$1.7 Million State Grant To Help Essex Tech Modernize, Expand Labs

DANVERS, MA — Essex North Shore Agricultural Tech will use a $1.725 state Skills Capital Grant to modernize and expand its Culinary Arts and Animal Sciences instructional programs serving more than 500 students.

"The need for vocational education seats in the Commonwealth continues to grow," Essex Tech Superintendent Heidi Riccio said. "I believe that it is the balance between academic coursework and solving real-world problems through technical education that makes our school desirable.

"This grant funding will help support an expansion of the Animal Science program, which is our largest program, and the Culinary Arts and Hospitality program, where the travel and tourism industry is thriving on the North Shore."

The Baker-Polito Administration awarded $24 million in Skills Capital Grants to 14 different high schools as part of the funding. Each school received awards between $1 million and $2.5
million.

"I am eager for the opportunity to expand the Animal Sciences programs here at Essex North Shore Agricultural Technical School," Veterinary Science Instructor Jennifer DeForge said. "Specifically, the Veterinary Science and Companion Animal concentrations will be able to collaborate and bring much-needed veterinary physical rehabilitation services to career and technical education."

"Our Culinary Arts and Hospitality program feels honored to be a recipient of this grant," CTAE Director Jill Sawyer said. "The funds will provide us an opportunity to expand our program into event planning and execution. We are excited to continue our mission of preparing our students for high-demand career pathways on the North Shore."

The funding for this round of grants was included in An Act Relative to Immediate Covid-19 Recovery Needs, passed by the legislature and signed by the governor, which included $100 million in state resources to provide capital improvement grants to vocational high schools and public schools operating career and technical education programs.

"Since taking office, our administration has made significant investments through the Skills Capital Grant program to helpmore young people and adults gain the education, training and skills necessary for successful careers in rapidly growing industry sectors," Gov. Charlie Baker said in announcing the grants in Westfield on Tuesday. "We are proud of the impact these grants have had on both students’ educations and their futures in the Massachusetts workforce."

The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with local businesses, as well as align curriculum and credentials with industry demand to minimize hiring opportunities in each region of the state.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)