
The Challenge: Create Opportunities for Underserved Individuals in the Clean Energy Workforce
Those most impacted by climate change are typically excluded from opportunities to obtain employment in the clean energy sector due to systemic barriers and lack of training opportunities that lead to career pathways. As gaps in the workforce for climate-critical sectors grow, engaging underrepresented populations will be crucial, not just for equity, but also to ensure that the Commonwealth has the workforce needed to meet clean energy goals.
About Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants
MassCEC's Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants provide up to $1,200,000 across two to three years in grant funds and technical support to applicants developing or expanding programs that provide job training and support services to underserved individuals seeking employment in the clean energy sector. Successful applicants will propose projects that address barriers faced by these populations, demonstrate a high-level of employer engagement and leverage of existing workforce development systems, and lead to high-quality careers in climate-critical occupations.
Funding Schedule
Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants are awarded on an annual basis. Applicants not currently ready for program implementation should consider the Equity Workforce Training Planning Grants to prepare for the next round of implementation funding.
The current round of Equity Workforce Implementation Grants is now closed. The next round of applications will be announced in late 2023.
Round 1 Schedule (Now Closed)
Process Step |
Timing |
---|---|
RFP Release |
October 25, 2022 |
Questions Due to MassCEC via workforce@masscec.com |
Rolling, through March 10, 2023 |
Questions with Answers Posted to MassCEC Website |
Updated monthly on 2nd Tuesday through March 14, 2023 |
Pre-Application Webinars |
Dec 5, 2022, 1 pm Jan 19, 2023, 3 pm |
Pre-Application Office Hours |
Jan 11, 2023 at 3 pm Jan 18, 2023 at 12 noon Feb 8, 2023 at 6 pm Feb 14, 2023 at 12 noon Feb 22, 2023 at 6 pm |
Proposals Due |
March 20, 2023, by 11:59 pm |
Interviews of Applicants (as needed) |
TBD |
Notification of Award |
May 2023 |
Who's Eligible
Single organizations or partnerships are eligible to apply. Partnerships are strongly encouraged and may be looked upon more favorably to the extent that they can provide a range of expertise and experience to deliver a comprehensive proposal. One party should take on the role of Lead Applicant.
The following entities are eligible to serve as a Lead Applicant:
- Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), including CBOs relying on a fiscal agent
- Community Colleges, Colleges, and Universities
- Comprehensive and Vocational High Schools, including Vocational Schools offering an after-hours or Career Technical Initiative evening training program
- For-Profit Entities
- Workforce Development Organizations
- MassHire Workforce Investment Boards and Career Centers
For full eligibility requirements and other Program details, please refer to the Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grant Request for Proposals (RFP).
Apply
Application Process
The current round is now closed. The following information is provided for reference only.
- Review the Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grant Request For Proposals (RFP).
- Review all RFP forms and attachments.
- Attend MassCEC informational webinars and/or use other informational resources offered.
- Contact MassCEC with questions or to discuss your ideas via at workforce@masscec.com.
- Complete all RFP forms and attachments according to instructions.
- Submit all completed RFP forms and attachments by email to workforce@masscec.com by 11:59 pm on March 20, 2023, with "Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grant Application" in the subject line.
For full Program details, please refer to the RFP.
Application Materials
The current round is now closed. The following information is provided for reference only.
Send completed application to workforce@masscec.com
Pre-Application Office Hours
MassCEC will host office hours when we announce the next round of Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants in late 2023.
Pre-Application Webinars
Learn about the Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants, including eligibility, budget, and the application process. Watch a webinar recording or view the accompanying slides. (The two webinars present the same material but have different Q&A segments.)
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs were last updated on March 6, 2023.
Questions are accepted on a rolling basis until March 10, 2023. Answers will be posted on the second Tuesday of each month. Submit questions to workforce@masscec.com.
Other Resources
MassCEC will look favorably on applications that propose data-driven approaches and leverage pre-existing resources from the robust workforce development and clean energy sectors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Applicants are advised to use the following and additional resources to inform their applications:
Labor Statistics
Clean Energy Sector
Workforce Development
MassHire Regional Workforce Skills Planning Initiative
MassHire State Workforce Board
MA Division of Apprentice Standards
The Boston Foundation SkilWorks Project Catapult on next generation workforce development
Commonwealth Corporation Available Funding Opportunities
Networking
MassCEC is compiling a list of potential applicants interested in networking and partnerships for the open Workforce Equity grants. View the list here.
Sign up to the partnership list by sending your contact name, contact info, type of organization, and focus sector to workforce@masscec.com.