Fiscal Year 2019 Grant Recipients
Skills Capital Grant Awards FY19
Assabet Valley Technical High School: $497,000 – Assabet Valley Tech will train adults for careers in metal fabrication and advanced manufacturing, with the purchase of six virtual welders, two CNC CO2 laser cutting/marking machines and one fiber laser marking machine. The high school partners with Quinsigamond Community College to expand post-secondary course offerings to more students in its evening program.
Barnstable High School: $50,000 – Barnstable High School will enhance its food service and hospitality career pathway. Students learn about the tourism and retail industry as well as business, entrepreneurship, and marketing through a ProStart curriculum. The grant will purchase a reach-in refrigerator and freezer, convection oven, and hot food well unit, along with stainless steel worktables and other commercial kitchen equipment. Barnstable Public School has partnered with many local businesses to help students learn entrepreneurship, and those who graduate from the BHS Food Service and Hospitality career pathway are encouraged to earn their hospitality certificate in culinary arts from Cape Cod Community College.
Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District: $234,149 – The high school will enhance its advanced manufacturing training using MACWIC Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway concepts, and purchase four CNC lathes, a milling machine, as well as upgrade tooling, wiring, floor prep, machine rigging and pneumatics. Blackstone Valley partners with approximately 30 local businesses, and offers a post-secondary evening courses for adults.
Bristol County Agricultural High School: $499,966 – The high school will expand its agricultural mechanics program. The equipment will be used in the Ready-Set-Go welding center that will house CNC equipment and a mechanical CAD design lab. The new equipment will also enable the school to expand its evening school and specialty workshop to include multiple levels of mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and service technician.
Bunker Hill Community College: $135,393 – The college will purchase equipment to maintain its state-of-the-art EMT and Paramedic laboratory. BHCC offers the only paramedic training program in the City of Boston, and one of only 15 paramedic training programs in Massachusetts. The college will purchase a defibrillator trainer, simulation manikins, a ventilator, and an infusion pump.
Center for Manufacturing Technology (CMT); $367,676 – The Center for Manufacturing Technology plans to create a new welding and sheet metal program with increased square footage and fully equipped instructional workspaces to meet a regional demand. Students will have access to cutting edge equipment and gain the skills required by the industry by training on two new ProtoTRAK mills, a Haas CNC lathe, and upgraded CNC software. The Center has multiple employer partners committed to participate in worker training and curriculum development.
Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School: $476,589 – The high school will expand its advanced manufacturing training to offer courses to students at neighboring Bristol Community College, as well as unemployed and underemployed adults across Bristol County. New equipment will expand the capacity of the advanced manufacturing program to include additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping and computer numerically controlled (CNC) digital machining coursework, which will be available to high school students during the day, BCC students in the afternoons, and adult learners in the evening.
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District: $253,000 – Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District will expand its current Instructional Technology Systems (ITS) and Health Assisting programs. The ITS program will include robotics, informatics, programming/web development and cybersecurity. The Health Assisting programs will include medical billing/coding and informatics. The grant will help renovate the existing ITS lab and purchase state-of-the-art equipment.
Everett High School: $494,842 – The grant will update equipment to better prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing and healthcare industries. The school will purchase a Master Cam lab with software, three CNC lathes, three CNC bed mills, one CNC knee mill upgrade, and one CNC Bridgeport retrofit kit. For the health assisting program, the school will purchase eight hospital beds, three EKG machines, three spot vital sign instruments, four patient mannequins, and four patient simulators, one Hoyer lift, and a minibus to facilitate transporting students to and from healthcare clinical settings. Everett High School will establish the Adult Technical Institute (ATI) to serve the workforce training needs of underemployed and/or unemployed adult workers in the region during the evenings and on weekends.
Greater Lawrence Technical High School: $500,000 - Greater Lawrence Technical High School will expand its advanced manufacturing programs with increased access to both high school students and adults in the community. The school will purchase a HAAS CNC 5-axis milling machine, Cysta AS-544 coordinate, measuring machine, Torchmate 440 FC80 plasma cutting table, multi-material printer, CNC metal/additive printer, Multi-material laser cutter, and CNC tooling. A partnership with Northern Essex Community College will provide dual enrollment credits for students in advanced manufacturing programs, and will also continue to offer evening programs to unemployed/underemployed individuals.
