Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $17 Million for Career and Technical Education Equipment Improvements

BOURNE — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today at Upper Cape Cod Tech that it has awarded more than $17 million in Skills Capital Lab Modernization Grants to 18 schools across Massachusetts. Career technical education and training programs can use this funding to purchase and install equipment related to high demand industries and occupations, such as advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology, construction/skilled trades, and life sciences. Announced during STEM Week, these grants modernize and upgrade equipment, ensuring that students and workers are prepared for the rapidly evolving demands of today’s job market through expanded career programs for young people and adults and increased capacity in workforce training programs. 

“Massachusetts is a leader in innovation, and to maintain our competitive edge, we must continue investing in the next generation of workers, particularly in STEM related fields,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This funding is equipping our career and technical education programs and training centers with the latest technology, giving our students and workers the tools they need to succeed in high-demand industries and making our state the best place to go to school, raise a family and work.” 

“These investments will not only enhance learning opportunities across the state, but they will also ensure that employers have access to a highly skilled workforce,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This is about building pathways to good jobs and economic stability for all Massachusetts residents.” 

The Skills Capital Grants are part of the administration’s Workforce Skills Cabinet, which aligns the Executive Offices of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, Health and Human Services and Housing and Economic Development toward a comprehensive economic growth agenda. The Cabinet is charged with creating and implementing a strategy to ensure that individuals can develop and continuously improve their skills and knowledge to meet the varying needs of employers in the Commonwealth. 

“Today’s announced grant awards are infusing funds into local communities, like here in Bourne, to purchase and install equipment and renovate facilities, enabling more modern and engaging learning experiences for students,” said Education Secretary Patrick A. Tutwiler. “During STEM Week, the administration is continuing to lift up ways we are working to see that students and workers have access to high-quality education and training programs that meet the needs of in-demand careers throughout Massachusetts.” 

“We know the value of hands-on training, especially in career pathways like manufacturing, construction, and other trades, and the Skills Capital Grant program provides valuable tools and equipment to enhance learning for students and adults,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Workforce Skills Cabinet appreciates partnering with awarded schools to collaborate in preparing our future workforce.”  

This Skills Capital Lab Modernization Grants allow for the purchase of equipment to upgrade and expand career technical education and training programs that are aligned to regional economic and workforce development priorities for in-demand industries. Applicants increasing the number of students able to participate in an existing program, creating a new program to meet demonstrated demand, and/or increasing the availability and utilization of the equipment in partnership with other organizations outside of the organization’s normal working hours (e.g., after 5 p.m. Saturday and/or Sunday) to serve additional students were prioritized.  

“These grants will help give more students learning experiences that are relevant, real-world and interactive,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston. “When students have up-to-date equipment, they can more easily see how what they’re learning today connects to a carer tomorrow.”

"The Town of Bourne sincerely thanks the Healy-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Tutwiler for their steadfast and ongoing investments in building the future workforce necessary to meet our goals for renewable energy development and grid modernization,” said Bourne Town Administrator Marlene McCollem. “The grant funds provided to Upper Cape Tech to upgrade the technology, tools and electrical lab space will pay dividends long into the future by increasing the capacity and competency of the labor force in these high-demand industries."

"Upper Cape Tech was proud and honored to have the Secretary of Education visit our campus again. Secretary Tutwiler's announcement of the award of lab modernization grants is a crucial step in moving education to the next level.  As a recipient of a $750,000 lab modernization grant, Upper Cape Tech's electrical program will be able to continue to provide cutting edge technology and equipment as we move closer to a zero-carbon green economy," said Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School Superintendent Roger D. Forget.

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