Press Release  Governor Healey Awards $1.5 Million to Expand Workforce Training at All 15 Massachusetts Community Colleges

FRAMINGHAM — Governor Maura Healey today announced $1.5 million in workforce training grants to all 15 Massachusetts community colleges to help more than 500 unemployed and underemployed adults gain the skills they need to pursue good paying jobs across Massachusetts. Announced during Massachusetts STEM Week, the funding will support training programs in high-demand industries, including health care, advanced manufacturing, information technology, education, and transportation.

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll joined Education Secretary Steve Zrike, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones, Interim Commissioner of Higher Education José Luis Santos, and education and workforce leaders at MassBay Community College in Framingham to announce the Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) grants. The awards support the administration's efforts to make education and workforce training more accessible, strengthen Massachusetts' workforce and help employers fill critical jobs.

“Every Massachusetts student deserves the opportunity to build a career and earn a good living,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That's why we made community college tuition and fee-free and why we're continuing to invest in workforce training across the state. These grants will help more than 500 adults gain the skills they need to get good-paying jobs while helping Massachusetts employers find the talented workers they need to grow.”

“Our community colleges are doing incredible work to connect people with opportunities and help local businesses find the workers they need,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Here at MassBay and at community colleges across Massachusetts, we're helping adults build new skills, pursue rewarding careers and create better futures for themselves and their families. This is what STEM Week is all about — making sure people of all ages have the chance to learn, grow and succeed."

“The Massachusetts economy needs skilled workers, but at the same time, the cost of education has put jobs beyond reach for some people,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We worked to make community college totally free for Massachusetts residents, and now our community colleges will be the site of vital training to prepare adult learners as they seek in-demand jobs in fields like health care. I'm proud that MassBay Community College in my district will be a key location for training tomorrow’s certified nursing assistants and behavioral health technicians. Thank you to Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll for helping make this a reality.”

Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, the TRAIN grant program supports community colleges in providing industry-specific workforce training and support services for adults entering or returning to the workforce. Programs are designed to meet regional workforce needs, help participants overcome barriers to employment and prepare them for career opportunities in growing industries across Massachusetts.

“STEM education is about creating opportunities for people at every stage of their lives, whether they're just beginning their education or looking to build new skills and change careers,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “These grants will help more adults across Massachusetts access the training they need to reskill, upskill, and pursue careers in high-demand industries. STEM Week is an important reminder that learning doesn't stop at graduation, and our community colleges are helping make lifelong learning possible.”

“By expanding access to job training and employment, Massachusetts is creating more pathways for adult learners to pursue meaningful careers while building the skilled workforce for employers to grow and compete,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “TRAIN grants reflect our continued commitment to preparing untapped talent with skills and credentials and strengthening talent pipelines for employers in regions and communities across the state.”

As part of the statewide awards, MassBay Community College will receive $131,250 to provide training to learners for careers as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Behavioral Health Technicians, helping address critical workforce needs in the health care industry. During the announcement, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and state leaders toured MassBay's health care classrooms and training programs to see how students are preparing for careers in the field.

“Massachusetts community colleges are essential partners in creating pathways to economic mobility and ensuring that students have the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce,” said Interim Commissioner of Higher Education José Luis Santos. “Through the TRAIN grant program, we are expanding access to high-quality, industry-aligned training while providing the support adult learners need to overcome barriers and pursue meaningful careers. These investments strengthen our communities, support regional workforce needs, and create new opportunities for individuals and families across the state.”

"The Commonwealth has, once again, demonstrated its unflinching support for workforce development programs,” said Dr. David Podell, President of MassBay Community College  “At MassBay, the TRAIN grant will support individuals seeking to become Certified Nursing Assistants and Behavior Health Technicians, giving them an opportunity to be employed in in-demand fields, as well as a pathway to future advancement.  Not only are we able to meet serious workforce needs; we are, in addition, changing the trajectory of families." 

The TRAIN grants build on Governor Healey’s historic investments to make higher education more affordable, support student success, and connect students with career opportunities. Through MassReconnect and MassEducate, Massachusetts has made community college tuition and fee-free for students of all ages and increasing financial aid to public four-year colleges and universities. Community college enrollment increased 38.5 percent between fall 2022 and fall 2025. 

Governor Healey has also expanded in SUCCESS programs that provide academic advising, mentoring, and wraparound services that help students overcome barriers and complete their education. These efforts, alongside investments in Early College and Innovation Career Pathways, workforce training, apprenticeships, and expanded paid co-op opportunities at public colleges and universities, are helping students and Massachusetts employers meet their workforce needs.

The announcement is part of Massachusetts STEM Week, taking place October 19–23, with this year's theme, “STEM Starts Now.” The statewide celebration brings together schools, colleges, employers and community organizations to highlight STEM education and career opportunities for learners of all ages. The TRAIN grants reinforce the administration's commitment to ensuring Massachusetts residents have opportunities to develop new skills throughout their lives and pursue careers in the industries driving the state's future.

Fiscal Year 2027 TRAIN Grant Awards

The following 15 community colleges will receive funding to support workforce training programs:

• Berkshire Community College — $67,458: Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training.
• Bristol Community College — $53,146: Applied Data Analytics training.
• Bunker Hill Community College — $105,052: Dental Assisting, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomy training.
• Cape Cod Community College — $54,740: Addiction Recovery and Medical Interpreter training.
• Greenfield Community College — $97,459: Certified Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomy training.
• Holyoke Community College — $111,287: Paraeducator training.
• Massasoit Community College — $81,869: EKG Technician and Phlebotomy training.
• MassBay Community College — $131,250: Certified Nursing Assistant and Behavioral Health Technician training.
• Middlesex Community College — $93,855: Advanced Manufacturing and Phlebotomy training.
• Mount Wachusett Community College — $91,224: Paraeducator training.
• Northern Essex Community College — $136,142: Certified Nursing Assistant and Pharmacy Technician training.
• North Shore Community College — $100,002: Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Interpreting, and Information Technology training.
• Quinsigamond Community College — $113,313: Medical Assistant training.
• Roxbury Community College — $131,042: Automated System Building training.

• Springfield Technical Community College — $131,250: Certified Nursing Assistant training.

Statements of Support

Rep. Jack Lewis, 7th Middlesex District (Ashland & Framingham):

“MassBay is an incredible resource for Framingham and the entire MetroWest community, opening doors for people to gain new skills, pursue good jobs, and build a future for themselves and their families. This investment will help more local residents prepare for careers in health care and behavioral health, fields where skilled professionals are so important to our community.”

Rep. Priscila Sousa, 6th Middlesex District:

“Having dedicated my career in public service to advancing equity in education, I believe that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. The TRAIN Grants represent more than an investment in workforce development; they represent hope, dignity, and the promise of a brighter future for individuals and families. I am especially proud to see this investment right here in Framingham, where opening doors to education and meaningful careers can transform lives for generations to come.”

Rep. Kate Donaghue, 19th Worcester District:

“A workforce with strong technical skills is essential to the Commonwealth’s future. My own background includes scientific training as a clinical laboratory scientist and a career in software engineering. I understand the value of combining education with hands-on experience. As an undergraduate, I completed a full-time, 52-week internship that provided invaluable practical experience. Programs that support internships benefit not only the individuals who participate, but also the institutions and communities they serve. I’m pleased to see the Commonwealth investing in these opportunities.

 Representative Dave Rogers (D-Cambridge):

“Investments in community colleges, like the TRAIN grants, help our students to develop new skills and build meaningful careers.”

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