Request for Proposals (RFP) Pathmaker Workforce Program

The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) is soliciting proposals for the Pathmaker Workforce Program, an employer-driven initiative providing direct funding to organizations that build and scale career pathways. The program focuses on preparing individuals from low-income and underrepresented communities for high-demand roles in advanced manufacturing, defense, artificial intelligence, robotics, and technology. To be eligible, programs must incorporate Pathmaker Core Competencies and maintain a partnership with an employer demonstrating a direct hiring need. Success is measured by the ability to place participants into open positions immediately or within three months of completion, with a target graduation rate of at least 60 percent. Awards are determined via a common scoring calculator, with the MassTech Board of Directors making final funding recommendations based on the responsiveness of the application and the applicant's past performance. Selected organizations will enter into a grant agreement and must utilize a standard budget and invoice template for quarterly reporting of labor, subcontractors, and direct costs. Grantees are required to submit annual reports every June 30 and a post-project report one year after the final report to document outcomes and equity metrics. All applications must be submitted through the MassTech online portal by April 16, 2027, and any proprietary information must be explicitly labeled as confidential to be protected under Massachusetts Public Records Law.