Mass.gov 
Friends of Chapter 74 Vocational Technical and Agricultural Education,
We are pleased to share this exciting news with you.
Have a wonderful weekend.
David
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, April 30, 2026…..As many as 2,500 high school students are poised to gain access to career technical training and potentially earn industry credentials under a funding infusion from the surtax on high-income earners.
After touring Assabet Valley Vocational High School in Marlborough on Thursday, Gov. Maura Healey announced that $70 million in career technical education program grants will flow to nearly 30 schools. The funding comes from the fiscal 2025 surtax supplemental budget, a Healey spokesperson said.
The awards are expected to create up to 2,500 new career technical seats, fueled by the expansion of 23 programs, the launch of 27 new programs, and upgrades to facilities, equipment and technology, Healey’s office said.
"This investment, I want to be clear, is about listening to our students and delivering what they’re asking for, what they’re telling us," Education Secretary Steve Zrike said. "They want the chance to explore their passions and discover their interests. They want to see the full range of opportunities in front of them, and they want to feel like learning is relevant."
Assabet Valley secured a $3.75 million grant to develop two new programs focused on public safety and veterinary science. Hands-on learning through the public safety track will feature a mock dispatch center and forensics lab, partnerships with local fire and EMS departments, and agreements with community colleges to allow students to earn degrees and certifications. Students can also train for entry-level positions in animal care and veterinary services with the help of exam tables and grooming tools and potentially earn two certifications.
Alyssa Silva, a senior studying plumbing at Assabet Valley, said she initially planned to focus on biotechnology before realizing she’d prefer to work with her hands.
"In shop, I’ve learned how to safely and effectively use various kinds of power tools and equipment, while also studying Massachusetts plumbing codes and regulations," Silva said. "Most importantly, however, we learn safety. Every student earns their OSHA 10-hour certification and is reminded every day how important safety protocols are."
Healey said other grants include $3.5 million to Chicopee Comprehensive High School for HVAC and plumbing programs; $2 million to Upper Cape Cod Regional Vocational Technical in Bourne to expand welding and metal fabrication programs; $1.75 million to New Bedford High School for early education and childcare programs; and $4 million for the plumbing program at Taconic High School in Pittsfield.
"We’ve got so many employers across Massachusetts who are anxious to hire you, who need your skills and your talents," Healey said. "It’s why it’s super, super exciting to meet these students who are learning these cutting-edge skills and will be out there in no time, hopefully in our communities in Massachusetts, making it happen."
Steven Sharek, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators, said demand for career technical schools and programs has "never been higher."
"These expansion grants represent an important first step toward addressing that growing need while strengthening our workforce pipeline and supporting economic growth statewide," Sharek said in a statement.
An additional 400 to 600 career technical seats are in the pipeline through a separate state funding opportunity, according to Healey’s office. The application deadline closed earlier this week for a $15 million capital grant pilot program, aimed at expanding and upgrading programs at "comprehensive" high schools that also offer career technical training.
Alison Kuznitz is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at akuznitz.
Chapter 74 Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education
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