MILTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $290,000 in grant funding for four initiatives across Massachusetts to provide job training, employment placement, and post-placement services for 40 young adults with disabilities. As part of the grants, $77,500 will support planning grants for training providers.
Today’s announcement of Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities grants builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategic investments to attract and develop diverse, skilled talent to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers across industries and statewide. The grant program, funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and administered by Commonwealth Corporation, engages community-based organizations dedicated to training young adults with disabilities.
Since January 2023, 189 participants have successfully secured employment or received job training through the Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities. Participants have been placed in a wide range of industries, including office administration, cleaning, culinary arts, sales, retail, and grocery tracks. The program also provides essential workforce support to help overcome employment barriers, such as transportation assistance, job coaching, soft skills training, post-placement support, and support with requesting workplace accommodations.
“There are young adults with disabilities across our state who are talented, driven and eager to work – and there are employers who want to hire them,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will help prepare young adults with disabilities for success in the workforce by connecting them with the skills and support needed to get jobs in high-demand industries.”
“Workforce training programs like the ones we are celebrating today are essential to making sure that every resident, including those with disabilities, has the skills they need to succeed in today’s economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “This work is critical not only for the economic prosperity of individuals and families, but also for the long-term strength of our economy and communities.”
Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones made the announcement at Curry College in Milton. Curry College received $37,500 to conduct program planning and design activities to prepare neurodivergent individuals ages 18–35 for jobs in business administration, finance, accounting, marketing, logistics, and management information systems.
“These grants will help break down barriers and increase access to employment opportunities while strengthening employment outcomes, fostering inclusivity, and advancing economic opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts’,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “We look forward to working with the awarded organizations as they implement these awards.”
“We are proud to support organizations across Massachusetts as they expand inclusive training opportunities for young adults with disabilities,” said Molly Jacobson, President & CEO of Commonwealth Corporation. “We applaud and thank the teams behind these initiatives for their dedication to equity, innovation, and workforce development. Their efforts are helping build a more accessible future, one where all young people have the support and skills they need to thrive in meaningful careers.”