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School: $282,813 – Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School will strengthen health care training by expanding the Nurse/Health Assisting program and incorporating an EMT component beginning in the 2018-2019 school year. The new equipment will support training partnerships with Bristol Community College and UMass Dartmouth, as well as our many health services partner organizations in the Southeast region.
Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative/Career & Technical Center: $399,352 – The Lower Pioneer Valley Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC) will purchase equipment to support the Machine Technology and Information Support Services & Networking (ISSN) programs. These programs provide training to both high school students and unemployed/underemployed adults, in partnership with the Hampden County Regional Employment Board. CTEC will purchase additional equipment to expand enrollment, which has reached capacity. The Information Support Services & Networking (ISSN) program prepares students for a variety of IT roles while articulating up to 12 college credits through a partnership with nearby Springfield Technical & Community College (STCC).
Massachusetts Bay Community College: $494,438 – Massachusetts Bay Community College will expand the Health Science division into a state-of-art certified simulation center and nursing skills lab. The center will be equipped with a family of simulators, from neonatal to geriatric, to teach students a range of skills applied in operating rooms, neonatal units, and assisted living facilities. The center will be used by MassBay students to earn an associate and certificate in Nursing and Practical Nursing, or certificate in Paramedicine programs. MassBay, in partnership with Keefe Regional Technical School, plans to launch a Summer Health Careers Academy as a bridge to a career pathways program.
Massasoit Community College: $494,671 – Massasoit Community College will purchase equipment for a new Certified Nursing Assistant program, and upgrade its existing Nursing and Allied Health programs. The programs will provide training for adults seeking employment, a career change, or incumbent workers looking to advance their skills. The college will recruit unemployed and underemployed adults with barriers to employment by working with education and healthcare partners, community-based organizations, and career centers. The college will purchase pediatric and simulation manikins, instructional technology to record and assess student performance, and replace outdated medical devices with current technology.
Mattapan/ Greater Boston Technology Learning Center, Inc.: $50,000 – Mattapan Tech specializes in IT vocational training, including PC repair, networking and security. Basic computer training and English as a second language is also offered, as well as career building and college pathway assistance to graduates. Mattapan Tech will purchase a server, laptops, desktop computer components, tablets, software, robotics equipment and a 3-D Printer to deliver learning opportunities for adults, as well as STEM programs for children ages 8-15 in the summer, including coding, robotics and electronics. Mattapan Tech recently developed partnerships with Mass Rehab, My Brother’s Keeper, and Mass Bay Community College which offers Mattapan Tech graduates college credits.
McCann Technical School: $195,873 – McCann Tech will purchase new equipment to prepare students in advanced manufacturing, install the latest engineering and robotic generated technology and provide continuing education and training opportunities otherwise not available in Berkshire County. The school will purchase advanced manufacturing engineering workstations capable of supporting the five software packages required, a 3D printer/prototype system, and a robotic manufacturing center. McCann partners with several Pittsfield-area businesses, and offers evening programs to adult students.
Middlesex Community College: $499,254 – Middlesex Community College will completely renovate and upgrade its dental hygiene clinic and dental assisting lab. These healthcare programs lead to associate's degrees in dental hygiene and dental assisting as well as a one-year certificate option in dental assisting. Funding will support twenty four new operatories in the Dental Hygiene Clinic, and five new operatories in the Dental Assisting Lab will be re-configured.
Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School: $500,000 – Minuteman Vocational Tech will modernize and expand its metal fabrication and joining technologies (welding) lab, allowing high school, "gap year" students, and adults to train on modern, safe, industry-standard equipment. Graduates will enhance their technical skills and more easily secure jobs as welders, metal fabricators, and machinists in the region’s defense, manufacturing, STEM/medical device, and power-generation industries.
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School: $500,000 – Monty Tech will create a state-of-the-art A.R.M. (automation, robotics, and mechatronics) lab, replicating working environments in advanced manufacturing and automation. The A.R.M. Lab will include a variety of equipment and technology used to train students (both high school and non-traditional) interested in careers in advanced manufacturing and automation. Students will prepare to become manufacturing technicians, robotics technicians, automation technicians, moldmakers, and CNC machinists at local corporations. The high school will collaborate with Mount Wachusett Community College to provide education and training opportunities.
