Training people from underserved and underrepresented communities for the clean energy jobs of tomorrow is a prerequisite for the state to meet its legally enshrined climate goals, according to the governor.

Toward that end, the Healey Administration announced Tuesday they had awarded $18 million in grants to dozens of organizations which focus on training women and minorities looking to enter the green job market.

“Strengthening a dynamic and inclusive clean energy workforce is vitally important to reaching our state’s climate targets. These awards stand at the intersection of the climate crisis, environmental justice, and economic development,” Gov. Maura Healey said along with the grant announcement.

Provided through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, grants were awarded to 44 organizations from across the state. Grants are given to small businesses, trade schools, community colleges, non-profits, and neighborhood organizations which are “introducing young people to clean energy careers, providing essential training for climate critical fields and supporting minority- and women-owned businesses entering and expanding in the clean energy sector.”

The Healey Administrations says $10.6 million in Equity Workforce Training grants will be awarded to 24 organizations providing career training and support services to low income and environmental justice communities, federally recognized native tribe members, or current fossil fuel industry workers.

Another $4 million in Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise grants will be awarded to nine organizations helping the “creation, entry, and expansion of MWBE companies into critical sectors.”

Eleven organizations will receive $3.4 million in Offshore Wind Works grants to support “the growth and capacity of a workforce trained to build, assemble, install, and operate and maintain offshore wind farms” while helping the Bay State maintain a competitive edge in that industry, according to the governor’s office.

“The heroes of the climate crisis will be workers. It will be electricians, plumbers, builders and innovators who are building our clean energy future from the ground up,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in a statement.

By law, Massachusetts must cut total greenhouse gas emissions to below 1990s levels by 2050. The state has set a net-zero carbon emissions goal for the same year.