Grants Through Office of Strategic Workforce Development Will Support Efforts in Finger Lakes, Long Island, New York City and Western New York

Grant Applications Open for Round 9 – More Information Available Here

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that nearly $5 million has been awarded to six workforce development projects across four regions through New York State's Office of Strategic Workforce Development. These grants will support the training of more than 700 New Yorkers through collaboration between training providers and more than 40 employer partners in high demand fields such as construction and advanced manufacturing. To date, more than $65 million has been awarded through the Office to support training for over 15,000 New Yorkers.

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Growing a skilled workforce in high-demand industries throughout the state is a cornerstone of New York's economic development strategy. Through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development, we are supporting employer-driven programs that are creating new opportunities for more New Yorkers to participate and succeed in the 21st century economy."

Round 8 awardees:

• Rochester Educational Opportunity Center – Finger Lakes – $1.61 million (Pay for Performance Operating Grant): Rochester Economic Opportunity Center will develop and implement an entry-level Building Trades program featuring fundamentals of workplace safety, electrical, plumbing, dry walling, carpentry and painting. Program participants will receive wholistic case management, including access to transportation, childcare, legal and housing assistance, and participation stipends. The project will support the Inner Loop North development project, which will reconnect Downtown Rochester with other neighborhoods and foster opportunities for further economic and community development.
• St. Nicks Alliance – New York City – $1 million (Pay for Performance Operating Grant): Funding will support training and wraparound services for St. Nicks Green Trades programs – with pathways in building maintenance, HVAC, construction, environmental remediation technician, electric and plumbing – which provide credentialed training opportunities for low-income Brooklyn residents. The employer-vetted program provides comprehensive case management and referrals to support services, as well as stipends, workplace skills training, mentorship and two years of alumni retention supports to increase trainee success and retention. The Green Trades program focuses on addressing climate justice and lowering carbon emissions, with intentional elements of sustainability and energy efficiency included in each pathway.
• New York City Department of Small Business Services – New York City – $691,239 (Pay for Performance Operating Grant): The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) will implement a five-week direct-entry pre-apprenticeship program for the building and construction trades, provided by the Workforce1 Career Center System in partnership with Pathways to  Apprenticeship (P2A), who will administer the program. This includes providing an industry-informed curriculum featuring classroom and hands-on training, case management and wraparound services including stipends, transportation assistance, food assistance and financial literacy training.
• Rochester Institute of Technology – Finger Lakes – $718,662 (Pay for Performance Operating Grant): RIT will partner with the Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) to provide credentialed training in electronics assembly, rework and repair to aid veterans in gaining access to high-paying technical jobs. The VOC will provide case management, including stipends, transportation, food assistance and access to mental health services, while RIT will provide industry training and work with both trainees and employers to provide cultural competency training to aid in veterans' job retention once placed.
• Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island – Long Island – $354,050 (Pay for Performance Operating Grant): The Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island will develop a plumbing pre-apprenticeship training program that provides technical and practical skills, including water supply systems, drainage, waste and vent systems, gas line installation, green plumbing technologies, winterizing and thawing, and boiler and furnace repair. The project focuses on recruiting high school students or recent graduates directly into jobs with member contractors, who then pay for training costs and ensure job retention once training is completed. The program will also feature connections to mental health services, and initial union dues and a tool set for trainees upon completion.
• Sheet Metal Contractors and Local 71 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee – Western New York – $177,927 (Pay for Performance Operating Grant) and $100,000 (Workforce Development Capital Grant): The Sheet Metal Contractors and SMART Local 71 will construct, install and operate a new Computer Aided Design lab to increase the marketability of apprentices in the workforce. At least 75% of surveyed member contractors stated that employees' lack of CAD skills has limited their ability to bid on projects. Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute will provide mental health and drug treatment services, while Say Yes Buffalo will provide case management, mentorship, weekly check-ins, and connections to other services as needed, including childcare and transportation assistance.

Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson said, "These targeted workforce development grants exemplify our commitment to building a stronger middle class by investing in the jobs of today and tomorrow. By combining credentialed training in high-demand fields with comprehensive support services such as childcare and transportation assistance, we're creating real pathways to economic opportunity in regions throughout the State. This is exactly the kind of investment that strengthens our communities and helps families thrive – ensuring good-paying careers are within reach for everyone."

Today's announcement coincides with the launch of applications for Round 9 of OSWD’s grant funding. Applications are being accepted through Friday, October 17. More information on funding and applications can be found here, and potential applicants are invited to subscribe to the OSWD newsletter here.

The Office of Strategic Workforce Development was first established in April 2022 by Governor Kathy Hochul and supports industry-driven workforce development programs and practices to ensure that more New Yorkers have the skills for in-demand jobs that pay a living wage in the state's high-growth industries. The $115 million Pay for Performance Operating Grant Program offers flexible funding to help providers cover programmatic expenses like curriculum development and wraparound services to prepare New Yorkers with in-demand skills and industry-recognized credentials. The $35 million Workforce Development Capital Grant Program supports the capital needs of workforce training providers that seek to enhance or expand their offerings. These grant programs allow workforce training providers to expand the capacity of successful programs with high placement rates and effective wraparound services.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313