Salem Awarded $3.75M To Expand High School Career Tech Programs

SALEM, MA — Salem High School will share in more than $70 million in state funding for expanded Career Technical Education program space ahead Gov. Maura Healey's "Reimagining High School" initiative.

The Healey Administration said Salem High is due $3.75 million in grants designed to create up to 2,500 new CTE seats by expanding 23 career tech programs, launching 27 new CTE programs, and upgrading equipment, technology, and lab spaces across participating schools.

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"Across Massachusetts, we're hearing from students and families who want access to career technical education," Healey said. "That's why we're making a $70 million investment to expand programs, create new seats and modernize training facilities so more students can get the skills they need and step into strong, in-demand careers.

The grant announcement comes one week before Salem voters go to the polls, being asked to approve a $238 million property tax debt override exclusion to fund a new high school that, in part, would expand CTE opportunities in the new building.

"This investment is about meeting students where they are and preparing them for where the economy is going," said state Secretary of Education and former Salem High Superintendent Steve Zrike. "By making this investment, we're creating more seats, modernizing equipment and facilities, and ensuring more students can access high-quality, career-connected learning."

"These investments will help connect more students to the skills and training that employers across Massachusetts are looking for right now," said Lt. Gov. and former Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. "By expanding access to career technical education, we're strengthening our workforce pipeline and creating more opportunities for students to step directly into in-demand careers."

The $3.75 million in funding was tied for the largest amount awarded in the state among the 28 designated districts.

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