FY27 TRAIN Grant

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education in cooperation with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development is soliciting workforce training proposals under the FY27 TRAIN Grant program with a submission deadline of July 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. via COMMBUYS (Bid Number BD-27-1088-RGT01-RGT01-130754). Eligible applicants are the fifteen Massachusetts community colleges only.

Applicants may submit individual proposals ($75,000–$150,000) or collaborative proposals involving a minimum of three community colleges ($75,000–$200,000). The program addresses skills-development needs of long-term unemployed, underemployed, and new entrant adults seeking industry-specific credentials and job placement support. Proposals must include workforce readiness training, industry skills development, internship and experiential learning opportunities, and wraparound support services such as childcare, transportation, case management, and stipends.

All proposals must establish partnerships with Regional Workforce Boards, Career Centers, and at least one regional employer committed to providing internship placements, with letters of support required from each employer partner. The average cost per student is expected to range from $2,000–$3,000, though applicants must justify any costs outside the $1,500–$5,000 range. A maximum indirect cost of 10% is allowed. Matching funds are not required.

The anticipated total funding available is approximately $1.5 million from State Appropriation 7066-0000, contingent upon availability. DHE anticipates awarding up to 15 individual or collaborative grants. Applicants must submit a complete application packet via COMMBUYS including an Application Coversheet, a narrative not exceeding 10 pages, and a detailed Budget Worksheet in Excel format. An information session is scheduled for July 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Award notification is anticipated September 30, 2026, with a contract start date of October 13, 2026, and contract end date of June 30, 2027. Selected organizations will enter into an Interagency Service Agreement or Standard Contract with DHE upon award.