Governor Maura Healey | Gov. Maura Healey Official U.S. Governor headshot
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced the allocation of $1 million in Innovation Career Pathway grants to 29 school districts across Massachusetts. This initiative aims to provide students with opportunities in high-demand STEM fields, including health care, technology, manufacturing, life sciences, and environmental sustainability before they graduate high school.
Governor Maura Healey and Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler made the announcement at Athol High School. Governor Healey emphasized the importance of aligning education with workforce needs: "In Massachusetts, we want to ensure that what students learn in school helps them get to where they want to go, while also meeting our workforce needs. That’s why we are invested in Innovation Career Pathways."
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll highlighted the administration's commitment to career exploration programs: "Our administration has invested in Innovation Career Pathways, Early College programs and career technical education opportunities because we know they allow students to explore careers and make critical connections with local businesses and mentors."
The funding is part of the Executive Office of Education’s "Reimagining High School" initiative, which includes internships and college-level courses. The announcement builds on previous investments totaling over $10 million dedicated to these programs.
Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler said: "We want to support our public schools to enable students to see the connection between what they are learning and what they will need to know in the future." DESE Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston added: "In our Educational Vision, we say we want learning to be relevant, real-world and interactive."
Representative Susannah Whipps expressed her support for the program's impact on local students. Tim Cucchi from L.S. Starrett Company praised the collaboration with Athol High School that provides real-life work experience for students.
The grants include both implementation awards for existing programs and planning grants for new initiatives in various districts.
Information from this article can be found here.
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