LOWELL – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) yesterday announced $2.2 million in federal funding for Boys & Girls Clubs across the Third District.
The funding is being used to support new or existing workforce development programming at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lowell, Lawrence, Greater Haverhill, MetroWest, and Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner. This programming includes career pathway exploration, job skill training, and work-based learning experiences for local teens at each of the five clubs. This federal investment was secured by Congresswoman Trahan during negotiations over the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding package.
“Boys and Girls Clubs across the Third District go above and beyond to give thousands of children and teens the chance to reach their full potential,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Their career pathway programs have successfully prepared countless young people to hit the ground running when they enter the workforce. That’s why I went to bat for this significant federal investment – because we should be doing everything possible to expand access to these programs with a tremendous track record of success.”
The five Boys & Girls Clubs receiving funding collectively serve more than 7,000 children and teens per year in their communities. Each club will receive $400,000 to support new or existing workforce development programming.
“We are grateful to Congresswoman Trahan and her team for the Community Project Funding for Building Better Workforces,” said Joe Hungler, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell. “This funding gives teens access to the resources, connections and experiences necessary to find a pathway to a sustainable career. It will deepen partnerships with Boys & Girls Club teens, staff and organizations in eight communities, creating more synergy and opportunities than any one Club could do on its own.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) utilizes an evidence-informed approach built on three on three pillars proven to be most effective in workforce training and career-education programs. Through Career Exploration and Matching, young people can explore various career clusters and education/training required for various pathways, and BGCA staff help guide them to matching careers based on their strengths, interests, and passions. Through Skills Development, teens are taught skills valued by potential employers such as communication, active listening, collaboration, prioritization, professionalism, and ethical behavior. Lastly, through Work-Based Learning Experiences, young adults engage in BGCA programs such as Junior Staff and partnerships with community organizations to allow them to gain real-world work experience and job-readiness skills.
By providing opportunities for professional growth and advancement, the BGCA’s new and ongoing workforce development projects will help young people succeed in good-paying jobs, benefit local organizations and small businesses, and boost the local economy.
