The Municipal Energy and Sustainability Managers (MESM) Academy is a ten-month long, no-cost training program for municipal energy and sustainability staff across the Commonwealth. It offers technical training, professional development, and peer learning opportunities. The Academy is generously funded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), with program support from Eversource, National Grid, the Merrimack Valley Planning Council, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, Building Electrification Accelerator, and Mass Energize.

There will be three MEMS Academy cohorts:

At its core, the MESM Academy is a technical training program for staff interested in upskilling into the municipal energy/sustainability manager role. In addition to the training, you will also benefit from peer learning opportunities and other additional support offered to help you build the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to succeed in municipal energy and sustainability roles.

• Technical Trainings. The Academy's curriculum covers topics that are essential for municipal energy management and sustainability professionals. The curriculum is designed for a brand-new energy manager, yet there is flexibility to add or refine the training to align with the needs and interests of the future cohorts. During its pilot year, the Academy offered 20 training sessions organized into four learning units, which you can view on the MESM Academy Training Curriculum website. Examples of training include:
  • Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency Strategies for Municipal Buildings
  • Fundamentals of Grant Writing
  • Building systems and HVAC 101
• Peer Learning Network (PLN). The PLN offers a space for the cohort to gather, reflect on the learnings from the technical trainings, and build community with each other both during and after the program.
• Additional support. MAPC staff and other project admins offer one-on-one coaching sessions upon request. The program also offers monthly office hours attended by representatives from the program team and Mass Save.

The MESM Academy is open to municipal staff whose work involves energy, sustainability, or related responsibilities. For Cohort 2, priority is given to Energy Advocates in the Community First Partnership (CFP) program, but any interested municipal staff are welcome to apply.

Strong applicants will typically:

• Be employed by a municipality in roles related to energy, sustainability, and related fields.
• Be able to commit to the program schedule and participate fully in the Academy activities. See below for more information on time expectations.
• Be relatively new to their role and/or are seeking to build their knowledge and expertise in municipal energy management and sustainability.

We recognize that job titles and responsibilities vary across municipalities. If your role and aspirations align with Academy’s missions and offerings, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet the exact characteristics listed above.

It’s free! The program is funded through MassCEC’s Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment & Infrastructure Grant and receives the generous support of our training partners and instructors. The only commitment we ask from you is your time and active participation in the program.

Cohort 2 will run from September 2026 through July 2027. Participants can expect about two technical trainings, one Peer Learning Network (PLN) session, and one optional office hour each month. Most sessions will take place during regular work hours, though some trainings may be held in the early evening depending on the topic. Each training will include opportunities to ask questions and engage with instructors and peers.

If you are unable to attend a session live, recordings (without Q&A and discussion), slides, and other training resources will be made available on our website after each session.

The technical trainings will be offered virtually on Zoom. We will have two required in-person events, including one kickoff event in September/October 2026 and a celebratory event in July 2027. We will also occasionally offer in-person site visits (e.g., decarbonization project, heat pump training center) where attendance is optional.

To meet grant requirements, participants must attend at least 70% of the trainings offered. We may occasionally add optional trainings and site visits that can count toward attendance but missing them will not count against participants.

Participants can expect about two trainings per month and one monthly Peer Learning Network session. Required activities will total approximately four hours per month, with one additional optional office hour.

You can view the Year 1 program schedule here. The Year 2 schedule will follow a similar structure, with training offerings revised and refined based on the needs and interests of the Cohort 2.

We expect to enroll around 25-35 people in Cohort 2, depending on interest.

Yes, multiple staff from the same municipality or organization are welcome to apply.

MESM Academy participants receive professional development, technical training, and networking support, including:

• No-cost training: Live and recorded sessions on core topics for municipal energy and sustainability roles, with opportunities to ask instructors questions.
• Completion stipend: A $300 stipend upon successful completion of the program.
• Professional development stipend: A $200 stipend to support attendance at relevant events, conferences, or other professional development opportunities.
• Peer Learning Network: Access to a municipal staff network and shared platforms for asking questions, exchanging ideas, and building professional connections.
• Monthly office hours: Personalized guidance from the program team and Mass Save partners.
• Mentorship program: The opportunity to join a mentorship program after completing the Academy.

The MESM Academy is a cohort-based program designed to build professional knowledge and skills as well as connection among municipal staff. To foster a strong learning community, consistent participation from the cohort will be important. We require participants to enroll for the whole series and maintain at least 70% attendance across technical trainings and PLN sessions.

Yes, participants who meet the program attendance requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion signed by MESM Academy administrators and partners. Please note this certificate is not accredited by a formal organization.

After the completion of the program, you can stay in touch with the Peer Learning Network sessions, have access to office hours, as well as the mentorship program.

The MAPC team will review the applications to identify participants who will benefit the most from the program. Selection criteria include:

• Demonstrated need for upskilling and opportunities for growth supported by the Academy curriculum
• Ability to commit to the full program schedule and participate actively
• Support and approval from supervisor to participate in the program
• Alignment of the applicants’ career goals with the MESM Academy
• Priority consideration for applicants who are Energy Advocates through the Community First Partnership program and/or are serving EJ/Gateway communities

Applications are due at 9pm on Friday, July 24, 2026.  Selected applicants will be notified by email in August 2026 for a late September/early October kickoff.

To apply, download and complete the application, then submit it with your resume to [email protected] by 9pm on July 24, 2026.

MAPC is hosting an informational webinar on July 14^th from 12-1pm to introduce the MESM Academy and answer any questions.
Register Here