The City of Boston's Office of Workforce Development (OWD) has released a Request for Grant Applications (RGA) for the FY26 At-Risk & Transitional Youth Programming. This opportunity is designed to support a nonprofit organization that administers a high-quality Transitional Employment Program (TEP) or Advanced Transitional Employment Program (ATEP) for youth aged 18 to 30 who face barriers to employment. The goal of the grant is to provide young adults with essential work skills for sustainable employment through hands-on experience, structured work crews, and engagement with the local community.
This competitive grant offers one award of $100,000 to support programming that includes supervised work crews, job readiness training, and personal development components. Preferred applicants are those currently offering TEP or ATEP models within the City of Boston. Programs must be able to support young adults over the course of 15–18 months, ensure that participants complete a minimum of 60 consecutive workdays, and provide life skills and workforce readiness training during non-working days.
Grantees are expected to provide key services such as community clean-up projects, workforce etiquette training, and transitional support to full-time employment. Advanced programs must offer “temp to perm” job placements and assist participants in transitioning to unsubsidized work or additional employment services. Operational expectations include maintaining accurate payroll in compliance with Massachusetts labor laws, transportation for participants, supervision and progress monitoring, and submission of monthly invoices with project and attendance documentation.
To be eligible, applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations and willing to become a City of Boston Vendor. While a Supplier/Vendor ID is not required at the time of application, it is mandatory before a grant can be approved and funds can be disbursed.
Applications open Friday, September 5, 2025, and are due no later than 11:59 PM on Thursday, October 2, 2025. No extensions will be granted. Awards will be announced on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The funded program must conclude by June 30, 2026, unless extended by mutual agreement. For questions or assistance, applicants should contact Tatiana Joyce at tatiana.joyce@boston.gov or call 617-918-5302.
Ensure vendor registration is complete before the award; structure your proposal around TEP/ATEP deliverables; clearly document labor law compliance and reporting capability.
