Schools
Large Grant Headed To Worcester Tech To Boost Career Training Programs
The funding is part of more than $70 million in Career Technical Education program grants to 28 schools across the state.
WORCESTER, MA — A Worcester school was awarded a large grant to further its programs.
Worcester Technical High School will receieve $3.75 million, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced on Thursday. The funding is part of more than $70 million in Career Technical Education program grants to 28 schools across the state.
Worcester Tech will use the money to benefit its Plumbing and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Programs.
“The Worcester Public Schools is grateful for this significant investment by the state in our programs at Worcester Technical High School,” said WPS Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “This grant allows Worcester Tech to enhance its cutting-edge learning opportunities in these skilled trades that will benefit our students.”
The grant will help modernize facilities and equipment through upgraded lab spaces for the Plumbing and HVAC programs with a focus on installing advanced, high-efficient systems and digital control technology; aligning curriculum with future needs to ensure students are trained in green energy skills, energy efficiency, and sustainable construction practices; and increasing capacity to serve more high school and adult students to increase the supply of credentialed workers entering the local workforce, according to WPS.
Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Secretary of Education Steve Zrike and Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez made the announcement at Assabet Valley Vocational High School in Marlborough on Thursday.
At schools across the state, the funding will 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 Massachusetts, we’re hearing from students and families who want access to career technical education," said Gov. Healey. "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.”
According to the state, the CTE program equips students with the skills they need to succeed in today's job market. The programs are offered during the regular school day at dedicated CTE schools and at some traditional high schools, and some CTE programs take place "After Dark" outside the traditional school day.
WPS said Worcester Tech's grant application was submitted in response to "critical, documented regional shortage in licensed, skilled-trades professionals in Central Massachusetts."
The grant will also benefit students in the afternoon Innovation Career Pathways program along with adults in the Night Life program.
“We are grateful for the Commonwealth’s investment and seeing the potential in our students,” said Drew Weymouth, Principal of Worcester Technical High School. “It’s important for our facilities and curriculums to continuously evolve so that future graduates have the necessary skills to meet the rapidly changing needs of industries. This support will help us immensely in these efforts.”
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