Opportunity Maine became the go-to group in the state for expertise in energy and workforce provisions in ARRA. We designed a green-skilled career ladder that became a model for a major Recovery Act grant for energy sector education, training and job opportunities for low-income and nontraditional populations. In coordination with the Maine Women’s Lobby and others, we advocated for and secured a commitment to targeted outreach and a goal of 25% female participants in green construction training programs.

Pathways Out of Poverty proposal wins $2.1 million grant
US Department of Labor announces $150 million in training grants for green jobs

Opportunity Maine built a partnership of education institutions, workforce development practitioners, businesses, policymakers, labor unions and others that worked together to create the Eastern Maine Pathways Out of Poverty proposal. The project will:

• Create a green building training program at Eastern Maine Community College and 3 Career Technical Education Centers
• Recruit chronically un- and under-employed workers for training
• Produce small, super-efficient replacement homes for low-income, pre-1976 mobile home residents in Eastern Maine