Massachusetts Secures Major Federal Awards to Advance Breakthrough Health Technologies

Massachusetts Secures Major Federal Awards to Advance Breakthrough Health Technologies 

MIT selected to develop breakthrough tear-based health monitoring technology; two Massachusetts companies to pioneer new treatments targeting the lymphatic system 

 

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today celebrated three competitive federal awards to Massachusetts organizations through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a federal agency that invests in high-risk, high-reward research designed to accelerate breakthroughs in health and medicine. The awards will support groundbreaking efforts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and two Boston-based companies, Ropirio Therapeutics and Seaport Therapeutics, working at the frontiers of life science innovation. 

 

The MIT award will advance the development of tiny sensors capable of continuously analyzing biomarkers in human tears, enabling real-time monitoring of a patient’s health and allowing treatments to be adjusted automatically based on live data. Ropirio Therapeutics and Seaport Therapeutics secured federal support to develop new therapies that directly repair abnormal lymphatic structure and function, an area of medicine where most current treatments manage symptoms rather than address the underlying problem. 

 

“These awards show why Massachusetts continues to lead the world in life sciences and biomedical innovation,” said Governor Maura Healey. “From developing entirely new ways to monitor disease to pioneering therapies that target the root causes of chronic disease, our researchers and companies are taking on some of the toughest challenges in medicine. We’re proud to see federal investment flowing to Massachusetts institutions that are improving lives and strengthening our innovation economy, and we’re grateful to our incredible Congressional delegation for their ongoing commitment to this initiative.” 

 

“Massachusetts has built a research ecosystem that makes bold ideas possible,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “When federal agencies look for partners to tackle high-risk, high-impact challenges, they look here. These awards will accelerate breakthrough technologies while creating opportunities for growth and job creation across the state.” 

 

“These ARPA-H awards highlight the depth of talent across our universities and emerging companies,” said Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley. “Massachusetts is uniquely positioned at the intersection of science, engineering, and AI. Investments like these help translate cutting-edge research into real-world therapies and reinforce our leadership in next-generation health technologies.” 

 

“Massachusetts continues to set the national standard as the leading hub for life sciences innovation,” said Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, President and CEO, Kirk Taylor, MD. “These ARPA-H awards underscore the extraordinary strength of our ecosystem and our unmatched ability to translate bold ideas into transformative medical breakthroughs that improve and save the lives of patients around the world.” 

 

ARPA-H announced today it had selected MIT for funding through its Ocular Laboratory for Analysis of Biomarkers (OCULAB) program, which seeks to create a continuous health monitoring system that resides in a patient’s tear duct. While most medical diagnostics today rely on blood tests taken at a single point in time, OCULAB aims to develop advanced sensors that continuously analyze tear chemistry. Tears contain many of the same biomarkers found in blood and are constantly present, offering the potential for minimally invasive, real-time monitoring. 

 

Ropirio Therapeutics and Seaport Therapeutics, received awards through ARPA-H’s Groundbreaking Lymphatic Interventions and Drug Exploration (GLIDE) program, which aims to transform treatment of diseases linked to lymphatic dysfunction such as heart disease and autoimmune disorders. Ropirio Therapeutics will create a first-of-its-kind drug that stops lymphatic vessels from leaking and collapsing, a root cause of fluid buildup and chronic swelling, while Seaport Therapeutics will help create an oral therapy that targets lymphatic inflammation, a key driver of central obesity.  

 

The OCULAB program will provide selected projects with a combined total of up to $68 million over four years and the GLIDE program up to $158 million total to selected companies over five years. 

Since ARPA-H’s launch, Massachusetts organizations and companies have secured more than $330 million in funding to advance breakthrough health technologies. In 2023, Massachusetts was selected as the location of ARPA-H’s Investor Catalyst Hub, a national center designed to help accelerate the commercialization and scaling of transformative medical innovations.   

