Fiscal Year 2021 Grant Recipients
Skills Capital Grant FY 21 Award Descriptions
Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Marlborough - $358,741
Healthcare Technicians: The vocational school will purchase healthcare equipment to create several simulation labs to train students and adult learners in the skills needed for entry-level jobs in healthcare. The equipment will include “smart” hospital beds, EKG and modular lab equipment, Patient Communication Simulator, ADA compliant stethoscopes, sphygmomanometers, electronic thermometers, blood pressure arm simulators, and phlebotomy equipment.
Attleboro High School, Attleboro - $250,000
Metal Fabrication and Engineering Technicians: This grant will enable Attleboro High School to meet demand for adult and evening school training to residents in the community, as well as upgrade equipment for high school students. The new equipment will include virtual welding units, CNC plasma cutters, 3-D printers, vacuum forming machines, and laser cutters.
Berkshire Innovation Center, Pittsfield - $200,000
Robotics and Automation Technology: The Berkshire Innovation Center will introduce additional manufacturing and robotics training to support advanced manufacturers in the region.
Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater - $250,000
Manufacturing: Photonics and Optical Engineering: With the grant funding, Bridgewater State will increase capacity to train future photonics engineers, optical engineers, laser engineers, and meteorologists.
Bristol County Agricultural High School, Dighton - $250,000
Horticulture Program: The high school will expand its horticulture program with the addition of advanced technology and modernized equipment to support floriculture, arboriculture, and landscape design and contracting. The school will also modernize its greenhouse.
Brockton High School, Brockton - $200,000
Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management: The school’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Program operates in collaboration with surrounding businesses, restaurants, and educational partners. The grant will help the school expand its instructional capacity and ensure students are trained using industry standard equipment.
Bunker Hill Community College, Boston - $400,000
Associate of Science Degree in Registered Nursing: The grant will support a new nursing Innovation Pathway program for students from Madison Park Vocational Technical School, in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Boston. The college will also make critically needed updates to its registered nursing program’s simulation labs. BHCC will install a networked web-based video capture system in all three laboratory classrooms, allowing faculty to view and evaluate student performance.
Cape Cod Community College, West Barnstable - $295,587
Hospitality Management and Culinary: The college will enhance and expand its Zammer Culinary Institute, which is used by students in the culinary certificate and business/hospitality degree programs. The expanded culinary and dining facilities will be available to businesses in the region which want to test or prototype food products and will also serve the community by serving meals prepared by the students participating in culinary courses.
Central MA Center for Business & Enterprise, Whitinsville - $253,500
Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing: The Blackstone Valley Education Hub will collaborate with education partners in the region to support middle school, high school and college students with training to meet the industry demands of advanced manufacturers in the area.
Dudley Charlton School District: Shepherd Hill Regional High Dudley- $100,000
Innovations Pathway in Manufacturing and Environmental and Life Sciences: Students at Shepherd Hill Regional High School enrolled in Innovation Pathways in manufacturing and environmental life sciences will have access to industry-standard equipment in order to obtain certifications and credentials in these industry sectors. The school has partnered with UMass Medical, Harrington Hospital, and Quinsigamond Community College, as well as the Central Region Workforce Board, Blackstone Valley Educational Foundation, Project Lead the Way, Mass STEM Hub and AET Labs.
Edco Collaborative, Bedford - $110,000
Customer Service and Culinary Arts/ Training: The collaborative will utilize the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s cornerstone curriculum and career pathway program called PROSTART to train students in customer service and the culinary arts industries. Equipment purchased with the grant will also be used by the community in after-school and summer learning academies for young chefs and special dietary classes for adults.
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical High School, Hathorne - $1,250,000
Machine Tool Technology/Advanced Manufacturing / Plumbing: The grant will improve and expand career and technical education opportunities to students on the North Shore and Cape Ann in the Machine Tool Technology, Advanced Manufacturing (MTT) and Plumbing programs. These programs will be expanded to provide space and equipment for additional students during the day and after school, and adults in the adult education program. The grant is matched with $500,000 of local resources.
Everett High School, Everett - $85,000
Culinary Arts Program: The high school will open an onsite bistro to create an in-house experiential learning opportunity for students. The experience will build students’ real-world skills so they can meet the expectations of employers.
Franklin County Technical School District, Turners Falls - $200,000
Machine Technology Advanced Precision Machining: The school district will purchase Advanced Precision Machine Mills and a Coordinate Measuring Machine to support vocational students and adult workers in the Middle Skills Machine Program so they can meet the hiring needs of employers in the Pioneer Valley.
Gardner Public Schools, Gardner - $100,000
Manufacturing Innovation Pathway: The school district will purchase a 3D printer, Concept Mill, laser engraver, and robotic trainer to support high school students in the manufacturing Innovation Pathway, which operates in collaboration with the Central Workforce Board and local employers form the North Central region.
Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS), Andover - $400,000
Information Support Services and Networking (IT), Robotics and Automation Technology, Engineering: The high school will upgrade training labs with robotics equipment, computer workstations, network design technology and optic and laser equipment to support students in the traditional day programs as well as students in the Lawrence High School Afterschool Program. GLTS also partners with Northern Essex Community College and offers adults evening workforce development programs to train residents to meet employers’ demand for talent.
