With an aim to boost vocational education and meet regional workforce needs, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced the availability of $60 million in Career Technical Education (CTE) program capital grants. Comprehensive high schools and career technical institutions across Massachusetts are now encouraged to apply and potentially expand their capacities. According to an announcement on Massachusetts Government, this multi-year funding plans to create over 2,000 new CTE seats by aiding both existing and new career tech programs, as well as fund the purchase and installation of essential training equipment.
Governor Maura Healey stated, "We know there is a strong demand for Career Technical Education because it is proven to give students the skills they need to succeed in today's workforce," as reported by the Massachusetts Government. She went on to explain that the investment is designed not only to increase the number of available CTE seats but also to extend program hours statewide. Evening and weekend offerings are to be specifically improved to better to serve high school students and adult learners, particularly in areas with extensive waitlists and insufficient regional capacity.
As highlighted by Massachusetts Government, these grants stem from Fair Share funding and prioritize projects that align with the needs of the local labor market. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll emphasized the role of CTE programs in the community and economy, expressing that the funding aims to equip more students with the necessary skills for succeeding in various industries. CTE programs, inclusive of the CTE Partnership Programs "After Dark," provide valuable applied learning opportunities that reflect current industry demands.
"Career Technical Education is one of the smartest investments we can make in Massachusetts' economy," Senate President Karen E. Spilka said to Massachusetts Government. This funding aligns with the Healey-Driscoll Administration's "Reimagining High School" initiative, which, over the past two and a half years, has greenlit 49 new CTE programs, supporting an additional 2,334 students. The BRIGHT Act, another venture by Governor Healey, includes an additional $100 million for Skills Capital grants aimed to enhance training program capacities at educational institutions.
The grants will also bolster adult education, with particular focus on unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups. These efforts will close skills gaps that persist in local workforces. Application submissions for interested educational establishments are open until October 30, at 3:00 p.m. and can be made via an online platform provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Plans are also in the works to offer planning grants to comprehensive high schools without existing CTE programs later in the fall.
