FY2027: MassSTEP ABE and MassSTEP ESOL
This grant funds partnerships to provide integrated education and workforce training for adults, accelerating credentials and job placement in high-demand fields through the MassSTEP ABE and ESOL models.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Due Dates: May 29, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $60,000 per cohort (max $120,000 for two cohorts); approx. $300,000 total available; project duration up to 12 months with possible renewal.
Summary: Supports partnerships to deliver integrated adult education, workforce preparation, and occupational skills training for accelerated credential and employment outcomes in high-demand fields.
Key Information: Proposals must include an approved occupational training partner and be submitted via GEM$ by 3:00 PM Eastern on the deadline. Culinary Arts or Hospitality proposals are not eligible.
Description
This grant funds the implementation of MassSTEP ABE (Adult Basic Education) and MassSTEP ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) models that integrate adult education, workforce preparation, and occupational skills training for adults. The objective is to accelerate participants' attainment of high school and industry-recognized credentials and support their entry into living-wage jobs in high-demand occupations. Programs must be delivered by partnerships among education providers, approved workforce training providers (such as state-approved Career Technical Education Chapter 74 (CTE) programs), employers, and workforce partners. Funded activities must include concurrent and contextualized instruction, be approximately 16 weeks or less, and involve collaboration with local employers and workforce boards. Priority is given to proposals featuring CTE partners and alignment with local workforce priorities.
