As part of its efforts to align funding strategies with community needs, the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development (OWD) recently surveyed a large group of grantees to learn more about programs’ transition to remote and hybrid programming. The findings offer
Community Servings nourished her talent. Then she fed a community in crisis.
While many Boston residents spent the pandemic working safely from home, Cleo Cotton headed out the door around 6 each morning to assume her post as an essential worker. In the kitchen of Frederick Pilot Middle School, a Boston Public
When a career path narrows: How a job-seeker and training program found a new way in the pandemic
Liziana Borges thought she was making a fresh start. Last February, after a layoff from her retail job, she enrolled in a Certified Nursing Assistant course – a decisive step toward her dream of working in healthcare. But the pandemic
City Academy graduates pass CDL exam with flying colors
Congratulations to the newest class of City Academy graduates! Despite the many challenges of training during a pandemic, all nine participants who took the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam passed. With that kind of persistence and commitment, these drivers are
New initiative structures career-building opportunities for young people experiencing homelessness
As part of its citywide plan to end youth homelessness, the City of Boston is creating new opportunities for young adults experiencing homelessness to develop the knowledge and skills to forge successful careers. Beginning in January 2021, these opportunities will
$2.4 million in NJT funds goes to IT/tech training and emergency workforce support
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Neighborhood Jobs Trust has dedicated $2.4 million to emergency supports for workforce and education programs, as well as specialized job training for workers preparing to enter the IT/tech industry. “Supporting our students,
A young man reminds us to care for one another
“I’ve been in this work a long time,” says Ed Norton, social emotional director at College Bound Dorchester. “And it always amazes me…” The phone line drops silent. Ed’s choking up. He apologizes, swears that he’s “stone-hearted Irish,” and regroups.
Intergenerational support goes from staggered to simultaneous
The structure of intergenerational programming provided by Mothers for Justice and Equality (MJE) typically followed the rhythms of normal life. Parents attended MJE’s job readiness and wellness workshops while their children were in school. Many of these adults, survivors of
City Academy’s CDL graduates show drive to succeed
Kelvin Vazquez was a young man with a plan for his future. Even as a 20-year-old tow truck driver, he knew he wanted to get his Commercial Driver’s License. The credential would make him a more in-demand driver, allowing him
Neighborhood Jobs Trust disburses $1.35 million to train Boston’s low-income job-seekers
Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development announced the disbursement of $1.35 million in Neighborhood Jobs Trust (NJT) funds to 23 community-based organizations to provide job training skills and support services to low-income Boston residents. The