Mount Wachusett Community College: $439,850 – Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) will upgrade equipment in two of its simulated health science labs (SIMS Labs) which support the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Practical Nursing Certificate (PN), Paramedic Technology Certificate (PAC), and the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) non-degree training pathway. By updating the two SIMS labs, MWCC Health Sciences students will have improved access to industry standard equipment and authentic learning scenarios. Each SIMS lab will receive functioning headwalls, IP cameras/microphones, MedDispensing software, EKG; and SIMMan simulators.
Nashoba Valley Technical High School: $500,000 – Nashoba Valley Technical High School will transform spaces for its Health Assisting and Dental Assisting programs into a mock ER, long-term care rooms, dental offices, and a pharmacy. The school will purchase an adult patient simulator for students to practice clinical nursing skills, medical charting software, updated EKG machines, a Pyxis MedStation training unit, and an Anatomage table for students enrolled in the Early College anatomy and physiology course with Middlesex Community College.
North Shore Community College: $226,130 - North Shore Community College’s Engineering Technology Lab project supports NSCC’s Engineering Science and Industrial Technology program including Computer Aided Design Certification (CAI), SOLIDWORKS Certification, Engineering Science Transfer (EST), Pre-Engineering (PET) and the development of a new associates’ degree in Engineering Technology. Students will gain project-based experiences through application of engineering principles on updated equipment and software.
Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School: $489,871 – Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School will enhance the current HVAC program and expand to include plumbing and pipefitting. Skilled instructors will train students in grades 9 through 12 who attend Pathfinder, as well as incumbent employees in the region who need to upgrade skills. This program equips high school students with skills for plumbing apprenticeships and mechanical contracting, and will provide them with a pathway to post-secondary education to study fields such as energy system technology, mechanical engineering technology, building construction management and technology, HVAC certification, and engineering. Pathfinder partners with Holyoke Community College, E2E, and Springfield Technical Community College to provide evening and day programs.
Plymouth South High School: $57,750 – The Plymouth Public Schools will purchase SimSpray for the Automotive Collision and Repair and Automotive Technology programs.SimSpray is a virtual reality spray painting and coatings simulator that produces a realistic experience in which students reproduce the body positioning, and muscle and joint movements required to create the ideal mil thickness on a finished piece. The SimSpray System will be available to industry and community partners that work collaboratively with the Auto Collision and Repair program outside of normal school hours.
Quincy High School: $132,700 – Quincy High School will enhance the engineering technology program by purchasing new industry standard equipment such as DELL computers/monitors, 3D printers, interactive whiteboards, CNC milling machine, and Project Lead the Way equipment for hands-on instruction and experimentation. The equipment will allow students to work on the same software and equipment that is utilized in manufacturing and engineering design.
Salem High School: $145,333 – Salem High School will build a certified CVTE Medical Assisting program, a certified Building and Property management program and is planning Early College STEM programs. The school will purchase health care equipment for vital signs, room set-up and patient transfer, phlebotomy, life support and electrocardiograms to support CPR, CNA, medical assisting and EMT training. It will also purchase virtual reality welding simulators to improve advanced manufacturing skills. The Medical Assisting program will work closely with Partner's Healthcare to develop curriculum to ensure that students will be provided with the skills needed to either go directly into the career, or continue on to post-secondary programs. The Building and Property Management program will also work with the local contractors, building management companies, and ironworkers to ensure curriculum is aligned to industry standards.
Silver Lake Regional High School: $397,826 – Silver Lake Regional High School will modernize the Horticulture program by replacing a 40-year-old greenhouse. A new 30 x 60 industrial greenhouse will vastly improve the ability to both train students and provide access to necessary equipment and curriculum in a way that's consistent with industry standards. Additionally, Silver Lake will purchase a new skid steer and sawmill for the program. The skid steer will allow our program to instruct students on a standard piece of commercial equipment to prepare them for landscape construction, material handling, and excavation jobs. The saw mill will allow the program to integrate forestry curriculum in the program.
