$3.5 Million in Donnelly Grants to Eliminate Barriers to Employment, Increase Access to High-Quality Job Training

The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $3.5 million new Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grants for seven initiatives across the state. The grants, funded through the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF) and distributed by the Commonwealth Corporation, aim to increase access to well-paying jobs for residents facing employment barriers and improve the competitive stature of Massachusetts businesses by enhancing worker skills and productivity.  

Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, and Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones joined local officials, representatives of the Commonwealth Corporation, and program participants to announce the awards at Greater Lawrence Technical School. The school received $369,000 to provide training and placement services for 48 unemployed and underemployed participants in Medical Assistant positions in partnership with Greater Lawrence Family Health Center and Beth Israel Lahey Health. 

“These grants will connect Massachusetts residents who typically face higher barriers to obtaining employment with the vital training and skills they need to create a meaningful career pathway while also helping to ensure that employers have access to the skilled talent they need,” said Governor Healey. “Making the match between skills training and labor demand is critical for supporting our workers, employers, economy, and competitiveness.”  

“These organizations are supporting our workforce by attracting those who are unemployed, underemployed, or experiencing barriers to employment and providing the necessary skills they need to succeed,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “These grants not only help connect people with job training in critical industries but helps expand our skilled talent pool for employers.” 

The grants are part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategic investment in the Massachusetts workforce by developing programs that support individuals facing barriers to employment, such as lack of formal schooling, language barriers, or past involvement with the criminal justice system. The grants will support seven initiatives to develop and implement employer-responsive programs to place participants into unsubsidized employment in targeted occupations and create opportunities for underemployed and unemployed individuals to access high-quality, in-demand training programs. 

“These partnerships will help create life-changing opportunities for Massachusetts jobseekers and play a critical role in bridging the skills gap while addressing the needs of both workers and employers in the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to strengthening the Commonwealth’s competitiveness by closing the workforce skill gap, investing in workforce development, and re-engaging underemployed and underrepresented individuals. We look forward to continuing to work with these partners as they implement their initiatives.”  

• Health and Home Care Training of New England: Awarded $350,000 to provide training and placement services to 50 unemployed and underemployed individuals for Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide positions. The Wakefield-based organization will partner with St. Joseph's Manor, Wingate Healthcare, and On-Call Staffing.  

• Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston: Awarded $1,000,000 to provide training and placement services for 156 unemployed and underemployed participants in Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide positions. Partners include Mass General Brigham, Boston Children's Hospital, and Signature Healthcare. 

• Holyoke Health Center: Awarded $850,600 to provide training and placement services for 60 unemployed and underemployed participants in Dental Assistant positions. Partners include Hampden County Oral Surgery, Quinn Family Dental, and River Valley Dental. 

• Greater Lawrence Technical School: Awarded $369,000 to provide training and placement services for 48 unemployed and underemployed participants in Medical Assistant positions. Partners include Greater Lawrence Family Health Center and Beth Israel Lahey Health.

• Massachusetts Restaurant Association Education Foundation: Awarded $250,000 to provide training and placement services for 50 unemployed and underemployed participants in various food service and hospitality positions. Partners include a wide range of restaurants and hospitality groups, such as Brady's Restaurant, Turners Seafood Corp, Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, Nuestra, Viscariello Hospitality, Firefly BBQ, Stones Hospitality Group, 110 Grill, Big Night Entertainment Group LLC, Burtons Grill LLC, and Kowloon Restaurant. 

• Massachusetts Restaurant Association: Awarded $160,000 to provide training and placement services for 40 unemployed and underemployed participants in Restaurant Manager, Server, Chef, Sous Chef, Prep Cook, Dishwasher, and Restaurant General Manager positions. Partners include 110 Grill/Evivva Trattoria, Worcester Restaurant Group, Niche Hospitality, Peppercorns Grille & Bar, Burtons Grill/Red Heat Tavern, Nu Kitchen, Panera Bread, The Mill at 185, Anzio’s Brick Oven Pizza, and Reunion Tap and Table. 

• BEST Hospitality Training: Awarded $500,000 to provide training and placement services for 50 unemployed and underemployed participants in Housekeeper, Houseperson, Laundry Attendant, Linen Runner, Public Space Attendant, and Lobby Attendant positions. Partners include Boston Park Plaza, Hotel Commonwealth, The Newbury Boston, Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, and W Boston. 

The Workforce Competitiveness Training Fund works to make a positive impact on the lives of Massachusetts individuals and families through and increase the competitiveness of its businesses by creating demand-driven programs tailored to industry sectors. Learn more about this and additional funding opportunities on the CommCorp website.