversity, technical preparedness, and long-term economic resilience. As part of a broader climate policy initiative supported by 2021 and 2022 Massachusetts climate legislation, these grants reflect a strategic investment in equitable access to climate-critical occupations. By enhancing career awareness, training infrastructure, and pathways to employment for students and young adults, MassCEC seeks to mitigate historical disparities and drive inclusive growth in the clean energy sector. This grant targets students and young adults from Environmental Justice (EJ) neighborhoods, low-income communities, members of federally recognized or state-acknowledged tribes, individuals from underrepresented groups in the clean energy workforce, and current or former fossil fuel workers. The opportunity offers three distinct strands of funding: Strand A supports Clean Energy Career Awareness and Preparedness programming (up to $400,000); Strand B funds Career Pathway Training initiatives with work-based learning opportunities (up to $600,000); and Strand C provides Planning and Capacity Grants for developing or expanding training and awareness programs ($20,000–$150,000). Funds may be used for program preparation, staff time, curriculum development, outreach and engagement, stipends for participants, equipment (up to $20,000), and other associated costs, with limitations outlined in the RFP. Applicants must be organizations or partnerships based in Massachusetts and eligible to receive funding. Qualified lead applicants include community-based organizations, educational institutions, workforce boards, clean energy businesses, tribal entities, and for-profit or non-profit training providers. Partnerships are strongly encouraged and may enhance scoring potential. All proposed programs must be in-person or hybrid; fully virtual programs are ineligible. Additionally, grantees are expected to attend quarterly training and cohort sessions, provide monthly technical assistance updates, and submit progress reports aligned with specific milestones and performance metrics. To apply, organizations must review the RFP and complete required documents, including the Authorized Applicant Signature Form, Application Form, and Budget & Proposed Payment Schedule. Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected] by either the priority deadline of January 15, 2026 or the final deadline of April 10, 2026. Optional resources include pre-application webinars, office hours, and technical assistance support. A complete application must also incorporate supporting materials such as memoranda of understanding or letters of support. Proposals will be evaluated based on applicant qualifications, alignment with climate-critical occupations, clarity and feasibility of the program design, meaningful employer engagement, budget appropriateness, and measurable outcomes. Additional consideration will be given to projects that support Energy Efficiency, Demand Management, and Clean Heating and Cooling sectors, which represent the largest share of Massachusetts' clean energy workforce. Innovations in delivery and efforts to serve historically underserved populations—such as Gateway Cities, limited English speakers, and returning citizens—will also be prioritized. Selected awardees can expect to receive funding within two to three months of submission, with contract execution anticipated within six months. The performance period generally spans one to two years, with planning grants limited to one year. The opportunity is recurring, with updates and new cycles anticipated in the future. Questions regarding the RFP can be directed to [email protected] with “SYA Round 2 RFP Question” in the subject line.

Emphasize alignment with clean energy jobs; address barriers to access; provide clear, measurable outcomes; leverage employer partnerships and track record.