Greater Lowell Technical High School, Tyngsboro - $250,000
Electronics and Engineering Technology: The high school will purchase robotics equipment to upgrade the engineering STEM lab to support students, afternoon youth programs and adult evening students to meet the growing industry demand for skilled talent in electronics and engineering programs. The school collaborates with Middlesex Community College and Greater Lowell MassHire.
Hampden County Sheriff's Department, Ludlow - $300,000
Sheet Metalworking for Advanced Manufacturing: The sheriff’s department will train its incarcerated student population in drafting, blueprint reading, metal fabrication, basic welding technology, manufacturing math and metallurgy. The grant will support a sheet metalworking program to meet hiring needs in the advanced manufacturing sector.
Madison Park Technical Vocational High School - $180,000
Healthcare Programs: The high school will purchase equipment for its existing Health Assisting and Dental Assisting programs. The Health Assisting program provides a pathway for students interested in licensed practical nursing (LPN), nurses’ assistant (NA), medical assistant (MA), and registered nurse (RN). The school partners with Boston Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School MedScience program, Whittier Street Health Center, Bunker Hill Community College, UMass-Boston School of Nursing, and Brockton Hospital School of Nursing.
Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, Oak Bluffs - $100,000
Carpentry/Building Trades Program: The high school will modernize its carpentry, which trains vocational students, afternoon students and adults seeking career changes.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston - $300,000: The CNC studio funded by the grant will benefit students enrolled in multiple undergraduate majors, graduate degrees, and continuing education programs by providing training on milling machines, CNC routers, and vacuum routers.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams - $250,000
Healthcare Workforce: Students will be able to study the human body by taking real X-ray images as part of their studies in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, and a new nursing program developed in collaboration with Berkshire Health systems.
Massachusetts Department of Correction Education Division, Milford - $125,000
Culinary Arts and Industry Certification: Students are provided opportunities to work as employees in a restaurant setting, learning cooking skills, kitchen safety, communication skills within the workplace, presentation, dependability and teamwork. The grant will purchase learning tables to provide students with access to self-paced instruction in foundation skills, as well as upgrade hands-on training in the kitchen.
Massasoit Community College, Brockton - $250,000
Information Technology in Cyber Security: The college will use the grant to purchase equipment to support its stackable degree pathway program: A+ industry certification leading to Networking certification, leading to Network Risk Management Associate Degree. The college will provide adults who are unemployed and underemployed, recent high school graduates, and dual-enrollment high school students with hands-on, competency-based instruction.
McCann Technical School, North Adams - $188,800
Advanced Manufacturing: With the grant, the high school will be able to increase training capacity in its advanced manufacturing programs, as well as evening programs for unemployed adults, veterans, and incumbent workers seeking retraining.
Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District, Lexington - $300,000
Robotics in Logistics: The school’s Robotics & Automation program will provide students with technical skills in robotics equipment used by employers involved in logistics activities. Minuteman High School is expanding its adult evening training programs and is partnering with Quinsigamond Community College to expand its ability to offer industry-recognized credentials in robotic logistics engineering, automation and supply chain management.
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Fitchburg - $323,160
Culinary Arts: The high school will replace food service equipment that was installed when the school opened more than 50 years ago, including kettles, fryers, griddles, ovens, and steamers. The kitchens will be substantially more efficient, allowing educators to revise curriculum to reflect more efficient service and preparation outcomes. In addition, the school will update the greenhouse, allowing the culinary arts program to include farm-to-table lessons and strong ties between agriculture and cuisine.
New Bedford High School - $250,000
Marine Manufacturing Technology: New Bedford High School is establishing a Marine Manufacturing Training laboratory to prepare students for careers in marine and maritime industries. The laboratory will be outfitted with welding training equipment, virtual welding and carpentry training equipment.
North Shore Community College, Danvers - $321,600
Computer Science Networking Services Lab: By upgrading its IT/Computer Science lab, the college will improve its existing programs for incumbent workers, high school and college students in order to supply local employers with skilled IT workers. The lab is critical for Cisco courses being developed to prepare students for the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) Routing & Switching and CCNA Security exams, as well as partnering with Cisco Academy to allow students and faculty to have access to Cisco virtual resources.
Northern Essex Community College, Lawrence - $400,000
Health Professions and Dental Assisting: The college developed the COVID-19 Health and Economic Response Program to provide high-demand micro credentials in the health professions. The grant will support traditional students in the college’s Health Professions and Dental Assisting programs, as well as workforce training programs for high-demand micro credentials, including Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS); Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS); Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP); and Emergency Medical Services.
Peabody Public Schools, Peabody - $175,000
Culinary Arts & Electronics Engineering: The school will modernize its kitchen by purchasing a chef refrigerator, proof boxes, gas stoves; and upgrade its electronics labs by purchasing fiber optic equipment, robotics arms, hot air soldering stations, drone kits and 3D printers.
