Program-eligible students will be able to earn an associate's degree with all costs paid

BOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / The Workforce Opportunity Resource Center (WORC² or WORC Lab), a Roxbury-based construction focused training center, announced today it has expanded its innovative workforce training program through a new partnership with the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology (FC Tech). The initiative will offer eligible students access to obtain an associate degree in Construction Management (AS-CM) or Engineering Technology with a concentration in Building Energy Management (AS-ET). The program will fund all tuition, training, and tools cost for eligible students that commit to the two-year degree program, after all financial aid and program eligibility requirements have been met.

WORC ² was designed from the ground up to engage local community-based businesses and workers in the construction industry, particularly those underrepresented in the market. Since its inception, WORC ² has offered participating students "one-stop shopping" resources and technical support to promote worker development, business capacity building, and growth in the local construction community.

By partnering with FC Tech, the program will gain an education partner that can provide a road map to earn a degree with direct relevance to the construction field. Working with WORC², NEI, a founding partner, has made a commitment to connecting its project teams with students to provide critical industry experience via facilitation of training programs. From Boston to Orlando to Houston, the company understands how essential it is to develop the workforce of the future, particularly in the construction trades. Students may be eligible to start in the Spring 2026 or Fall 2026 term. Funding for the program is being provided by the City of Boston via a NOAA grant for climate-ready workforce development.

"There is a two-pronged challenge in the construction industry today: a deep need for well-trained trades staff, and obstacles to training and mentorship for lower income communities," said André Barbour, Diversity and Inclusion Director, NEI. "Through this exciting partnership between WORC² and FC Tech, we will be able to provide access to advanced educational opportunities for program participants that will transform their futures and create new pathways to meaningful careers."

For more information on the WORC² program, click here.

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About WORC2

The goal of the Workforce Opportunity Resource Center (WORC²) is to engage a local, community‐based, and diverse workforce on all projects throughout the neighborhoods which we work in. Through established community networks, NEI will work to ensure this resource benefits workers and contractors both large and small. Our particular focus will be providing workers and small businesses with "one stop shopping" for the resources and technical support promoting growth and success in either their career or business. In combination with NEI's experience and commitment to the community, we are confident through the Center we can provide meaningful and long‐term investment that workers and contractors can build on - expanding their capacity on the immediate project as well as future projects in the community.

Media Contact
Jeff Lavery, Principal
Pedigree Public Relations
jefflavery@pedigreepr.com
508.361.7539

SOURCE: NEI