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The purpose of this RFP is to provide funding to members of the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition, Inc., for comprehensive education, workforce training and skills development to youth as outlined in the FY2026 state budget.
The Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition provides young people between the ages of 16–24 the chance to turn their lives around through curriculum that combines academic instruction with workforce development training in which students spend one week in the classroom working toward their High school equivalency or diploma, followed by one week on a job site building or renovating affordable housing in their communities.
As outlined in the FY2026 state budget language associated with the 7061-9626: YouthBuild Grants | Summary FY26 Budget .
State Line Item 7061-9626
The receipt of grant funds is contingent upon the grantee being able to certify that it will comply with the Massachusetts General Laws, including G.L. c. 40A, § 3A, the MBTA Communities Act. Compliance with the MBTA Communities Act is determined by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
As outlined in the FY2026 state budget language approximately $1,750,000 is available under its own line-item account 7061-9626
This RFP is the governing document for these grant funds.
Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding is to become available, it will be distributed under the same guideline as listed in the initial RFP document.
As outlined in the state budget language associated with the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition Program Legislature dedicated line item
Upon Approval (No Earlier than 7/1/2025)* – 6/30/2026
* Grant start date cannot be prior to DESE receiving a substantially approvable Application Submission as directed in this RFP's Submission Instructions. Goods and Services cannot be procured prior to Grants receiving and approving an application submission. Funds cannot exceed the project duration end date.
DESE Adult and Community Learning Services
For submission and questions on budget application contact:
Joeatta Smith-Nwachuku Adult & Community Learning Services 781-338-3839
If you have any questions regarding the funds earmarked in this account, please contact the state legislative contact on this funding.
Monday, June 30, 2025
The FY26 0562 MA Youth Build Coalition Program Grant will be completed and submitted in our new Grants for Education Management System (GEM$).
Please Note: Grant Submission at the LEA level requires roles to be established for Grant writer for the specific fund code, LEA fiscal for financial review/approval, and Superintendent/Chief Executive sign off. All these roles should be established prior to the grant due date and all appropriate forms should be either uploaded to GEM$, maintained at the LEA level or sent in to the DESE RFP contact as described on the individual forms. The user guidance documents and forms are found on the GEM$ homepage under DESE Resources. These forms can be accessed without logging in to the system.
Last Updated: June 5, 2025