Workforce Equity Programs

MassCEC is working to equitably bring the benefits of clean energy jobs to our Commonwealth’s diverse populations.

The Massachusetts clean energy workforce needs to grow by 34%, or more than 34,000 workers by 2030 to meet the state’s aggressive decarbonization goals. Many of these jobs will be living-wage jobs. 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.

MassCEC deploys over $12 million in funding annually for Workforce Equity programming to support training and business development opportunities for underrepresented populations.

Equity Workforce Training Grants

MassCEC's Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants support job training that fills 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. The grants provide up to $1,200,000 across two to three years in direct funding and technical assistance to organizations that can build and scale career pathways leading to climate-critical priority occupations for individuals from burdened or low-income communities, members of Federally recognized and State-acknowledged Tribes, Fossil Fuel Workers, and other underrepresented populations.

Climatetech Pathmaker Grants

MassCEC’s Climatetech Pathmaker Grants expand access to relevant training for careers in the climatetech industry while addressing critical employer workforce needs. Climatetech Pathmaker supports short-term, industry-aligned training programs that prepare individuals without significant industry experience or related higher education for high-demand occupations in energy storage and power generation.

Climate-Critical Underrepresented Business Support Grants

MassCEC supports organizations that assist Massachusetts-based Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBEs) and other underrepresented businesses in their creation, entry, or expansion into fields that are critical to meeting the Commonwealth's climate goals. Historically, underrepresented businesses have faced systemic barriers resulting in limited access to capital, procurement and workforce challenges, and insufficient networks. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensuring underrepresented businesses can participate meaningfully in Massachusetts’ growing clean-energy economy.

Through its Climate-Critical Underrepresented Business Support (CUBS) Grants, MassCEC provides up to $800,000 in grant funding and technical support to jumpstart the development of a regional “Hub and Spoke” support system. This approach will provide uniform services through regional “Hubs,” while “Spoke” partners will offer complementary or additional services to further help underrepresented businesses enter and expand in climate-critical fields.