麻州學生參加AP考試分數之高全美第一

            （Boston Orange 編譯） 麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（3）日慶祝麻州學生在2025年的大學先修課（AP）考試中，又一次贏得最高分，而且參考學生中有35.8%考到3分以上，不但比率高居全美第一，還打破了美國大學理事會歷年來最高紀錄。

            以黑人或非洲裔學生參加AP考試的比率來說，麻州也高居全美第一（僅次於華府特區），參加AP考試的畢業生人數比率則為全美第三。

            畢業生參AP考試成績達到3分以上的全國平均率為24.8%，麻州的35.8%，比10年前的29.4%增加了6.4%。

            奚莉州長恭喜麻州學生，教育者和各戶人家，有這樣令人驚嘆，讓人驕傲的成就。

            AP考試滿分是5分，得到3分以上，顯示了學生有能力完成該科目的大學入門課。許多大專院校會頒授大學學分給取得3分以上成績的學生。

            麻州政府表示，奚莉州長優化了學生在就讀高中期間取得大學學分的方法，包括全州擴大辦理大學先修班課程。她最近還宣佈了一項新目標，要在10年內有10萬名學生報讀大學先修班 （Early College）。

            麻州擴大人們修讀AP課程和參加考試的努力包括，為低收入學生提供AP考試費用補助，和諸如“麻州洞察（Mass Insight）”的AP STEM及英語課程合作。AP課程考試費用每科99元。

            麻州承諾本學年要為AP，以及IB (國際文憑)考試費用，提供110萬元補助。在州政府的補助下，低收入學生或其所屬學校只需支付每科$22元的AP考試費用。

            迄今麻州政府以爲將近5萬名低收入學生補助了90,783元AP考試費。

            86.1%的麻州公立高中，至少提供一門AP課程。

            在2025年的麻州畢業生中，有48％參加了AP考試，比2015年的42.2%增加了5.8%，比率之高全美第三，僅次於華府特區和紐約。

            麻州的黑人或非洲裔美國人畢業生，有37.3%在就讀高中期間，參加AP考試，比率之高全美第一。

            麻州的西語裔或拉丁裔美國人畢業生，有36.9%在就讀高中期間參加了AP考試，這比率在全美排名第12。

Massachusetts Students Again Rank #1 in Nation on AP Tests, Earn Highest Scores on Record 

 

More than a third of Massachusetts graduates scored a 3 or higher on an AP exam, the highest percentage in the nation and the highest on record 

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey is today celebrating Massachusetts students for again earning the highest scores on Advanced Placement (AP) exams last year and breaking the all-time record for the highest percentage of graduates who scored 3 or higher on an AP exam. Results released today by the College Board show that 35.8 percent of students who graduated from Massachusetts public high schools in 2025 scored a 3 or higher on an AP exam which was the highest in the nation this year and for any year.  

In addition, Massachusetts ranked the highest state in the country (behind Washington, D.C.) in terms of the percentage of Black or African American students taking an AP exam and third in the country in terms of the percentage of graduates taking any AP exam.  

“Congratulations to Massachusetts students, educators and families on this incredible accomplishment,” said Governor Healey. “We are so proud that our students are yet again leading the nation in AP scores and breaking all-time records. It’s also great to see more students than ever before taking these exams, which help prepare them for success after graduation. We’re going to keep working every day to build on these accomplishments and make sure every student receives the highest-quality education.” 

“Advanced classes give students a leg up on college, preparing them for rigorous coursework and potentially earning them college credit, which helps them graduate more quickly and at a lower cost,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This success is amazing to see and a great indicator of what’s happening in Massachusetts classrooms.”   

A score of 3 or higher out of 5 on an AP exam shows a student’s ability to complete work for an introductory college course in that subject area. Many colleges will award students college credit for AP scores of 3 or higher.  

“Massachusetts’ progress is a testament to students’ hard work, educators’ dedication and support, and our shared belief that every student deserves access to a high-quality education that sets them up for success in college, career or any path they choose. This is worth celebrating and I hope all students will take these results as a sign that they should consider taking advanced coursework,” said Acting Education Secretary Amy Kershaw. 

Governor Healey has prioritized additional ways for students to earn college credit while still in high school, including expanding the growing number of Early College programs across the state. She recently announced her goal of enrolling 100,000 students in Early College programs within 10 years. 

