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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.