Colleagues,
We are pleased to share this interesting piece.
David
MA agriculture school awarded $3.5M state grant. How it will be spent
Beth McDermott
Wicked Local May 29, 2026, 5:30 a.m. ET
Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole is set to receive its largest state grant in its history — $3.5 million — and said a chunk of it will go toward campus expansion, according to a community announcement.
Officials said in a statement that the grant will support a $2.45 million renovation and expansion of the school’s campus, increasing space and providing much-needed building and systems upgrades.
Plans also include expanding laboratory space, which would allow about 100 additional students to pursue careers in plant science and environmental science, according to the announcement. An additional $550,000 will be used to purchase new, modern greenhouses equipped with the latest agricultural technology. And another $350,000 will create multipurpose classrooms and modular computer labs for both daytime students and those in state-approved After Dark/CTI adult training programs.
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The improvements aim to provide students with the tools and experiential learning needed to secure high-paying jobs after graduation, according to the announcement. They will also create additional opportunities for dual enrollment at Massasoit and Bristol Community Colleges.
The expanded facilities will also allow Norfolk Aggie to offer after-school and weekend programming to an additional 60 to 80 high school students annually from surrounding communities. Another 30 to 40 incumbent workers and adult learners will be able to earn industry-recognized credentials through Commonwealth Corporation (CTI) training partnerships.
The grant is part of a larger investment of more than $70 million by the Healey-Driscoll administration, which awarded capital grants to 28 high schools and career technical schools across the state, according to the announcement.
“Across Massachusetts, we’re hearing from students and families who want access to career technical education," Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. "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."