Springfield WORKS is a catalyst for meaningful change in our regional economy. We are a small team, organizing big coalitions.
We work with residents, employers, educators, and social service providers to bridge the gaps that are leaving workers and families behind. Through targeted coordination we create the conditions for economic mobility and success. We have built a network of anchor institutions and partner organizations, all committed to addressing the decline in workforce participation and economic mobility and building a resilient and inclusive economy for everyone in the region.
Recent Updates
Springfield WORKS Cliff Pilot Awarded $700,000 from The Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds
Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Pilot Featured in the Boston Globe!
Springfield WORKS at the 2nd Annual Springfield School-to-Career Fair
Springfield WORKS and Partners Host Cliff Effect Legislative Briefing at the Massachusetts Statehouse
Springfield WORKS Featured in 22 News InFocus Regional Employment Outlook Segment!
Our Origin Story
Originally funded by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Working Cities Challenge Grant in 2016, the Western Mass Economic Development Council and community leaders established Springfield WORKS to build a coalition of cross-sector partners to create pathways to economic opportunities for low-income families.
Since 2017, Springfield WORKS has become a model of new ways to leverage resources for a shared vision of workforce development in our community. Through its partnership with more than 40 diverse organizations, Springfield WORKS facilitates initiatives and creates innovative strategies to address inequities that have resulted from historical patterns of disinvestment and bias related to neighborhood, race and ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic status.
Springfield WORKS is a workforce innovator, what we create is designed to be shared and scalable.
What are our Partners Saying?
"Our relationship with SW has strengthened our connection to workforce development training programs and partners."
"Seeing some of the personal stories of peoples’ lives being changed because of the more all-inclusive approach of Springfield WORKS in addressing barriers in peoples’ lives. I don’t think that kind of life change was possible before with just one-off job training programs."
“One of STCC’s goals is to become the premier technical community college in all of New England. I believe Springfield WORKS aligns closely with STCC’s technical mission through a mutual desire to support students as they transform their lives and develop not just job readiness skills, but grow into successful careers. The division of WFD will play an integral role in these outcomes.”
"Not only has this experience shown me my self-worth and self-confidence, but also strategies in Active Relationship and Active Parenting. I was blessed with the pleasure of having great instructors."
"At the end of the day our goals in Economic Development for the City ultimately
boil down to creating jobs for our residents along with growing our small businesses.
One cannot work without the other."
"This program has given me the confidence that I haven't had in years, a support system that I will never take for granted and a sense of joy for the future."
“Baystate and Springfield WORKS mission are aligned. Providing compassionate community based care...aligns to creating pathways for economic prosperity.”
"I learned that I am not alone and there are many women in my situation. My best memories will be the connections I built with the ladies in my class."
"Springfield is now on a National stage...Springfield exposure brings additional funds to the area."
We've "shown a spotlight" and are a "backbone"..."Nexus/collaborative approach for collecting data and evaluating the workforce development system and success."
"A platform for creativity and opportunities for Springfield with a shared vision for the community to succeed."