“The AP results for Massachusetts’ class of 2025 are a great example of what students can do, and I hope other students will see these numbers and realize that they, too, should try advanced coursework,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Congratulations to the students, educators and families who made the results possible!” 

The state’s efforts to expand access to AP courses and exams have included subsidizing AP exam fees for low-income students and working with partners such as Mass Insight’s AP STEM & English Program. The exams cost $99 each without a fee subsidy. During the current school year, the state has committed to funding up to $1.1 million for AP and International Baccalaureate exam fee subsidies. With the state’s contribution, low-income students — or their school will only need to pay — $22 per AP test. Under this administration, Massachusetts has subsidized 90,783 AP exams for nearly 50,000 low-income students. 

Highlights from this year’s results include: 

• 35.8 percent of 2025 Massachusetts public high school graduates scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam during high school, the highest percentage in the nation and the highest on record. 
• Nationally, 24.8 percent of public high school graduates scored a 3 or higher.  
• Massachusetts has been at the top of this metric in several other years, most recently for students who graduated in 2024.  
• Between 2015 and 2025, the percentage of Massachusetts graduates scoring 3 or higher grew 6.4 percentage points, from 29.4 percent to 35.8 percent. 

Participation: 

• 86.1 percent of Massachusetts public high schools offer at least one AP course. 
• 48 percent of Massachusetts 2025 graduates took an AP exam during high school, the third highest in the country behind Washington, D.C. and New York. That 48 percent participation in Massachusetts represents a 5.8 percentage point increase from 42.2 percent in 2015.  
• 37.3 percent of Black or African American Massachusetts 2025 graduates took an AP exam during high school (the second highest percentage in the country), and this represents a 7.5 percentage point increase from 29.8 in 2015.  
• 36.9 percent of Hispanic or Latino Massachusetts 2025 graduates took an AP exam during high school (the 12th highest percentage in the country), and this represents an 8.3 percentage point increase from 28.6 percent in 2015.  

Chart source: The College Board 

Katrina Lin接任波士頓市府華埠聯絡員

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES NEW CHINATOWN, DOWNTOWN, AND LEATHER DISTRICT LIAISON AND BACK BAY, BEACON HILL, FENWAY, KENMORE, AND MISSION HILL LIAISON  BOSTON- Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced Katrina Lin as the new neighborhood liaison for Chinatown, Downtown, and Leather District and Samantha Courage as the new neighborhood liaison for Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Fenway, Kenmore, and Mission Hill within the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS). ONS plays a vital role in connecting residents with city services and resources; facilitating resident input on local government matters; ensuring that the appropriate city departments address constituent service requests; attending neighborhood meetings; and responding to emergencies, such as fires, to assist displaced residents. “Neighborhood liaisons are a vital bridge between City Hall and Boston’s communities. Katrina’s passion for civic engagement and track record of connecting residents to resources and services will be invaluable to the Chinatown, Downtown and Leather District neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Samantha’s dedication to civic engagement and extensive experience with multiple city departments will help ensure residents are connected to city services. I’m thrilled to see Katrina and Samantha step into these key roles and strengthen ties with the neighborhoods and residents they serve.”

Katrina Lin

Katrina Lin grew up in New Jersey, but moved to Massachusetts in 2020. Lin is a daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, and has worked with historically marginalized communities to help create accessible pathways to needed human services. Lin’s professional background has focused on community advocacy.  Her previous roles include working with youth in Boston’s Chinatown, providing multilingual legal aid assistance for neighborhoods across the city, and advocating for immigrant rights through grassroots efforts. Most recently, Lin worked as an advocate for domestic violence survivors at the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence, strengthening her ability to build relationships with community members and support their needs.  “I am excited about developing strong relationships with the residents in Downtown, Leather District and Chinatown neighborhoods,” said Katrina Lin, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services Chinatown, Downtown, and Leather District Liaison. “From students and business owners to older adults and everyone in between, learning about each community firsthand and delivering support is my number one priority to ensure constituents stay connected to City Hall.”