Quincy High School, Quincy - $141,200
Culinary Arts Program: The high school works with local partners, including Quincy College, Bunker Hill Community College and Red Sky Restaurant to ensure students find internships, apprenticeships and employment opportunities. The high school will upgrade its facilities with convection ovens, reach-in refrigerators, convection steamers and grills.
Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, Springfield - $250,000
Health Assisting and the Machine Tool Technology: The Springfield Public School District is planning to launch a new after-school program that will provide 30 to 40 additional juniors an opportunity to enroll in the Health Assisting and Machine Tool Technology programs. The school will purchase workstations with interactive 3D anatomy and physiology software, as well as manufacturing lathes and coordinated measuring machine technology.
Salem High School - $100,000
Programming and Web Development: The high school will purchase equipment to set up a programming and web development program for students.
St. Mary's Center for Women and Children, Dorchester - $50,042
IT and Healthcare Workforce Training: The center will upgrade outdated equipment in the computer labs for St. Mary’s Center’s education and training programs that provide access to educational pathways and workforce skills development for women with significant barriers to success.
Tech Foundry, Springfield - $181,786
IT Help Desk and Field Services Training: Tech Foundry strengthens the regional IT eco-system through industry partnerships, educational pathways, and work experience through a 16-week training program. The training is rooted in hands-on learning and a four-week internship. The grant will update the lab’s instructional equipment, workstations, furnishings, and network infrastructure.
The Loop Lab, Cambridge - $59,100
IT & Audio Video Tech apprenticeship program: The Loop Lab will launch a new AV tech apprenticeship program, the DAV (Diversity in AV) Initiative in Greater Boston. Apprentices will earn certifications in the AV industry to gain careers in broadcast, audio, and video equipment. The lab will purchase computers, studio cameras, video software, equipment installation tools, network switches, and editing workstations. Working with industry partners, WBUR 90.9 FM, Audible, and AVIXA, students are able to find employment opportunities or post-secondary education upon graduation from the program.
The Possible Project, Cambridge - $200,000
IT Network and Computer System Training Program: Students in the program build experience in customer service or network computer systems through project-based curriculum and then complete internship/apprenticeships with industry partners. With the grant, the program will upgrade technology tools, including large-format CNC cutters, high detail 3D printers and laser cutters) that will provide a wider range of training opportunities.
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, Franklin - $462,751
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration: The high school will modernize its HVAC and Refrigeration lab and equipment to support students as well as adults in evening certification classes.
University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell - $500,000
Advanced Manufacturing Simulation & Training Center: UMass Lowell is establishing an Advanced Manufacturing Simulation & Training Center that will support underemployed workers, as well as high school and post-secondary students with industry relevant manufacturing and engineering simulation systems.
Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, Bourne - $400,000
Veterinary Assistants Program: The high school will equip a new vocational/technical and training program for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers. Both high school students and adult learners will train on the digital X-ray machines, ultrasound machines, heart monitors, and equipment to create a surgical environment.
Uxbridge High School, Uxbridge - $75,000
Innovation Pathways in Manufacturing, Information, and Environmental and Life Science: Uxbridge High School will purchase workstations, hands-on instructional kits, projectors, and 3D printers, that will support the school’s Innovation Pathways in Manufacturing, Information Technology, and Environmental and Life Science. Equipment will also support residents in Southern Worcester County through partnerships with other area high schools, including Blackstone-Millville, Sutton, Hopedale, and Northbridge.
Watertown High School, Watertown - $150,000
Engineering Technology: Students in the engineering program benefit from partnerships with MassBay Community College, Markforged, Analog Devices, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Boston Dynamics, and the Metro-North MassHire Board.
West Springfield High School, West Springfield - $63,376
Manufacturing Innovation Pathway: The high school will purchase an industrial 3D printer to complement the advanced manufacturing curriculum in the Innovation Pathways program. CNC machinist is one of the highest in-demand occupations in Hampden County. Students receive high-quality training and experience with high-demand skills on new technologies.
Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, Haverhill - $300,000
Engineering and CAD Drafting: The high school and Northern Essex Community College are working together to create a STEM-based program at the Haverhill campus that will give high school students and adult learners experience in engineering and CAD drafting.
Woburn Memorial High School, Woburn - $100,000
Innovation Pathway Programs: Manufacturing & Environmental and Life Sciences: The high school is launching two Innovation Pathway Programs - Advanced Manufacturing and Environmental and Life Sciences. The manufacturing pathway includes Project Lead The Way (PLTW) classes in engineering, computer science, AutoCAD, Drafting, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, and Electronics. With the grant, the Environmental and Life Sciences lab will be outfitted with new microscopes, incubators, orbital shakers, and conversion style tables to convert a classroom to a lab setting.
YMCA of Greater Boston, Boston - $217,648
Industry Certification Workforce Training: The YMCA of Greater Boston’s Training Inc. is a workforce development training program serving underemployed and unemployed adults with certificates in high-demand entry-level occupations that have a good pathway for career growth. The program collaborates with dozens of employer partners to recruit qualified candidates, and design and implement training curriculum that matches employers’ needs.