Tantasqua Regional Vocational High School: $121,317 – Tantasqua Regional Vocational High School will purchase equipment to support the health assisting programs. The school will build a simulation lab and update hospital beds to more closely resemble the beds students use in both their clinical and internship placements. The equipment will strengthen courses and support an evening EMT program. Tantasqua will partner with Quinsigamond Community College to create an adult learners EMT program.
Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School: $236,516 – Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School will expand the existing health technology program training for physical therapist aides. The career path includes post-secondary education to become physical therapist assistants, and eventually physical therapists. Machines range from whirlpools, treadmills and exercise bicycles to strength training devices and others that help restore stability, balance and agility. The equipment will be available outside normal classroom hours to support the new Continuing Education evening program.
UTEC: $500,000 – UTEC will purchase Computer-Numeric Control (CNC) machinery used by employers for CNC operations in wood, metal and plastic production. UTEC will also purchase additional large-shop woodworking equipment to provide trainees with experience and skills that transfer to carpentry and skilled-trade employers. UTEC collaborated with both Middlesex and Northern Essex Community colleges, as well as various employers and the Greater Lowell Workforce Development Board.
Westfield Public Schools – Westfield Technical Academy: $108,000 – The Westfield Technical Academy will purchase equipment to support the electrical Wiring technology career-technical program at the school. The school will replace out-of-date equipment, including electrician’s tool kits, table tops, stools, lockers, a powered conduit bender, and a PVC conduit bender, a vacuum/blower fishing system, a powered cable puller and new motor control equipment. The adult education program through the Gould Institute will expand the program into the evening for the community.
Weymouth High School: $130,515 – Weymouth High will invest in a robotics and automation technology program to provide training to support growing demand in the manufacturing sector on the South Shore. Graduates will enter the workforce as qualified technicians or continue to post-secondary education in several STEM-related fields. Students will have the opportunity to gain nationally recognized credentials such as Revit, Inventor, FUNIC.
Worcester Technical High School: $495,575 – Funding will support Worcester Tech’s Robotics Automation Technology Program and provide a cybersecurity lab for web development and robotics automation programs. Students will be trained on new equipment, such as logic controllers and design software, specific cyber security, human robotics and robotics technology. The high school collaborates with Quinsigamond Community College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute for postsecondary courses.
Fall of FY19 Awards
Barnstable High School, Hyannis - $100,000
Environmental Science & Technology Pathway
Barnstable High School is establishing an Environmental Science and Technology Pathway designed to develop transferable workplace and practical skills in the environmental, marine and bio science industries, which are in high regional demand. Students who participate in the Environmental Science & Technology Pathway will be able to gain and/or be prepared to gain industry credentials including OSHA 10, OSHA 40, Waste Water Certificate/License, Drinking Water Operator, and CPR and First Aid. Funding will support the purchase of equipment to create a small scale water treatment plant simulator fit with water tanks and computer technology so students can conduct tests and analyze how to keep living organisms alive and healthy.
Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, Boston - $99,838
Audio Visual Technology Technician Program
Ben Franklin Institute of Technology is establishing a new Audio Visual Technology program which provides a base knowledge of audiovisual system installation and verification. The funding will provide tools and components typically used during AV system integration coursework to provide students with essentials knowledge of electrical circuits, signals, and safety, audio and video cables and connectors found on the jobsite. Equipment includes audio measurement tools for microphones and loudspeakers, signal generators for video displays and sources, as well as computer networking devices and touch panels. With these real-world job aids at their fingertips, students can successfully learn best practices for optimal system performance, proper documentation, and basic troubleshooting to be prepared for workforce challenges ahead.
Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District, Upton - $125,000
Diesel Engine Technician Pathway
In response to the Central MA WIB Blueprint and requests from local businesses, Blackstone Valley will incorporate a Diesel Mechanic Technician course into the existing Auto Technology Program. Students will be provided basic diesel machine maintenance and service, hydraulics, diagnostics, and large wheel/tire maintenance training. The equipment supported by grant funding include a ScanTools, Tech Bench Computer Cabinets, Elevated Exhaust System, Air Brake Simulator, Run Stand & Rebuild Kit for diesel engines, Garage Door extension, Rear Heavy Duty Truck Differential, 20 Ton Bottle Jacks and Stands. The school will providing matching funds to purchase a Diesel Training Engine as well as an AC Refrigerant Recovery System designed for large vehicles.