Samantha Courage

Samantha Courage was born and raised in South Boston, where early experiences sparked her commitment to community engagement and public service. She brings nearly a decade of experience across multiple City of Boston departments. She spent significant time in the Zoning Board of Appeal’s Legal Division, building expertise in zoning, land use policy, and the regulatory processes that shape Boston’s neighborhoods. Most recently, Courage served in the Boston City Council District 8 Office, leading neighborhood engagement, coordinating with city agencies, and working closely with residents, small businesses, and community organizations on quality-of-life and development matters. “I’m most excited to serve as a steady, accessible point of contact for residents and to bridge the connection between the Mayor and the community to promote meaningful change. I value working where policy and lived experience meet,” said Samantha Courage, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Fenway, Kenmore, and Mission Hill Liaison. “I love how distinct yet interconnected Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Fenway, Kenmore, and Mission Hill are. Each neighborhood has its own character, history, and civic pride, yet all share a strong sense of community. Residents care deeply about their blocks, parks, small businesses, and future.” The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services is housed in the Community Engagement Cabinet. ONS is led by Executive Director Mohammed Missouri, who works alongside Chief of Staff Lindsey Santana and four deputy directors. Deputy directors supervise the liaisons and community engagement specialists who facilitate abutters meetings. “I am thrilled to welcome Katrina Lin and Samantha Courage to the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services,” said Lindsey Santana, Chief of Staff, Neighborhood Services. “Samantha’s deep roots in South Boston and extensive experience across city departments, combined with Katrina’s dedication to empowering historically marginalized communities, reflect a shared vision to build meaningful connections, amplify residents’ voices, and address the needs of neighborhoods.”  All neighborhood liaisons will be present at the Mayor’s inaugural Office Hours, a family-friendly, one-stop opportunity for Boston residents from across the city to connect directly with the Mayor, City services, and department staff to have their questions or concerns answered in real time. The event will take place on Thursday, March 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building in Roxbury. Community members can also meet with their designated neighborhood liaisons at weekly office hours in-person every Friday to receive guidance on how to navigate City services.

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND MASS AUDUBON ANNOUNCE SIX RECIPIENTS OF THE 2026 BOSTON TREE ALLIANCE PROGRAM TREE PLANTING AND CARE GRANT

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND MASS AUDUBON ANNOUNCE SIX RECIPIENTS OF THE 2026 BOSTON TREE ALLIANCE PROGRAM TREE PLANTING AND CARE GRANT 

The Boston Tree Alliance Program will award over $519,750 to six projects to plant and care for trees

BOSTON – Tuesday, March 3, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu, in partnership with Mass Audubon, today announced the 2026 awardees of the Boston Tree Alliance Program Tree Planting and Care Grant. A total of $519,750 will be distributed to support six community-based tree planting and care projects.  

 

“Boston’s urban forest is a powerful tool for building healthier, more resilient neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Through the Boston Tree Alliance Program, we’re proud to partner with Mass Audubon and community organizations across the city to strengthen neighborhood capacity, support good green jobs, and ensure that the benefits of a healthy urban forest reach every corner of our city.” 

 

"This year marks a significant evolution for the Boston Tree Alliance Program. With the highest demand for funding we’ve seen yet, it’s clear that our partners are thinking more expansively about community forestry,” said Chris Osgood, Director of Climate Resilience. “From integrating stormwater features to removing hundreds of feet of concrete for new tree pits, we’re excited about the innovation and commitment of our communities to help grow a more resilient Boston.”

 

The six awardees are: 

 

·       Boston Food Forest Coalition (BFFC) -  $124,850 to plant 23 fruit and shade trees and install a new timed automatic irrigation system with passive collection tanks and rain sensor in BFFC’s new food forest park in Dorchester.

 

·       Friends of Melnea Cass Boulevard - $194,900 to plant 24 trees along Melnea Cass Boulevard.

 

·       Tree Eastie - $25,000 to plant 60 trees across East Boston and support community engagement about the benefits of trees and how to care for them.

 

·       Four Corners Main Streets - $50,000 to plant 40 trees in Dorchester and Roxbury and support community engagement to plant trees with residents and other local organizations.

 

·       Longwood Collective - $62,750 to remove concrete surfaces to implement tree pits and plant 12 new trees along privately-owned, publicly accessible areas in Longwood. 

