The Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development (OWD) invites applications from qualified nonprofit organizations for the Life Sciences Workforce Development Initiative: Career Navigation & Industry-Aligned Training Grant.
Donor Name: Office of Workforce Development (OWD)
State: Massachusetts
City: Boston
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/17/2025
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year
Details:
This round will support targeted activities that help Boston residents access quality employment opportunities in the life sciences sector. Funding will be awarded for workforce development initiatives that directly support job placement in life sciences occupations. Applicants may propose activities in one or more of the following three categories:
- Category 1: Career Navigation and Reemployment Support
- Category 2: Job training and Work-Based Learning
- Category 3: Employer Engagement and Industry Partnership Development.
Grant Program Goals
The goal of this funding round is to expand access to high-quality employment opportunities in the life sciences sector for Boston residents, with a clear focus on job placement. Proposals may focus on one or more funding categories—career navigation and reemployment support, training and work-based learning, or employer engagement—but must demonstrate a clear connection to employment outcomes.
- Employer Partnerships
- All proposals must include at least one committed employer partner. Proposals should clearly show how employer engagement will contribute to direct job placement. Applicants should describe the employer’s role, including participation in program design, hiring commitments, job development, and in-kind or financial contributions. Evidence of employer involvement—including named contacts, letters of support, and quantified commitments—will be a key consideration in the award process.
- Life Sciences Career Alliance
- Grantees are expected to actively engage with the Life Sciences Career Alliance and other intermediaries as part of this initiative. Intermediaries will serve as a conduit to employers and a platform for shared planning, alignment, and accountability across funded partners. At a minimum, grantees will:
- Participate in quarterly coordination meetings convened by the intermediary to share progress, surface challenges, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
- Engage in information-sharing and coordination activities facilitated by the intermediary to strengthen connections with employers.
- Grantees are expected to actively engage with the Life Sciences Career Alliance and other intermediaries as part of this initiative. Intermediaries will serve as a conduit to employers and a platform for shared planning, alignment, and accountability across funded partners. At a minimum, grantees will:
- Job Placement and Participant Support
- Proposals must include a clear plan and timeline for job development and direct job placement activities. All proposed activities should be designed to result in participants securing employment in the life sciences sector or in occupations that serve as meaningful entry points into life sciences career pathways. Programs must describe how participants will be supported in preparing for and securing employment, including job readiness coaching, job search assistance, interview preparation, and direct connection to employer partners. While work-based learning experiences (such as internships or on-the-job training) may be included, they will only be considered if they are directly tied to time-bound plans for placement into permanent roles. Applicants must also describe how they will ensure equitable access to program opportunities, including tailored support for individuals who face barriers to employment or who have been historically excluded from the life sciences workforce.
Funding Information
- Total Amount Available for Grant Program: $500,000
- Award Amount per Grant per Organization: They anticipate funding 3-4 awards with an average size grant of $150k, depending on response and job placement goals.
Grant Period
The period of performance will be November 3, 2025-August 31, 2026. All funded training and program activities must be completed by August 31, 2026, with job placement outcomes measured through February 28, 2027 (six months post-program completion).
Eligible Activities
This RFGA marks the third phase of the City’s Life Sciences Workforce Development Initiative and is focused on expanding access to quality employment opportunities in the life sciences sector for Boston residents. Funding will support targeted, job placement–oriented strategies that fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Career Navigation and Reemployment Support: Includes individualized career advising, job search coaching, resume and interview preparation, job matching, and direct connection to open positions in life sciences and related fields. Activities should be designed to lead to near-term job placements for unemployed or underemployed individuals.
- Training and Work-Based Learning: Includes classroom-based instruction, contextualized or technical training, and work-based learning models such as internships, lab-based experiences, or job shadowing. Programs should blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience and may serve new entrants to the sector, career changers, or current workers seeking advancement. All proposals must demonstrate alignment with industry needs and include clear job placement or advancement outcomes.
- Employer Engagement and Industry Partnership Development: Includes activities that build or strengthen partnerships with life sciences employers, particularly those hiring for sub-baccalaureate roles. Eligible activities may include convenings, job development, employer advisory involvement, and systems to streamline hiring or improve placement outcomes.
Participant Eligibility and Target Populations
This RFGA targets programs that serve Boston residents aged 16 and older, with a focus on populations that have historically lacked access to life sciences occupations and opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications from partnerships or collaborations are permissible. Partnerships will need to identify a lead applicant. An organization may be part of multiple applications as a partner but may only be the lead applicant on one application. Lead applicants must hold 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Code or have an identified fiscal sponsor holding 501(c)(3) status. Non-profit, private, or public higher education institutions are also eligible to apply.
For more information, visit OWD.
