Goodwill Receives KeyBank Grant for Clean Energy Career Prep in Tacoma

The Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region has been awarded a generous grant of $300,000 from KeyBank. These funds will be dedicated to supporting career preparation courses in clean energy and clean tech, aimed at empowering young adults in their pursuit of careers within the burgeoning green economy sector. 

With the United States shifting towards clean energy and investing in green infrastructure, there is a growing demand for jobs in this field. These jobs offer stability and competitive wages, making them an attractive prospect for job seekers. To ensure that local youth are equipped to seize these opportunities, Goodwill will develop, pilot, and implement an innovative "Intro to Industry Occupational Training" program focused on green careers. This program will be offered at their state-licensed vocational school located in Tacoma, Washington. 

The Clean Energy Career Prep Course will utilize a hands-on, career-oriented learning approach, enabling participants to earn nationally recognized credentials, such as the Fundamentals of Energy Certificate. Furthermore, it will facilitate connections with employment opportunities in the green sector. Goodwill aims to enroll a diverse range of participants, including BIPOC individuals, veterans, and young people facing socio-economic barriers that hinder their access to opportunities. 

“At KeyBank, our mission is to help our communities thrive, and we know that an important building block is ensuring young adults can develop the skills that will lead to successful and fulfilling careers,” says South Puget Sound Market President Brian Marlow. “We are excited about the green sector and are pleased to support Goodwill as it develops a diverse talent pipeline to take advantage of the opportunities available in the vibrant green economy—and ultimately to enhance the sustainability of our communities.”

“Green energy jobs generally pay well and have grown at double-digit rates,” says Lori Forte Harnick, President and CEO of Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region. “We are deeply grateful for this generous grant from KeyBank that will help us equip and empower young adults in our local community to build successful careers that promote a more sustainable future.”