The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) recently announced they have awarded $1.4 million to five local workforce development organizations through its East Brooklyn Workforce Development Fund. The fund, which was launched in November 2024, aims to connect East Brooklyn residents with career pathways in construction, the green economy, and other growing industries.
The Five Award Recipients
With the announcement of the award recipients, NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball said, “As the city continues to make significant investments into the equitable growth of East Brooklyn, it is essential that the local workforce is well equipped and connected to both the existing and newly-created jobs of tomorrow.”
According to the press release, the five organizations receiving the awards are:
- Brighter Opportunity through Trade, which is working to expand a welding training and certification program in partnership with Lambo Mechanical and Imagine That.
- Brownsville Think Tank Matters, which is working to launch a construction upskilling program alongside Monadnock Construction.
- IMPACCT Brooklyn, who are working to launch workforce development programs in entrepreneurship and real estate/property development. They are partnering with BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers, Community Mediation Services, and Urbane Development on this project.
- Local Development Corporation of East New York, which will use the funds for operational investments in programs that connect East Brooklyn residents to career pathways tied to development at Broadway Junction and the Innovative Urban Village Construction Academy.
- Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow, which will be launching an iteration of their Renewable Energy & Sustainable Construction pre-apprenticeship program, but in East Brooklyn.
Praise From Local Council Members
It was high praises all around after the announcement was made. “I am thrilled to continue helping strengthen and preserve East Brooklyn’s businesses through the East Brooklyn Workforce Development Fund,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse. “This $1.4 million is an investment in East New Yorkers and our workers. It will extend successful programs to East Brooklyn and help train more people to serve in both legacy and new, sustainable industries.”
Council Member Chris Banks added, “These award recipients possess strong track records centered around the engagement of local stakeholders through programs that benefit the local community in an equitable manner.”
Citywide Effort to Support Economic Development
Workforce development is a cornerstone of the broader revitalization of the Broadway Junction area. NYCEDC has invested $130 million in public space improvements and infrastructure upgrades around the station, including two new public plazas and streetscape enhancements. This initiative is part of a citywide effort to support economic development, transportation access, and quality of life improvements.
Now with these new awards being handed out, nonprofit leaders are enthusiastic about the opportunity to expand their reach.
Nonprofit leaders expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to expand their reach. “With your support, we can drive meaningful change and cultivate sustainable growth within the community,” said Leslie Lambert, President of Brighter Opportunity Through Trade.
“Through this investment, we are working to reverse historic trends of unemployment and poverty by connecting local talent to family-sustaining jobs in the growing industries shaping East Brooklyn’s future,” Bill Wilkins, Executive Director of the Local Development Corporation of East New York added.
There was also support from community leaders for this initiative. “The members of Community Board 16 are elated,” said Genese T. Morgan, Chairperson Brooklyn Community Board 16. “Employment has long been a critical need of the East Brooklyn community…We look forward to the positive impact this investment will have on the local community.”
The launch of these new funds builds on the city’s commitment to creating accessible career pipelines and inclusive economic growth in historically underserved neighborhoods. As the Broadway Junction area continues to evolve, these investments are designed to ensure local residents are part of that transformation.
News shared via NYC Newswire
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