FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 3, 2025
Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Application for $60 Million in Career Technical Education Capital Funding for Schools
Funding will add over 2,000 new career tech seats and support schools to buy and install training equipment
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that applications are now open for comprehensive high schools and career technical schools to apply for $60 million in Career Technical Education (CTE) program capital grants. This multi-year funding will support over 2,000 new CTE seats through expansion of existing and new career tech programs, as well as for the purchase and installation of training equipment.
The capital grants, made possible through Fair Share funding, will enable new programs that meet the workforce needs of regional employers. Projects will be prioritized that offer more CTE programs at night and on weekends to serve more high school students and adult learners and in geographic areas that have long waitlists and limited regional capacity.
“We know there is a strong demand for Career Technical Education because it is proven to give students the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce. This capital investment project answers the call for more seats and additional program hours across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This multi-year expansion plan reflects our commitment to growing career pathways, closing workforce gaps, and improving career readiness for students across the state.”
“Career Technical Education plays a vital role in our economy and our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By investing in facilities, equipment and flexible learning time, we’re empowering more students to gain the skills they need to succeed and ensuring every region in Massachusetts benefits from these investments.”
As part of the administration’s “Reimagining High School” initiative, CTE programs equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market through development of innovative, applied learning opportunities that align with current industry needs and provide students with high quality learning experiences that enable them to see and understand their future career paths, including continued education.
CTE programs are offered during the regular school day at approved comprehensive high schools and dedicated career technical schools. Career technical schools and comprehensive high schools also offer CTE Partnership Programs “After Dark” that take place after the school day to provide additional public-school students with access to career technical education. Further, CTE schools provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers through the Career Technical Initiative (CTI).
“With this investment, we’re giving schools the resources they need to train the next generation of skilled workers and to support adult learners who are ready to acquire new skills or change careers,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “CTE programs are a proven pathway to good jobs, and this expansion project will allow more students to thrive and reach their full potential.”
“Career Technical Education schools provide job training and placement for adult learners, positioning Massachusetts to develop a workforce pipeline for in-demand occupations in regions across the state,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration appreciates partnering with CTE schools to invest these capital funds, grow critical infrastructure, and close skills gaps that will empower future talent ready to compete in high growth industries.”
“Career Technical Education is one of the smartest investments we can make in Massachusetts’ economy,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “At the beginning of this session, I recommitted the Senate to making historic increases in funding in this area, and I’m proud to see that commitment come to life — delivering the resources that both students and employers need to grow and compete in the global workforce. I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their leadership and for expeditiously opening these applications so schools across the Commonwealth can access these funds.”
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has been expanding access to career-connected education in a variety of ways through their Reimagining High School initiative. Over the past two and a half years, the administration has approved 49 new CTE programs, supporting 2,334 additional students. Also, Governor Healey’s BRIGHT Act includes $100 million for Skills Capital grants that help high schools, colleges and educational institutions upgrade technology and instructional lab spaces, expand career programs, and increase the capacity of workforce training programs. These efforts build on expansions the administration has made to Early College programs, Innovation Career Pathways, work-based learning opportunities and My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP).
"There is huge demand for more CTE programs, and these grants will help address the need for additional capacity," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "I look forward to seeing programs expand across the state to help students connect their learning with their future career."
"The MSBA has been proud to support grants for the new construction and improvements to 28 career and vocational schools as well as adding programs in academic and comprehensive high schools since 2007, paving the way for thousands of students to learn the skills needed for a successful future,” said Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. "As Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority, I am pleased to see this additional funding provided through the Fair Share Act that will continue to promote learning opportunities for CTE programs and students."
Massachusetts comprehensive high schools and dedicated career tech schools that operate CTE programs interested in this grant program can apply online. The deadline for submissions is October 30, 2025, by 3:00 PM. An opportunity will be available later this fall for comprehensive high schools that do not yet have a CTE program to apply for planning grants.
Statements of Support
Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means:
“I’m thrilled that the Legislature, in partnership with the Healey-Driscoll administration, has opened the application process to enable career technical schools to access $60 million in Career Technical Education (CTE) grants. This funding will allow these learning centers to buy and install critical equipment to keep pace with the increasing demands of a changing workforce economy. This smart utilization of “Fair Share” educational dollars will pay off with an expanded capacity and also accommodate additional career technical education opportunities available through the CTE program. It is our responsibility to do all we can to prepare our next generation of leaders with all the skill sets necessary to facing a highly competitive global economy.”
Representative Frank A. Moran (D-Lawrence), Second Assistant Majority Leader:
“As demand for career technical education continues to soar within our communities, I appreciate the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts to increase access to schools and alleviate long student waitlists. Career technical education not only provides our students with the training and education to equip them with the skills necessary to build successful careers in the trades but also helps to address regional labor demands and stimulates our state and local economies in turn.”
Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education:
"The Legislature values opportunities for our students to participate in Career Technical Education. This funding shows the Administration shares our priorities in supporting these valuable programs."
Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education:
“Increasing opportunities for more students to access Career Technical Education programs is exactly what the Fair Share Amendment was meant to do. With these grants, thousands more students will be able to explore future career paths, partner with local employers to learn new skills, and earn industry credentials before graduation.”
Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development:
"As Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, I’ve seen how critical Career Technical Education is for both students and employers. This investment will create thousands of new seats for young people eager to build their futures, while also providing adult learners with the opportunity to retrain for in-demand jobs. By directing Fair Share funding into modern equipment and expanded access, we’re opening pathways to success for students, ensuring Massachusetts employers have the skilled workforce they need, and strengthening our economy."
Senator John J. Cronin (D-Fitchburg):
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is not just increasing access to vocational training but creating economic opportunity and growing the Commonwealth’s middle class. I’m grateful for their partnership with the Legislature to grow these programs and our skilled workforce across Massachusetts.”