The National Urban League has been at the forefront of the movement to build a more equitable society for over a century. Without full participation in the American Economy, There cannot be full participation in American democracy. As an Apprenticeship Building America Program (ABA) grantee, NUL is expanding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) realizing the promise of racial equity as pursued by Executive Order 13985. The greatest opportunity to create equitable pathways to Registered Apprenticeships Programs (RAPs) lies at the cutting edge of in-demand sectors of the energy industry, such as clean energy.

Our Approach

The intersecting demands for climate and racial justice have created a unique opportunity for underrepresented populations to enter the energy industry from the ground floor, as we witness an increased demand for clean energy. These opportunities encompass NUL’s target occupations for ABA include Line Workers, Gas Technicians, Cybersecurity Engineers, Solar Panel Technicians, and many other careers across the energy industry. 

In partnership with the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), NUL ensures equitable RAP pathways through pre-apprenticeship and equity partnerships. This collaboration funnels NUL’s diverse pool of workforce development participants to RAPs across the energy industry through CEWD’s consortium. ABA targets underserved areas with high poverty rates, low labor participation rates, and low wages with plans to expand the program nationally in other underserved communities. 

Our Impact

NUL in partnership with Urban League (UL) Affiliates (subrecipients) delivers apprenticeship-readiness services to target populations in major metropolitan areas through programs that include Urban League of Louisiana (ULLA), Chicago Urban League (CHIUL), Houston Area Urban League (HAUL), Louisville Urban League (LUL), Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (ULSTL), with additional non grant-funded programs through Birmingham Urban League (BUL), and Urban League of Rochester (ULR). The Urban League affiliates are responsible for recruitment, career readiness training, support services, and referral to RAP opportunities.

NUL's Urban Energy Jobs program is supported by the Employment Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor through an award totaling $3,000,000 (94%) and by $200,000 (6%) in private funds from the energy sector.

Target Impact

Partners