Commonwealth Awards $200k for The Possible Zone’s Clean Energy/Advanced Manufacturing Pathways
Commonwealth Awards $200k for The Possible Zone’s Clean Energy/Advanced Manufacturing Pathways
The Possible Zone, a nonprofit, youth development program where hundreds of Boston Public high school students find their passions and develop entrepreneurial spirit, skills, and networks through tuition-free experiential learning programs, is a recipient of $200,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to implement Innovative Pathways program in Clean Energy/Advanced Manufacturing.
Students explore careers of the future at The Possible Zone (TPZ) while gaining knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies and tools at the organization’s Jackson Square Innovation Center. Reinforced by a network of key educational and industry partners in a supportive ecosystem, and guided by TPZ College and Career Advisors, young people leave the program equipped to shape their futures and ready to pursue careers that are evolving during this exciting time, when manufacturing and industrial processes are integrating intelligent digital technologies.
“I was proud to help champion funding to support innovative pathways into clean energy for The Possible Zone,” said Senator Liz Miranda, who represents the Second Suffolk District. “One of my goals is to continue to ensure that our community has its fair share of jobs tied to clean energy development projects. The programs at TPZ help ensure that more young people from across Boston have the opportunity to build networks, explore careers, and create pathways to such innovative careers of the future.”
Massachusetts is a hub for innovation, but while talent and potential are distributed equally among America’s youth, opportunity and the dynamic learning experiences that help youth thrive are not. Boston, itself, has one of the nation’s largest racial wealth gaps, and opportunities have been disproportionately unavailable to many young people in the city.
“This is why TPZ exists,” said Becky Levin, TPZ Executive Director and Co-founder. “We are committed to helping students find their passions; cultivate essential skills, mindsets, and assets; and shape their futures so that they can experience upward economic mobility in their chosen paths—as lifelong learners and, if they choose, in innovative careers, like those in clean energy or advanced manufacturing.”
“Supporting programs like The Possible Zone aligns deeply with my desire to ensure that we’re investing in the education of our city’s youth and ensuring that we’re bridging gaps in opportunities,” said Representative Sam Montaño. “TPZ’s experiential learning approach and creative programming—like this summer’s Deep Dive into Clean Energy that they offered—helps high school students to build the valuable durable skills and STEAM agency that equip teens for success.”
Since its founding in 2011, more than 1,300 students have journeyed through TPZ’s meaningful hands-on programming, where teens build strong entrepreneurial spirit and durable skills and explore STEAM-focused electives. Throughout their TPZ journey, all young people receive support to promote their well-being—from stipends and meals, to enrichment experiences and family resources. Learn more at possiblezone.org.
# # #