EHS Receives Substantial CTE Grant

Major Investment Will Help Expand
Two Chapter 74 Programs 

Governor Maura Healey today announced that Everett High School (EHS) is a major beneficiary of a large grant initiative to expand career and technical education (CTE) programs at six Massachusetts high schools, creating opportunities for approximately 500 additional students each year to gain hands-on training and prepare for good-paying jobs. 

EHS is receiving $1,014,000 of the $14.5 million in funding to modernize and expand its Medical Assisting and Programming and Web Development Chapter 74 CTE programs by renovating instructional spaces, installing a new clinical simulation laboratory, and upgrading technology. The improvements will add about 95 seats, increasing capacity from 105 to 200 students and expanding opportunities for hands-on training and industry credentials.

The funding comes from the Career and Technical Education Annex Pilot Program, a state-funded initiative administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education to help schools build and expand training facilities and offer more programs in high-demand fields including health care, information technology, manufacturing, and the skilled trades. 

“We thank Governor Healey and the Executive Office of Education for making this significant investment in CTE education,” said Superintendent of Schools William D. Hart. “We will use these resources to expose our students to the cutting-edge technology and hands-on experiences that lead to high-quality postsecondary and employment opportunities.”

The new grants build on Governor Healey’s efforts to increase access to career and technical education and address growing demand from students and families. The funding will help comprehensive high schools add CTE programs, increase enrollment capacity and partner with vocational schools, employers, and colleges to provide students with career-connected learning opportunities, particularly in communities where access has been limited.

“We’ve made major investments to expand career and technical education, and these new grants will create more seats and bring training programs to more high schools,” said Governor Maura Healey. We’re opening doors for students to pursue careers they’re excited about while building the skilled workforce Massachusetts needs.”

“Career and technical education gives students real-world experience and a chance to discover what they’re passionate about,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These investments are bringing schools, employers and communities together to create more opportunities for young people to explore careers, learn valuable skills and build successful futures right here in Massachusetts.”

The five other grant recipients are Fitchburg High School, Haverhill High School, Newburyport High School, North Middlesex Regional High School, and Watertown High School. 

“Too many students who want to pursue career and technical education have been unable to access these opportunities because programs are full or unavailable in their communities,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “These grants will help us change that by creating more seats, modernizing learning spaces, and supporting partnerships that bring hands-on STEM learning and career training to more students. The collaboration between Fitchburg Public Schools and Monty Tech is a great example of how schools can work together to expand access and create new pathways to college and careers.”

The investment builds on Governor Healey’s efforts to expand access to career and technical education and create more pathways for students to college and careers. The administration previously announced $70 million to expand career and technical education at 28 schools across Massachusetts, creating up to 2,500 additional seats for students. Together with the new CTE Annex Pilot Program grants, these investments are helping schools increase training capacity, modernize facilities, and expand access to hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in high-demand industries.

“As we celebrate STEM Week and lift careers in STEM-related fields, we’re excited to be able to offer more students access to career and technical education programs,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “CTE programs, whether in CTE schools or more traditional high schools, are great preparation for in-demand fields such as manufacturing, health care, and information technology.” 

 

 

Everett High School Medical Assisting instructors Desirae Peary and Lisa Eford and Director of Career and Technical Education Siobhan Araya are pictured at the Annex Grant announcement, where Everett High School was awarded more than $1 million to expand its Medical Assisting and Programming and Web Development Chapter 74 programs.