DBEDC and LISC Massachusetts Announce New Partnership on Green Jobs Training Cohort

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LISC Massachusetts

Dorchester Bay EDC

Boston, MA – Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC) and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Massachusetts are excited to announce a new partnership aimed at creating career pathways in the growing green jobs market for Boston residents in underinvested communities. Building on LISC’s current Bridges to Green Jobs program, DBEDC will host a workforce training cohort in Boston in February 2025.  

Bridges to Green Jobs is a two-week technical and soft skills training program launched in 2022. The program builds pathways to careers in the green energy and climate resiliency fields, with a focus on communities that have been disproportionately affected by climate change and are underrepresented in the green jobs sector. The program is designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to pursue wide-ranging and high-demand opportunities across the green industry, such as weatherization, HVAC, energy auditing, solar, and more. The DBEDC training hub is a part of LISC Massachusetts’ broader mission to create new hubs across the Commonwealth to more equitably widen industry access. 

Key Features of the Bridges to Green Jobs Training:  

• Paid hands-on technical training, essential job skills training, and career exploration in the clean energy field 
• Connection to employers and extended training opportunities, access to a financial coach, 1:1 and group check-ins for 12 weeks post-program, and financial support/incentives for up to the first 6 months in the field 

“We are thrilled to deepen our long-standing partnership with LISC Massachusetts to create pathways for our community members to access high-quality, well-paying careers in the rapidly expanding green jobs sector,” said Kimberly R. Lyle, CEO of Dorchester Bay EDC. “Together, we are breaking down barriers that have kept too many of our neighbors from these opportunities while advancing climate justice for a community that has long borne the disproportionate impacts of environmental inequities. This collaboration builds on our shared commitment to creating economic opportunity and resilience for underserved communities.” 

“The Bridges to Green Jobs initiative has a proven track record of success breaking down barriers to workforce development and preparing community members for viable careers in the state’s growing climate economy,” shared Gustavo Quiroga, Executive Director of LISC Massachusetts. “Collaborating with DBEDC — leaders in racial equity and community empowerment — is an exciting next step forward as we expand the program and support climate careers for those community members most impacted by climate change.” 

“At DBEDC, workforce development is more than just training and job placement—it’s about building confidence and connecting people to careers that offer growth and stability,” said Carolina Leins-Sultan, Director of Workforce Development at Dorchester Bay EDC. “We’re proud to partner with LISC Massachusetts to ensure that no one in our community is left behind in the transition to a clean energy economy.” 

“Bridges to Green Jobs started as an idea to help community members get a ‘foot in the door’ in the growing clean energy sector,” shared Silvana Bastante Muñoz, Program Officer at LISC Massachusetts. “Thanks to many participants’ and partners’ feedback, we have identified areas of success and of improvement, and how to keep building on the accessibility of these opportunities for institutionally underserved residents. Seeing it be replicated across Gateway Cities and expand through new partnerships, like with DBEDC, is a testament that innovative and people-focused programs like Bridges to Green Jobs are key to climate and economic equity.” 

Quotes from Previous Bridges to Green Jobs Participants  

“It was hard for me to find something that was permanent. [Now] I’m sharpening my skills and trying to be crew leader to earn more money and to get more knowledge; I love this work.” — Juan Wilkins, 2022 Graduate of LISC Massachusetts’s Bridges to Green Jobs program    

“What I really love and appreciate about Bridges to Green Jobs is the support. If I didn't go through this program, I would have never gotten that job. Period.” — Jasmine Thai, 2023 Graduate of LISC Massachusetts’s Bridges to Green Jobs program  

“And just coming from to this two-week program, I was already a step ahead of people who are coming in fresh, completely fresh... I feel like once I got into this space, my career path was pretty clear” — William Gomez-Pereira, 2023 Graduate of LISC Massachusetts’s Bridges to Green Jobs program    

Apply for the Next Cohort

The next Bridges to Green Jobs training cohort will begin on February 3rd, 2025 and applications are now open [+] Interested participants are encouraged to apply early, as spaces are limited.  For more information about Bridges to Green Jobs, including application details and program eligibility, please click here [+]

Bridges to Green Jobs Statistics: 

• 97% of graduates complete the program  
• 86% of graduates have interviews by week 3 
• 76% of graduates obtained jobs 
• $850 average weekly starting pay 
• 96% People of Color 
• Participant age range:  18 – 55 

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Media Contacts 

Shira Burns 
Communications Manager, Dorchester Bay EDC 
sburns@dbedc.org
617-533-9562 

Silvana Bastante Muñoz 
Program Officer, LISC Massachusetts 
sbastante@lisc.org

About Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation  

DBEDC is a Community Development Corporation (CDC) and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Founded in 1979, we work to build a strong, thriving, and diverse community in Boston’s North Dorchester and Roxbury neighborhoods. We are on a mission to 1) develop, preserve, and sustain affordable rental and ownership housing, 2) lend capital to and coach small businesses, 3) prepare job seekers for well-paying sustainable employment, and 4) stabilize tenancies and foster community leadership. We’re focused on equitable development without displacement and providing opportunities for economic mobility. We are one of Boston’s oldest and most established community development organizations. Learn more at dbedc.org

About LISC Massachusetts 

LISC is one of the country's largest community development organizations, helping forge vibrant, resilient communities across America. LISC works with residents and partners to close systemic gaps in health, wealth, and opportunity and advance racial equity so that people and places can thrive. A local office of LISC, LISC Massachusetts has invested $630 million to revitalize communities and support quality housing, businesses, and jobs over the past 40 years. For more, visit lisc.org/massachusetts