The purpose of this Request for Proposal 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 FY2027 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 FY2027 state budget language associated with the 7061-9626: YouthBuild Grants | Summary FY27 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 General Laws G.L. c. 40A, § 3A, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority MBTA Communities Act. Compliance with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority MBTA Communities Act is determined by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
As outlined in the FY2027 state budget language approximately $1,750,000 is available under its own line-item account 7061-9626.
This Request for Proposal RFP is the governing document for these grant funds.
Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding is to become available, it will be distributed under the same guideline as listed in the initial Request for Proposal RFP document.
As outlined in the state budget language associated with the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition Program Legislature dedicated line item
Upon Approval (No Earlier than 7/1/2026)* – 6/30/2027
* Grant start date cannot be prior to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE receiving a substantially approvable Application Submission as directed in this Request for Proposal RFP's Submission Instructions. Goods and Services cannot be procured prior to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE receiving and approving an application submission. Funds cannot exceed the project duration end date. The Grant Award Notice (GAN) issued in Grants for Education Management System GEM$ is the official award notice for grant funds.
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE Adult and Community Learning Services
Joeatta Smith-Nwachuku
(781) 338-3839
Friday, June 26, 2026
Proposals must be received at the Department by 5:00 p.m. Eastern on the date due.
The FY27 0562 Massachusetts MA Youth Build Coalition Program must be submitted in Grants for Education Management System GEM$.
Grants for Education Management System (GEM$)
Grant Submission at the Local Educational Agency LEA level requires roles to be established for Grant writer for the specific fund code, Local Educational Agency LEA fiscal for financial review/approval, and Superintendent/Chief Executive sign off. All roles should be established prior to the grant due date and all appropriate forms should be either uploaded to Grants for Education Management System GEM$, maintained at the Local Educational Agency LEA level or sent in to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE Request for Proposal RFP contact as described on the individual forms.
The user guidance documents and forms are found on the Grants for Education Management System GEM$ homepage under Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE Resources. These forms can be accessed without logging in to the system.
Last Updated: June 11, 2026