Lenox Public Schools

WWLP - News22 by John Budenas

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Several school districts and workforce boards across western Massachusetts are among the recipients of new state funding aimed at expanding career-connected education and work-based learning opportunities.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the funding on Thursday as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and build stronger pipelines between classrooms and local employers.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to explore their interests and connect what they learn in the classroom to their future careers,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will help schools and communities give students meaningful experiences that open doors and build confidence in their next steps after high school.”

Western Massachusetts received significant funding through several programs under the initiative, with awards supporting both local school districts and regional workforce boards.

Under the Connected Activities Grant, which supports the state’s 16 MassHire Workforce Boards, two western Massachusetts organizations were awarded:

Those investments will help expand internship and apprenticeship programs, connect schools with local employers, and develop regional systems that prepare students for high-demand industries.

“Career-connected learning increases access and opportunities for students to gain hands-on experiences and explore pathways for careers in Massachusetts,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “We appreciate the collaboration between DESE and our MassHire regional workforce boards to unlock these foundational tools that will position students to be prepared for our future workforce.”

Several western Massachusetts school districts also received grants under the My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) initiative — a statewide program that helps students chart personalized plans for college or career success.

Recipients include:

• Holyoke Public Schools – $21,000

• Springfield Public Schools – $63,000

• Veritas Preparatory Charter School (Springfield) – $7,000

• West Springfield Public Schools – $5,650

• Westfield Public Schools – $7,000

• Monson Public Schools – $3,000

• Granby Public Schools – $7,000

• Gateway Regional School District – $7,000

• Quaboag Regional School District – $14,000

• North Adams Public Schools – $7,000

• Pittsfield Public Schools – $28,000

• Hadley Public Schools – $7,000

• Lee Public Schools – $7,000

• Lenox Public Schools – $7,000

• Northern Berkshire Vocational Regional School District – $3,716

• Southern Berkshire Regional School District – $7,000

Additionally, four western Massachusetts districts received Work-Based Learning Planning and Resource Development Grants to pilot new statewide programs and expand partnerships with local industries:

• Amherst-Pelham Regional School District – $25,000

• Athol-Royalston Regional School District – $25,000

• Holyoke Public Schools – $25,000

• Quaboag Regional School District – $23,025

“Career-connected learning works best when schools, employers, and communities come together to support students,” said Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler. “When we connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, we help students build confidence, develop essential skills, and discover pathways that lead to meaningful careers and lifelong success.”

Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez added that these initiatives “give students meaningful goals to work toward” by linking academic work with in-demand local careers.

The Healey-Driscoll administration has made expanding access to CTE and Early College programs a top priority. Earlier this year, the state approved 49 new technical education programs and secured $100 million in CTE capital grants to expand capacity statewide.

“Our administration is focused on helping every student find a pathway to success,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By investing in career-connected learning, we’re ensuring that students can engage in hands-on experiences, learn from local employers, and build the skills they need to excel in the workforce.”