Central Massachusetts Center for Business and Enterprise, Whitinsville -$125,000
Blackstone Valley Education Hub eVoke Manufacturing Network
The Blackstone Valley Education Hub "eVoke Network and Performance Center" initiative will use grant funding to provide collaborative education, industry and workforce partners virtual learning communities and remote and local access to manufacturing and engineering equipment to support student projects and prototyping. Grant funding will support purchase of a CNC/Milling unit, manual lathe, coordinate measuring machine and virtual reality welders. E-Hub industry partners include Lampin, Inc, Lenze Corporation, Package Steel, Inc, and Precision Engineering Corp.
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, Hawthorne - $125,000
Masonry and Landscape Programs
Funds will support to the schools masonry and landscape program students by providing new scaffolding, lifting, and earth moving equipment to provide technical skills aligned to industry partners workforce needs. New technology will also provide students opportunities for additional types of industry credentials. The new equipment will also support the schools development of a new Construction Craft Laborers Program that will provide students opportunities in commercial construction employer partners on the North Shore and Cape Ann.
Everett High School, Everett - $124,528
Advanced Manufacturing Career and Training Programs
Everett High School will provide students increased opportunities related to Advanced Manufacturing industry pathways in high demand/high wage career opportunities. The school has recently established a new Innovation Pathway and expanded vocational programs (Chapter 74) and evening adult learning classes to provide retraining programs and up skilling of incumbent employees. Funding will support a CNC Hass Tool room Lathe, CNC Hass Mini Mill, Stratasys uPrint 3-D Printers, Epilog Zing Laser Engraver, and Fanuc CNC Simulator.
Greater Lawrence Technical High School, Andover- $125,000
Health Career and Workforce Programs
Grater Lawrence Technical High School is advancing and expanding our Health Careers program to meet skill gap needs identified in Northeast Regional Planning Blueprint. Technological changes in health care and industry credentialing have raised the entry level expectations and require a constant update of skills in the existing workforce. Funding will support the purchase of an Electric Hoyer lift, CPR feedback manikins, Practice Management Software & Electronic health record systems, Geri Sim Suit, Virtual dissection program, Computer on Wheels, Sim for baby, pregnancy, and mental health. Training will be provided to Greater Lawrence Technical High School students enrolled in Health Careers, as well as partnerships to provide instruction to Lawrence High School students, and adult underemployed/unemployed training programs.
Greater Lowell Technical High School, Tyngsborough - $68,504
Computer Programming, Web Development and Cyber-Security
Greater Lowell Technical High School will increase capacity and capabilities to train students in rapidly growing Information Technology/Programming and Web Development (PWD) programs to meet the increasing local demand for Information Technology Professionals, specifically in Cyber Security. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills, practice proficiency, and earn industry recognized credentials. Training opportunities will be provided for day students and for adult learners through the Evening School and workforce training programs. Funding will support a new computer lab with student training stations for computer networking, security, and cyber operations.
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, New Bedford- $125,000
Carpentry CNC Teaching and Learning Center
Due to increased demand for skilled trade workers identified in the Southeast Regional Planning Blueprint Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School is creating a Carpentry CNC Teaching and Learning Center. The carpentry field is a foundational part of the construction and building trades. Those who obtain carpentry skills are employed in a variety of positions including home construction, renovations, commercial, or millwork. Funding will support the purchase of a (CNC) Router that is used for cutting hard materials, such as wood, composites, aluminum, steel, and plastics. The Center will provide training opportunities for high school students and adult residents of the Southeast region.
Greenfield Community College, Greenfield - $83,764
Medical Assistant Program
Greenfield Community College will expand its Medical Assistant Certificate (MAC) program by offering MAC training at its existing satellite training location on the campus of Smith Vocational & Agricultural High School in Northampton. The Healthcare and Social Assistance is a priority industry identified in the Pioneer Valley Regional Blueprint, the target training populations include recent high school graduates entering college for the first time, incumbent workers looking to gain valuable new skills to bring to their current jobs, and displaced workers looking to re-skill for new careers in vital new careers in health care. Equipment purchased will include portable examination tables, Patient Simulation anatomical trainers, and medical instrument sterilization equipment.
