Ideas

Michelle Wu
Mayor | Boston, MA

ARP: Boston MA, Preparing Workers for the Jobs of Tomorrow

Idea Category: Climate Change, Equity & Opportunity, Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: American Rescue Plan

Mayor Wu announced more than half a million dollars in American Rescue Plan funding for four organizations to provide training for green and mobility jobs. The city approved a four-fold increase in funding for its green jobs program, increasing the budget from $1 million to $4 million. The majority of that funding – $3 million – comes from the American Rescue Plan. These specific grants will target populations hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, including individuals experiencing homelessness, residents recently released from incarceration, and women and people of color from under-represented neighborhoods. The Mayor's office plans to have two cohorts per year, gradually increasing the number of participants in each cohort to 60. Cohort participants also receive workplace development training as well as a number of certifications, including from OSHA and conflict and de-escalation training.

Update

In June, Boston launched PowerCorps, a program to train individuals for green jobs that pay a living wage. The six-month training program began with a 21-person cohort. All the participants receive a $550/week stipend as well as work clothing and transportation to job sites. The first cohort achieved a great deal of both meaningful work and professional development: assisted 87 acres of public land by removing 284 bags of invasive material and planted 61 trees and pruning 32; earned three college credits from UMass Mount Ida in Arboriculture; participated in mock interviews and completed 16 hours of financial literacy courses.

All 21 members of the inaugural PowerCorps program graduated in December 2022, and have a new green job or are enrolled in additional job training.

Impact Testimonies:

  • “The reason I joined PowerCorps was to find out who I was personally and
    make an impact on my community.” - Iman T.
  • "I'm glad I was able to pave the way for other women in forestry. In this
    industry where women are underrepresented however, I'm glad I felt
    empowered to use my voice. Thank you PowerCorps for allowing me to be
    heard.” - Jelaine F.
  • “I knew that I wanted to find a job that would let me have my hands in the
    dirt and benefit this community.” - Tafari W.
  • “This was the first thing I’ve seen through to completion since high school. I
    have to say the experience has been ethereal!” - Erica M.

More Idea’s From Michelle Wu

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Ordered the Elimination of Fossil Fuels in City Buildings Under Construction

Idea Category: Climate Change, Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP

Delegate Brooke Lierman: New Infrastructure Plans Rolling Out

Idea Category: Infrastructure, Public Safety, Smart Government, Transportation | Funding Source: ARP

ARP: Boston Announced a $7 Million Investment for City Childcare

Idea Category: Child Care, Education | Funding Source: ARP

Higher Education Partnership to help Black and Latinx students 

Idea Category: Education, Equity & Opportunity | Funding Source: ARP

Working to Grow Minority-Owned Businesses in Boston

Idea Category: Equity & Opportunity, Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP