90% of cannabis retailers plan to hire in 2024. Where can they find skilled workers?

Hospitality Pathways is a trailblazing nonprofit organization dedicated to training New Yorkers for cannabis retail jobs.

What makes us different:

As the cannabis industry is poised for a massive hiring boom this year, we are committed to creating economic opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by cannabis criminalization and unequal law enforcement.

We believe in social equity. In practice, that means providing all of our students with an $800 stipend that they can use for childcare or other expenses, four weekly unlimited Metro cards, and a daily meal. We relieve some of the stresses of life, so our students can focus on learning, and that’s one reason we have such a high graduation rate.

Our Impact:

For our spring training program, we experienced an overwhelming 800% increase in applications, underscoring the immense demand for our program. The urgent need for trained workers in the cannabis retail sector has never been more apparent. Between December 2023 and February 2024, New York State tripled the number of currently operating cannabis retailers. This significant expansion underscores the critical role our students play in meeting the labor demands of a growing industry.

Fundraising Goal:

Each cohort costs the organization $50,000. Our goal is to raise $25,000 to facilitate another training cohort, meeting the high demand for our program. Your contribution helps us provide our trainees with in-demand job skills that lead to sustainable employment, livable wages, and future growth opportunities, within the cannabis industry.

Auction Details:

To support our mission, we are hosting our Green Futures Fundraiser auction from 4/1 to 4/20. Bid on a curated selection of unique experiences (including a tour of a cannabis farm), professional services (such as an astrology chart reading or a makeup bag edit with a celebrity makeup artist), elevated dining experiences (including dinner for four, with wine pairing, at Eli's Table), wellness services, and products from some of our favorite dispensaries.

Get Involved:

Join us by placing a bid, making a donation, and sharing our auction with your network!

Green Futures Fundraiser

By Hospitality Pathways

Green Futures Fundraiser