Haitian Multi Service Center, Dorchester - $37,268
Health and Social Services Workforce Training
The Haitian Multi-Service Center adult education program, specifically its ESOL for Human Services program, is designed to meet the needs of workers and employers in the health care and social services sectors, industries with high demand for trained and skilled workers, as cited in the Greater Boston Workforce Planning Blueprint. For unemployed and low-wage working adults, the program provides skills training in targeted sectors that have good-quality job openings with room for advancement within established career pathways. Funding will provide instructional technology and equipment to support technical skills related instruction required for healthcare industry credential and certifications.
Holyoke Community College, Holyoke - $35,000
Hospitality Industry Workforce Training
Holyoke Community College (HCC) will create a new Hotel Laboratory in the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute to support new front of house and back of house operational training programs requested by employers in the region. The lab will provide degree and training program student’s access to a hands-on experiential leaning in a model hotel room, key card access systems, model reception lobby desk, and point of sale technology. HCC is collaborating with employer and community partners to provide incumbent, dislocated workers, Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, and offender reentry workforce programs and customized training.
Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, Oak Bluffs - $50,000
Horticulture Program
Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) will modernize its Horticulture vocational program (Chapter 74) by providing student access to hands on learning technical course experiences and industry credentialing consistent with the needs of employer partners. Grant funding will provide mini front loader, raking, bucket, and back hoe machinery instruction currently not currently available to students on the island. The equipment will be a resource for training and industry credentialing for high school students, out-of-school youth (18-24 year old) programs, and adult workforce programs.
Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley - $75,536
Information Technology: Comp TIA+/End User Training Program
MassBay and its partners will create a MassHire/MassBay Workforce Training Center that will provide an entry-level, non-credit, Comp TIA+/computer end user training program to the long term unemployed (LTU), underemployed, career changers, and new entrants to information technology fields. Students will participate in internships with regional employers, including Towerwall and Summit Healthcare. In addition, program participants will take part in soft skills workshops, career advisement, job seeking assistance, and wraparound support services. Grant resources will support purchase of industry standard IT work stations, hardware and software troubleshooting simulation equipment, and related furnishings.
Massasoit Community College, Brockton - $122,347
HVAC - Building Systems Energy Management
Massasoit Community College will launch of a new HVAC- Building Systems Energy Management programs to meet regional work needs. The program will target unemployed and underemployed adults including veterans and ex-offenders seeking employment or a career change; recent high school graduates seeking career training in a high-demand technical occupation; and incumbent workers seeking advanced skill training. Grant funds will support the purchase of HVAC, oil burners, gas splitters, refrigeration controls, furnace controls, and steam boiler training and simulation systems. The equipment will also support student enrolled in the college’s current Diesel Technology courses.
Mattapan / Greater Boston Technology Learning Center, Mattapan -$74,600
Information Technology on Wheels
Mattapan/ Greater Boston Technology Learning Center provides a 12-week hands-on program designed to prepare low skilled workers who are seeking to enhance their computer technology skills, for data entry and general computer related office positions. Students are provided basic computer training, MS Office courses, help desk ticketing training, career coaching, resume and job interview coaching. Students participate in work based learning experience with local employer partners. Funding will support a mobile learning lab to expand programs access to Public Schools, Community Centers, MassHire/Career Centers, and Workforce development center partner locations.
Middlesex Community College, Lowell Campus - $124,262
Dental Hygiene Clinic
Middlesex Community College will upgrade its Dental Hygiene Clinic in downtown Lowell. The Northeast Labor Market Blueprint identifies healthcare as a priority industry sector for the region and projects a 5%+ regional growth in the Dental Hygiene workforce needs. Students are able to complete an Associates in Science and gain the skills and knowledge required to take National Dental Hygiene Board and Commission on Dental Competency Assessment (CDCA) examinations. Funding will provide 24 new operatory and the Clinic will be re-configured to meet accreditation standards. New operatories will allow the clinic to apply for a special license to accept MassHealth/other insurances. Upgraded equipment includes patient chairs, delivery units, cabinets and Ultrasonic units.
