UNITE HERE Local 26 and hotel employers established and Education Trust Fund to support English language learning for incumbent workers.

Boston Education, Skills & Training (BEST) Corp. was formed as an independent non-profit 501(C)(3) organization focusing on workforce development.

An incumbent worker program needs analysis was conducted with labor and management participation to determine industry skills gaps. The Workforce Training Fund supported an On-Call Banquet Server class for incumbent workers. At the time there were 12 hotel partners.

Incumbent worker services were expanded to include contextualized ESL, U.S. citizenship preparation, computer classes, and ServSafe certifications.

Five-year funding from SkillWorks supported the expansion of pre-employment and incumbent worker services including Dining Room Attendant/Server class, ESL Room Attendant Class, intensive career coaching, and TEAM, TiPs, NEHA Food Safety, and CPR Chokesaver certification trainings.

BEST launched its Employment Advisory Board meetings which were regularly attended by 27 hotel partners.

Received English Works Campaign “Certificate of Recognition.”

Funding from the Smith Family Foundation supported the opening of a new Technology Center.
The Learn at Work Program started, providing English for Levy kitchen workers at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

Conducted a Social Return on Investment analysis report that showed a 6.75% return on every dollar invested in the pre-employment program saving the Commonwealth with an increase in taxes paid and a decrease in public benefits. This program trains people and places them into good jobs, doubling their income.

Awarded United Way funding.

Funding from the City of Boston’s Neighborhood Jobs Trust supported brand-specific training for new hotels (CV Properties/Starwood).

Launched the Mel King Program, a diversity-hiring initiative aimed at increasing the number of African Americans employed in quality hotel jobs.

The pre-employment program became a Dept. of Labor registered pre-apprenticeship program, officially named the Introduction to Hospitality, Housekeeping Pre-Apprenticeship Program.


Recognitions:


White House UpSkill Summit


Harvard KSG Philanthropy Class Competition – first place

National Wish Upon a Star Competition – second place

Opened a training center in Nubian Square in Roxbury, MA.

Headquarters moved to Station Landing in Medford, MA.

The Smith Family Foundation supports the launch of a mobile tech lab.

BEST partners with Tech Goes Home to advance digital equity.

In partnership with public and private funders, BEST launched COVID relief services for laid-off hospitality workers. $400K+ distributed directly to clients.

Closed the training center in Roxbury, MA.

Pre-employment programming shifted to train and place clients in the healthcare industry.

Received a four-year Apprenticeship Building America grant to relaunch the Introduction to Hospitality Training, Housekeeping Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

Opened a training center in the Seaport district in Boston, MA housed within the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport.

Launched partnership with ABCD to provide coordinated training, placement, and enhanced case management services to job seekers.

OWL Technology is incorporated into services.

BEST became a certified Minority Owned Non Profit.

BEST is awarded a 10-Year $500K grant by the Cummings Foundation.https://bostonabcd.org/

BEST is awarded a $500K grant by Commonwealth Corporation that supports a partnership model with ABCD and MassHire Metro North Career Centers.

BEST celebrates its 20th Anniversary.

BEST launches its Culinary Training Program.