Edc 413works

Assist the economic development council of ma with its working cities program the goal of which is to increase the labor force participation of various cities in western Massachusetts. The program aims to improve workforce systems, create new frameworks to guide the workforce system, influence employer hiring and worker advancement practices, and improve the effectiveness of trainers working to enhance the skills of low-income job seekers. Program activities are aimed at helping local businesses to build economic equity, hire and promote residents from cdbg neighborhoods in holyoke and springfield and create business opportunities for local, diverse vendors.

Advancing equitable career pathways initiative: began to convene local community college and industry partners to design and test strategies that aim to increase the proportion of people of color that enroll in and complete credential or degree programs that lead to high quality jobs, particularly those in which they have historically been underrepresented.

Anchor collaborative- Edc 413works has partnered with baystate health system, which is also a 501(c)(3) organization to increase local procurement opportunities for women and minority owned businesses and to propel hiring and career pathways for minority and low income populations.