New Bedford High School, New Bedford - $125,000
Finance Services Simulation Laboratory
New Bedford High School is establishing a Finance Service Simulation Laboratory to be utilized by students in the schools Business and Finance pathway programs to meet workforce needs prioritized in the Mass Hire’s Greater New Bedford Workforce Board. Funds will support the creation of the lab complete with stock tickers, LCD market data walls, state of the art computer technology, and collaboration stations similar to the technologies used in the financial industry and will prepare students for financial services, customer service, and insurance careers.
Northeast Metropolitan Vocational School, Wakefield - $106,320
STEM Occupation: Drafting, Design, Computer Opportunities
Northeast Metropolitan Vocational School will create an eight week program to increase access to STEM related industries through the use of advanced computer applications. The Drafting and Design program will serve as the base for this program with the long range goal to develop design programmers. The district will also introduce a "Night School" to serve non-vocational students including individuals who are unemployed, veterans, minorities, disabled, and women. Additionally, 900 grade 9 vocational students will experience a one-week exploratory experience in this STEM-driven project. The schools partners include both the Shark Ninja and i-robot corporations.
Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, Rochester - $125,000
Automotive Technology; Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Skills
Students enrolled in Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School’s NATEF Master Automotive Technology Program learn how to diagnose, service and repair both domestic and foreign automobiles. Students will learn how to troubleshoot problems of all kinds, using the latest engine analyzers, hand-held scan tools, and other computerized diagnostic equipment. Students gain hands on instruction with basic engine systems, computerized fuel injection, anti-lock brakes, computerized engine control, air conditioning service and chassis, and front end repair. Funding will support hybrid and electric technician skills training requested by employer partners and features purchase of electric as well as hybrid auto engines, electronic systems, vehicles, generators, troubleshooting scan tools, and tool repair sets.
Quincy High School, Quincy - $114,200
Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies
Quincy Public Schools will enhance the Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies programs to provide students pathway to careers as Metal Fabricators, Certified Welders, CNC and DHC Robotics Technicians, and Quality Insurance Inspector occupations in welding trade and manufacturing industries. Funds will support purchase industry standard equipment including Multi Process Welders, Welding Booth, Portable Ventilation Systems, Hand-held Power Threading Machine, Drill Press, and computer systems. This program is supported by three dedicated community business partners, including, General Dynamics/Bluefin Robotics, Twin River Technologies, and IronWorkers Local 7, who will work in collaboration with the school to ensure that graduates find gainful employment opportunities, apprenticeships, and/or post-secondary education upon graduation.
R. L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, Springfield - $125,000
Sheet Metal and Fabrication
R. L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy will enhance the Sheet Metal/Metal Fabrication vocational program that provides pathways to employment in the construction and manufacturing fields identified as critical workforce gaps in the Pioneer Valley Regional Blue Print. Funding will support purchase of new equipment and technology for students to gain additional types of technical skills including heavy metal welding requested by the region’s employers. In partnership with the Hampden County Workforce Board and the City of Springfield night classes held at Putnam's facility will provide welding and metal workforce training programs for the unemployed and underemployed adults.
Roots North Shore, Salem - $99,042
Culinary - Youth Workforce Development Program
Roots North Shore is a non-profit social enterprise founded in 2015 uses culinary arts as a tool for teaching workforce readiness and life skills to youth ages 16-24 with barriers to employment who reside in Essex County, Massachusetts. Root’s twelve week, 200-hour intensive hands on program of direct kitchen and classroom training helps young people transform their lives and futures through technical and experiential education in the culinary arts - leading to employment and financial self-sufficiency. Awarded funds will be used to obtain the additional necessary equipment to complete the outfit of a professional-grade teaching kitchen, classroom and facilities, including purchase and installation of items such as a tilt-skillet, ice machine, planetary mixer, a cooking range and additional ovens.
Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational School, Billerica - $125,000
Advanced Manufacturing
Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational School will invest in Advanced Manufacturing and Professional Technical & Scientific Services industries through the modernization and updating of the drafting program/new engineering curriculum. The funding will expand capacity to enroll a greater number of students and to offer new adult training programs in Drafting and Engineering Design and related Advanced Manufacturing courses to meet employer demands. Funding will support collaborative display computer workstations capable to run the latest industry-standard software. The addition of bench model technology will reinforce software training with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.
Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, Northampton - $124,700
Advanced Manufacturing
Grant Funds will be used to continue the modernization of Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School’s day student Advanced Manufacturing Program and allow the rollout of an adult evening training program beginning Fall of 2019. Smith Vocational continues to expand its Adult Community Education (ACE) Evening School Program targeting adults who are looking to begin a new career, complete training programs, or improve skills. Resources awarded will be used to purchase a CNC Machine, Lathe, and upgraded software to use with the machines bettering our alignment with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Chapter 74 Advanced Manufacturing instructional frameworks.
Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical School, Easton - $100,380
Sheet Metal and Fabrication Program
Southeastern Regional School will purchase and install hydraulic shear and ventilation equipment that will be used collaboratively by students enrolled in advanced manufacturing, welding, and HVAC programs, and to support the creation of an adult evening sheet metal training program. The adult training program will be administered by Southeastern’s post-secondary Technical Institute and is targeted for full implementation by May 2019. Southeastern will continue its successful partnership with MassHire Greater Brockton Workforce Board and has the support of business partners Brockton Furnace and Duct, Weiss Sheet Metal, Inc., and U.S. Sheetmetal.
Taunton High School, Taunton - $124,945
Commercial Kitchen Renovation/Tiger Cafe Restaurant
Taunton High School (THS) will upgrade the culinary arts program that prepares students for careers in food preparation and service. Grant funds will provide new instructional capacity and enhance the quality of the program by purchasing equipment for the commercial kitchen to meet industry standards. The center of the THS culinary arts program is the student run, Tiger Café. Grant funds will also be used to modernize equipment and the furnishings to provide students with front of the house experience required to be successful in the workforce.
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, Franklin - $123,115
Engineering and Metal Fabrication Expansion
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will increase enrollment capacity and enhance hands on technical skill instruction of students enrolled in the Engineering and Metal Fabrication programs to support manufacturing employers in the region. Grant funds will bring the training facilities to industry standards including providing students access to a power roll, an ironworker, and an industrial sanding belt and two virtual welders. Additionally, the facilities will support adult students enrolled in evening training programs provided in collaboration with the region’s MassHire board.
Univ. of Massachusetts Lowell Francis College, Lowell- $116,000
Advanced CNC Control and Programming Partnership
Univ. of Massachusetts Lowell Francis College will collaborate with Minuteman Technical to support manufacturing workforce needs by purchasing 4th and 5th axis control CNC milling machines to offer new technical training programs. The partnership will allow for co-utilized equipment to build advanced applied technical skills of traditional CTE school day students as well as adult evening training program students. Students have the opportunity to earn college course credits, leading to a Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing or a Mechanical Engineering Technology Associates Degree.
Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, Bourne - $106,735
Culinary Arts Training
Funds will support a dramatic upgrade in the equipment used to training Culinary Arts High School students and evening adult students to prepare them for career success in region’s growing hospitality industry. The Cape and Islands Regional Blueprint identifies the industry as having a critical workforce need. Grant funded equipment includes hot and cold mobile serving counters, other components to create cafeteria/buffet lines found in restaurants, hotels, schools, and healthcare facilities. Culinary Arts students’ gain experience by preparing the foods for the school’s cafeteria and dining hall, to support community events, and by participation in workforce based experiences with employee partners.
Uxbridge High School, Uxbridge - $119,489
Manufacturing Innovation Pathway
The Uxbridge High School enrolls students in a Manufacturing Innovation Pathway in collaboration with the Blackstone Valley Ed Hub merging authentic learning, post-secondary planning, and industry-related outcomes aligned to manufacturing and engineering careers. The industry is identified in the Central Massachusetts Regional Blue Print as priority Sector. The school utilizes Project Lead the Way applied learning curriculum and works with the industry partners and the Blackstone Chamber of Commerce to provide learning modules to enhance student’s employability, academic, and transferable/soft skills. Students gain real-world experience in an internship and/or research-based capstone project. Grant funding will enhance instructional capacity and will support purchase of industry based design software, CNC equipment and 3-D printing technology.