- Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
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Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced more than $2.7 million in Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund: Readiness, Integration, Skills, Employment (RISE) Grants for eight initiatives representing employers and collaborative organizations across Massachusetts. The grants will fund English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services, career readiness wraparound supports, and job training and placement services to eligible participants, which include families with children and pregnant women without children.
Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones made the announcement at an event with Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler celebrating the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s $10 million investment aimed at increasing access (ESOL) services. The investment was proposed by Governor Healey and included in the final recent fair share supplemental budget that will support 3,000-3,500 residents to participate in workforce ESOL training programs and reduce the waitlist for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services.
“We know that language is a significant barrier to employment, which is why we have focused on connecting workers with the English and skills training they need to succeed in today’s economy,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These awards will help prepare our residents to fill open roles in one of our high-demand fields.”
"Providing residents with essential language skills opens the door to sustainable employment opportunities and empowers them to create a brighter future," said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. "ESOL training is a critical step toward achieving economic stability for both individuals and families."
The RISE grants are part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategy to expand English language instruction for employment and break down barriers to employment and connect individuals with jobs and training in sectors such as health care and human services, retail, food services, hospitality, and manufacturing.
"The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to investing in Massachusetts workers through job placement and training, allowing them to gain the skills needed to access new opportunities and careers,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “Through these grants and ESOL training, workers will development greater skills while helping employers looking to hire and increasing the state’s competitiveness. We look forward to continuing to work with these partners as they implement their initiatives.”
“These grants are a critical investment to meet the workforce needs of Massachusetts businesses while connecting families to the vocational language training they need to secure jobs and build more sustainable futures,” said Commonwealth Corporation Vice President of Sector Pathways, Tom Hooper. “We congratulate these awardees and remain committed to supporting initiatives that open doors to opportunity while breaking down barriers.”
The following is a list of the 8 grant recipients, totaling $2,724,567 to train 508 individuals:
Asian American Civic Association, Inc., Boston: $306,000
Asian American Civic Association will provide training to prepare 44 un/underemployed participants for Food Preparation, Custodial, and Laborer positions. They will partner with DoubleTree Inn, Corcoran Jennison, Partners Construction, and Kowloon Restaurant.
English for New Bostonians, Inc., Boston: $400,000
English for New Bostonians will provide training to prepare 100 un/underemployed participants for Hospitality, Healthcare, and Building Maintenance positions. They will partner with Beth Israel Lahey Health, Winn Companies, C&W Services, Rebel Restaurants, and Vinfen.
Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc., Lawrence: $400,000
Greater Lawrence Community Action Council will provide training to prepare 80 un/underemployed participants for Wholesale Trade, Laborers and Freight, Stocking, Material Movers, Construction, Landscaping, Asphalt Laborers, Home Health Aides, Customer Service Representatives, Administrative Assistants positions. They will partner with Seal City Coating, The Gem Group Inc., and Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Greenfield Community College, Greenfield: $195,098
Greenfield Community College will provide training to prepare 24 un/underemployed participants for Home Health Aide positions. They will partner with Arcadia NE, Best of Care, O'Connell Care, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital/Mass General VNA.
Holyoke Community College, Holyoke: $400,000
Holyoke Community College will provide training to prepare 85 un/underemployed participants for Healthcare, Hospitality, and Manufacturing positions. They will partner with Baystate Medical Center, CareOne Holyoke, MGM Springfield, Integris Health, and Adhesives Application.
La Colaborativa, Inc., Chelsea: $400,000
La Colaborativa will provide training to prepare 120 un/underemployed participants for Food Preparation and Serving, Customer Service, and Maintenance positions. They will partner with American Airlines, State Garden, and Tatte Bakery.
MassHire Lowell Career Center, Lowell: $358,578
MassHire Lowell Career Center will provide training to prepare 56 un/underemployed participants for Transportation & Warehousing, Patient Care, Hotel Staff and Education Food Services positions. They will partner with Lowell Community Charter Public School, Element Hotels, Monogram Foods, New England Sports Floors, and Aved Electronics.
The Literacy Center, Inc., Attleboro: $399,849
The Literacy Center will provide training to prepare 40 un/underemployed participants for EEC - Credentialed Childcare Teacher, Assistant Childcare Teacher positions. They will partner with Seal City Coating, The Gem Group Inc., and Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Statement of Support:
Mary Chin, CEO, Asian American Civic Association
K“We’re honored to receive the RISE grant and proud to partner with Commonwealth Corporation to advance equitable workforce pathways. This investment helps us expand opportunity for the marginalized communities we serve every day.”
Shannon Norton- Calles, Executive Director, MassHire Lowell Career Center
“Thank you, Governor Healey and Commonwealth Corporation. With their support, MassHire Lowell Career Center’s ESOL Skills for Employment Program will support 56 individuals who experience barriers to employment or career advancement due to a lack of English and job skills. By integrating occupational training, digital literacy, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), the Career Center will prepare participants for sustainable employment and potential career growth. Throughout the training, the Career Center will collaborate with partner agencies and employers for recruitment and to provide supportive services.”
Gladys Vega, President and CEO, La Colaborativa
“We are honored to receive this Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund: RISE award, which affirms the life-changing impact of our ESOL and workforce development programs. At La Colaborativa, we believe that language should never be a barrier to economic opportunity. This support allows us to deliver tailored, culturally responsive English instruction and career readiness services that help immigrant and low-income residents build stable, dignified futures. With nearly 200 ESOL graduates this semester alone, we are proud to be part of a statewide movement to ensure that all workers, regardless of language or background, can thrive in high-demand industries.”
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