Springfield WORKS/Working Cities Challenge

?? Springfield WORKS is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a $700,000 grant from?The Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds! ?? Spread over five years, this grant will support the policy work integral to the?Bridge to Prosperity Pilot program (Cliff Pilot)—aiming to help workers across the Commonwealth advance their careers and earn more without facing the financial barriers created by cliff effects. https://lnkd.in/em2Z9WQn

Can cities, like Springfield, who lost a significant Manufacturing base several decades ago rebuild its economy? The Boston Fed tackled that question, which led to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston investment in what is now known as Springfield WORKS, a strong collaboration of partners working together to build a resilient, inclusive, and equitable economy in the Greater Springfield Region. Springfield WORKS/Working Cities Challenge Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council Anne Kandilis

?? We’re thankful to the?Boston Globe for shedding light on the Cliff Effect through the story of Ariela Reynoso. Her story is powerful but sadly not uncommon. These barriers exist for working families across the state—keeping individuals in lower paying jobs while driving instability and turnover in the workforce ecosystem. If you have yet to read the article in the Boston Globe, we highly recommend it. This piece further illustrates how the cliff effect impacts Massachusetts families like Ariela’s, and how the Bridge to Prosperity Pilot will remove barriers to economic mobility. Read our full post here: https://lnkd.in/eBT_DHYj

We are proud and thrilled to announce that STCC is now FREE for all eligible Massachusetts residents, regardless of age or income. The?MassEducate?and?MassReconnect?programs allow all Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend community college for free. This is a momentous time for education, and we are so excited about the positive impact it will have on our wonderful community. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ezTDiiRF FAQ: https://lnkd.in/e876ZyYP

"Do you have your BA?" - Interviewer "Like from college?" - Tina "I'm so sorry, they're actually really strict about that here. I know it's super annoying, but they always like to promote from within so all the new hires have to have degrees, for leadership potential." - Interviewer "But I did this exact job for 15 years." - Tina "No for sure. I'm sorry. Maybe you could try night school? Would definitely help with the job hunt." - Interviewer Season 3, Episode 6 of The Bear really tugged at our heartstrings. In this episode, Tina (beautifully portrayed by Liza Colon-Zayas) finds herself blocked by The Paper Ceiling. She applies for a job that she’s done for 15 years and is clearly qualified for, but was told by the interviewer that they can’t hire her because she doesn’t have a college degree. This is the reality that 70+ million STARs (workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes) can face every day in our nation. Unnecessary bachelor’s degree requirements screen out too many qualified, talented individuals, leaving employers unable to fill roles, and STARs unable to achieve upward mobility. We must #TearThePaperCeiling so that all qualified talent- like Tina in The Bear- can get jobs they’re qualified to do. FX

We are excited to share that our amendment to fund the Cliff Pilot Program has been included in the MA FY25 budget. An additional $100,000 in funding for the Bridge to Prosperity Pilot is now awaiting Governor Healy’s Signature! ?? Learn more about the Bridge to Prosperity Pilot Program: https://lnkd.in/eiQaPVD3 A huge thank you to Senator?Adam Gomez Sr.?for sponsoring the amendment and to Senate Ways & Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, House Ways & Means Chair?Aaron Michlewitz, Senate President?Karen Spilka, and Speaker of the House?Ronald Mariano. We are incredibly grateful for your ongoing collaboration in addressing Cliff Effects and their impact on individuals, families, and communities across the Commonwealth. We also extend our gratitude to the conference committee for including our amendment in the final budget on its way to the Governor. This is another stride toward a better future for Massachusetts families. #CliffPilotProgram #financialempowerment #FY25Budget #mapoli

?? ? This is such an important piece in the Boston Globe highlighting Ariela Reynoso’s story and her experience navigating the cliff effect while trying to earn more for her family. The Cliff Effect occurs when a slight increase in income results in a disproportionate loss or reduction of public benefits like food or housing assistance, making it harder for families to achieve financial stability despite earning more. She is not alone; this is a challenge faced by many individuals and families across the state. This story underscores the importance of initiatives like the Bridge to Prosperity pilot program for those striving for economic mobility across the Commonwealth. This program will address Cliff Effects head-on by supporting individuals directly on their path to a higher-paying career without risking a financial cliff from the loss of benefits. Learn more about the cliff pilot here: https://lnkd.in/eiQaPVD3 ? A special shoutout to Women's Money Matters, our Boston area coaching partner, for their crucial role in helping Ariela navigate her finances and their ongoing efforts to empower women to achieve financial empowerment. Additional shoutout to the many partners across the state working together to set the Bridge to Prosperity Pilot up for success. Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. United Way Pioneer Valley Read more here:?https://lnkd.in/e_b_TijA #CliffEffects #FinancialEmpowerment

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is highlighting the impact of MassReconnect as the first academic year with this program wraps up, having supported over 4,500 students. Launched in August 2023, Governor Healey’s free community college program for students 25 and over without prior degrees has made Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges tuition and fee free for thousands of students, and inspired thousands more to enroll since the program’s start. Read more ??https://lnkd.in/e-9ZK74E

Thank you Women's Foundation of Boston for this wonderful grant! We are incredibly excited about our new career center and eager to further assist our wonderful community. Our new center will offer workshops and support for resume writing, job-search strategies, interview prep, financial literacy, and assistance with digital literacy. Dress for Success Western MA is committed to continuing to empower the women and non-binary individuals in our community to achieve their goals! #nonprofit #womensfoundationofboston #dressforsuccesswesternma #workingtomakeadifference

There are only 5 days left to secure your spot in Tech Foundry’s tuition-free IT support training program! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to kickstart your tech career and gain valuable skills. Apply now and secure your spot for a brighter future! ??To explore our 18-week, tuition-free, hybrid IT support training program, please sign up for an upcoming virtual information session by registering at: https://lnkd.in/eZi6cyAP ?? Ready to apply? Visit https://lnkd.in/eEMwXgc and complete your application by July 15th. #TechFoundry #Spring2024recruitment #learninginaction #techskills #handson #growth #careergrowth #futuregeneration #innovation #technology #education #opportunities #leadership #springfieldMA #westernmass #nonprofit #informationtechnology #ITtraining #GrowWithGoogle