What Costs are Eligible in the Express Program?

The Express Program subsidizes the cost of just-in-time, skills-based training for employees of eligible Massachusetts companies. However, the line between training, consulting. and coaching is sometimes blurred, making it difficult to define the parameters of formalized training. To help prospective grantees, the Express Program has identified the following key components that constitute off-the-shelf training in the context of incumbent worker training. 

When perusing our Express Course Directory, note that we've already factored costs the Express Program cannot cover out of the price you'll see, so you don't need to worry about making modifications to your application. We do encourage connecting with the provider(s) whose course(s) you expect to take to confirm the total course cost you will be paying compared to what the Express Program can reimburse for. 

If there's a course you'd be interested in having added to our Directory, please feel welcome to check out and share our Resources for Training Providers, or reach out to us at express@commcorp.org. 

First, let's define some of our commonly used Key Terms:

Course 

Educational content delivered to one or more participants in the pursuit of knowledge acquisition and skill development around technical and transferable skills. A course has a defined start and end-date, and a predefined set of learning objectives. 

Consulting 

A subject-matter expert is hired to resolve a business challenge. The consultant will diagnose a problem, and identify and assess solutions. The diagnostic process can involve research and data analysis, and the implementation of solutions can be, but is not always, included in the service. Courses that are considered 100% consulting are not eligible for reimbursement. Please see below for additional information. 

Memberships 

Access to an unlimited and/or unspecified knowledge base that is charged at a monthly or yearly rate, per person or per group.

Coaching 

An interactive process where a guide oversees and supports skill development. A coach facilitates learning by guiding the client through root-cause analysis and discovery of best practices. The process will often imbue participants with the skills necessary to engage in continuous improvement. Courses that are considered 100% coaching are not eligible for reimbursement. Please see below for additional information.  

Training Cost 

The cost associated with the delivery of training. Additional fees for certification, exams, assessments, materials, printing, food, travel, temporary account access, or any other expense not directly related to the delivery of training (i.e., the instructor's time) is considered "miscellaneous" and NOT covered by the Express Program. Grantees will have to pay for these out-of-pocket.

Instruction Methods

• Synchronous: Class times occur at a set times and dates 
• Asynchronous: Class times occur anytime
• Instructor-led: Class is led by a facilitator or instructor at least 70% of total training hours, either in-person or virtually. 
• Self-paced: Class contains 31% or more of total training hours that are dedicated to self-directed study and/or learning. 

What Does Express Cover? 

Now that key terms are defined, here's a chart - and a few examples - of what is (and is not) covered under an Express grant: