As part of Energy Training Solutions’ (ETS) broader mission to diversify the talent of the building performance industry, we have collaborated extensively with the HOPE Program in NYC. The HOPE Program provides training for the unemployed, underemployed and those in transition to provide not only financial stability for individuals, but also justice and dignity for communities who have been disenfranchised by the labor market. Our partnership focuses on bringing New Yorkers with particularly high barriers to employment, into green collar job opportunities in a growing field of employment with quality jobs. HOPE graduates hold positions at ETS ranging from outreach and education to construction management. In this session you will learn from our experiences about the challenges faced by employers who endeavor to hire staff from a population of workers that has been historically marginalized. We will present our unique partnership where ETS provides training in building performance and sustainability topics to students engaged in HOPE’s rigorous Sustainable South Bronx program and collaborates with HOPE on development of further programming from an industry perspective. Students who come through the HOPE Program and are hired by ETS, have had extensive job-readiness training and preparation. They also may have a thin employment history and require ongoing support to succeed and move into positions of greater responsibility. While ETS provides the kind of supportive work environment that is necessary for their success, many of our staff benefit from the continued support of HOPE to thrive and grow. The HOPE Program honored ETS with its Employer of the Year Award in 2019 in recognition this successful partnership.