News Summary
Mayor Michelle Wu has launched applications for the PowerCorps Boston program, providing young adults in the city with opportunities to enter the growing green industry. The initiative aims to foster a skilled workforce addressing environmental needs through hands-on training and career readiness support. With a ‘learn and earn’ model, participants receive valuable training and a stipend, paving the way for sustainable careers in various green sectors. The program, which includes Urban Forestry and Building Operations tracks, is now open for residents aged 18-30.
Boston, MA
Boston’s Green Job Boom: PowerCorps Applications Open
Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the launch of applications for the next cohort of PowerCorps Boston, presenting a significant opportunity for young adults in the city to enter the rapidly expanding green industry. This initiative underscores Boston’s commitment to cultivating a skilled workforce while addressing environmental needs.
The program, known for its practical “learn and earn” model, offers participants a direct pathway to acquire valuable skills and secure living-wage careers in sectors vital to the city’s future. Such local, outcome-focused programs exemplify how targeted investments in workforce development can empower individuals and strengthen communities, offering clear advantages over broad, less-defined initiatives.
What is PowerCorps Boston?
PowerCorps Boston is a 10-month Green Industry Workforce Development Program designed to equip young adults with the training, career readiness support, and employer connections needed for successful careers in the green sector. This program operates on a “learn and earn” model, providing participants with a $550 weekly stipend as they engage in hands-on training. This approach highlights a commitment to personal achievement by compensating individuals for their dedication to skill development, enabling them to build a foundation for economic independence. The program was initially launched by Mayor Wu in January 2022.
Applications for the May 2026 Cohort Now Open
Applications for the upcoming PowerCorps Boston cohort launched on February 19, 2026, targeting the May 2026 intake. This timely announcement by Mayor Michelle Wu provides an accessible entry point for eligible Boston residents to embark on a career path in a growing industry. The application process is streamlined, allowing residents aged 18-30 to apply directly through Boston.gov.
Eligibility and Program Structure
To be eligible for PowerCorps Boston, individuals must be between 18 and 30 years old, a Boston resident, possess a high school diploma or HiSET/GED, and be currently unemployed or underemployed and not actively pursuing college or a defined career track. A keen interest in outdoor, hands-on training and the ability to commit to a Monday-Friday schedule from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM are also requirements.
The 10-month program is structured into two distinct phases. Phase 1, the “Foundations” stage, is a four-month training period from May to August. During this phase, participants develop essential workforce-readiness skills, receive an introduction to green industry careers, and are provided with vital support services. This initial stage integrates both soft skills training and environmental hard skills, which are transferable to a wide range of employment opportunities.
Upon successful completion of Phase 1, members advance to Phase 2, the “Industry Academy,” a six-month training period from September to March. Here, participants choose to specialize in one of three tracks: Urban Forestry, Building Operations, or Urban Greening. The Building Operations track, for example, focuses on sustainable building operations and maintenance, including skills for ensuring energy efficiency and decarbonization of commercial buildings. Urban Forestry involves arboriculture, including plant and tree identification, invasive species removal, and proper planting and pruning techniques, along with learning to operate power tools like chainsaws and woodchippers. Urban Greening focuses on green infrastructure, urban agriculture, and effective stormwater management. These specializations provide clear, marketable skills that align with employer demands.
Investing in Personal Achievement and Green Careers
PowerCorps Boston offers substantial benefits to its participants, facilitating personal achievement and career advancement. Members receive a monthly T-pass, a program uniform, professional certifications, wrap-around support services for issues like housing and childcare, and crucial career services and job placement assistance. These supports help remove common barriers to employment, enabling individuals to focus on their training and future.
The program is a key component of Boston’s strategy to cultivate a “climate-ready workforce” and address the increasing demand for workers in the green economy. Participants in the Urban Forestry and Urban Greening tracks have secured job placements with an average salary of $21.85 per hour, while those in the Building Operations track have an average salary of $27.20 per hour. These figures demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in preparing residents for high-quality, skilled employment. PowerCorps Boston also prioritizes populations such as returning citizens, court-involved residents, youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and those who have been in foster care.
Community Involvement and Partnerships
PowerCorps Boston is a collaborative effort, partnering with over 60 non-profits, higher education institutions, and private sector organizations within Boston’s green industry. These partnerships are crucial for offering high-quality, hands-on training and classroom instruction that lead to industry-recognized credentials. This multi-sector cooperation exemplifies how community involvement and private initiative can significantly enhance educational and workforce development outcomes, fostering a more resilient and sustainable city. Boston has a historical precedent for such initiatives, having launched a climate service corps 30 years ago, making it the first City in the country to do so.
A Step Towards a Stronger Boston
PowerCorps Boston represents a strategic investment in the city’s human capital and environmental future. By providing targeted training and support, the program empowers individuals to achieve personal success while contributing to Boston’s climate goals and economic vitality.
The opportunity presented by PowerCorps Boston is a testament to the power of structured workforce development programs that offer clear paths to employment and self-sufficiency. Residents are encouraged to explore these opportunities, support local green initiatives, and remain engaged in policies that foster educational innovation and personal growth in Boston’s communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About PowerCorps Boston
- What is PowerCorps Boston?
- PowerCorps Boston is a 10-month Green Industry Workforce Development Program that provides young adults with training, career readiness support, and connections to employers in the green industry.
- Who is eligible to apply for PowerCorps Boston?
- Eligible applicants must be 18-30 years old, Boston residents, have a high school diploma or HiSET/GED, be unemployed or underemployed and not in college or on a career track, and have an interest in outdoor, hands-on training.
- When did applications for the next PowerCorps Boston cohort open?
- Applications for the next PowerCorps Boston cohort launched on February 19, 2026, for the May 2026 cohort.
- What are the key benefits of participating in PowerCorps Boston?
- Participants receive a $550 weekly stipend, a monthly T-pass, a program uniform, professional certifications, wrap-around support services, and career services/job placement assistance.
- What are the different training tracks offered in the Industry Academy phase?
- The Industry Academy phase offers three specialization tracks: Urban Forestry, Building Operations, and Urban Greening.
- What kind of jobs can PowerCorps Boston graduates expect?
- Graduates are prepared for high-quality, skilled employment in green jobs. Average salaries for Urban Forestry and Urban Greening tracks are $21.85/hr, while the Building Operations track averages $27.20/hr.
- What is Boston’s historical connection to climate service initiatives?
- Boston became the first City in the country to launch a climate service corps 30 years ago.
Key Features of PowerCorps Boston
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Length | 10 months |
| Target Age Group | 18-30 years old |
| Residency Requirement | Boston resident |
| Educational Requirement | High school diploma or HiSET/GED |
| Employment Status | Unemployed or underemployed, not in college or on a career track |
| Application Launch Date | February 19, 2026 |
| Next Cohort Start | May 2026 |
| Weekly Stipend | $550 |
| Specialization Tracks | Urban Forestry, Building Operations, Urban Greening |
| Average Hourly Wage (Urban Forestry/Greening) | $21.85 |
| Average Hourly Wage (Building Operations) | $27.20 |
| Additional Benefits | Monthly T-pass, program uniform, professional certifications, wrap-around support services, career services/job placement assistance |
| Collaborating Partners | Over 60 non-profits, higher education institutions, and private sector organizations |
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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
