BFIT Awarded Funds to Support Boston HVAC&R Students

November 3, 2021

Mayor Kim Janey, the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development, and the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) today announced that Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology will receive $104,520 in funding from the Neighborhood Jobs Trust (NJT) to offer reduced tuition for 14 Boston residents to earn the college’s 9-month HVAC&R Technology certificate program.

The BFIT award is part of $2.7 million in funds awarded by NJT to 30 community-based organizations that provide job training, education, and support services to Boston residents.

In addition to reduced tuition, BFIT will use the NJT funds to give the awarded HVAC&R Technology students transportation stipends, funding to cover the cost of textbooks, industry certifications included in the program, and the toolkits required to participate in the program. BFIT focused on the HVAC&R program due to the high demand from the industry for entry-level HVAC&R technicians and the quick nature of training.

Bolstered by the strength of Boston’s commercial development market, $2.7 million is the largest NJT disbursement in at least 15 years and is expected to help grantees leverage an additional $7.7 million in funds. The 30 community-based organizations will serve an estimated 3,200 low- and middle-income residents seeking employment in sectors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including technology, culinary, healthcare, and human services.

“Now, more than ever, workers are seeking higher paying jobs and quality employment,” said Mayor Janey. “This historic disbursement of Neighborhood Jobs Trust funds will enable residents to acquire the skills they need to position themselves for better opportunities. The City’s employers are in great need of their skills, and we are grateful to the 30 job training programs that answered the call to build a stronger workforce.”