 

·       Speak for the Trees - $62,250 to plant 80 trees and support public educational workshops about best practices for tree selection, planting, harvesting, and care through their NeighborWoods program.

 

“The real impact of the Boston Tree Alliance Program comes from the participating community partners.  This award round not only supports long-standing organizations that have been advancing tree planting across the city for years, but also neighborhood-based organizations that understand how vital trees are for a healthy community,” said Mass Audubon’s George Durante, Senior Director of Nature in the City. “Increasing the tree canopy in Boston and collaborating to lift partners squarely aligns with Mass Audubon’s goals, particularly when it comes to mobilizing to mitigate against climate change and increasing access to nature.”

 

The Boston Tree Alliance Program provides grants and technical support to community-based organizations to plant and care for trees on privately-owned land. With over 60% of Boston’s tree canopy located on land that is privately owned and controlled, this program is vital to expanding the forest beyond public parks and sidewalks. To date, the Boston Tree Alliance Program has awarded $292,000 in grants to plant approximately 450 trees across 120 unique parcels. 

 

"These grants celebrate the innovative work of community partners who are helping to grow and sustain Boston’s urban tree canopy. From planting on private property to creating new tree pits and integrating green infrastructure, each project demonstrates how thoughtful investment in our urban forest strengthens climate resilience and ensures long-term stewardship,” said Interim Parks and Recreation Commissioner Cathy Baker-Eclipse. “Together with both public and private partners, we are planting and caring for trees that cool our neighborhoods, manage stormwater, improve air quality, and create healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come.”

 

This grant cycle marks the third year of the Tree Planting and Care Grant and introduces new allowable costs, including depaving and green infrastructure features such as stormwater tree trenches, to expand opportunities for tree planting and longer-term care. The program is funded by grants awarded to the City of Boston by the American Rescue Plan Act and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program Grant. 

 

The Boston Tree Alliance Program works to advance climate resilience and urban forestry strategies identified in the Heat Plan and Urban Forest Plan. The program is administered by Mass Audubon, in partnership with the City of Boston’s Office of Climate Resilience, Department of Parks and Recreation, and Office of Green Infrastructure. The Alliance is a coalition made up of nonprofit and community-based organizations that lead tree planting and care projects, support the development of information and education materials, and inform the overall direction of the program. 

 

Applications for the next round of funding will open in fall 2026. Prospective applicants are welcome to reach out via email to BostonTreeAlliance@massaudubon.org to brainstorm project ideas. When the next application cycle opens, office hours and information sessions will be announced. Visit boston.gov/tree-grants to learn more.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Importance of Child Nutrition During Massachusetts School Breakfast Week

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Importance of Child Nutrition During Massachusetts School Breakfast Week 

 

Acting Education Secretary Amy Kershaw displays Governor Healey’s Massachusetts School Breakfast Week proclamation 

  

Under state-funded free school meals, school breakfast participation increased 20 percent, reaching an additional 48,000 students per day 

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey has declared March 2-6, 2026, Massachusetts School Breakfast Week, recognizing the critical role school breakfast programs play in supporting student success, reducing food insecurity and grocery costs for families, and strengthening the local food system across Massachusetts.  

 

Participation in school meals continues to grow after Governor Healey made state-supported universal free school meals permanent, making Massachusetts one of only nine states to provide school meals at no cost to all students. School breakfast programs now serve around 292,000 students each day, a 20 percent increase, representing an additional 48,000 students per day compared to the 2022-23 school year. Stable funding for universal free school meals has allowed school nutrition programs to plan ahead and invest in healthy meals that incorporate local produce.   

 

“Every child deserves to start their school day nourished and ready to learn,” said Governor Maura Healey. “School Breakfast Week is a chance to celebrate the dedicated nutrition professionals and local partners who make this program possible and to recommit ourselves to supporting student success in and out of the classroom.” 

 

“When students have access to a healthy breakfast, they are more focused, more engaged and better prepared to succeed,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Universal free school meals are making a real difference for working families, and we are proud to continue expanding access for students statewide.” 

 

The administration is committed to increasing school breakfast participation to make sure students have the fuel they need to stay alert and focused throughout the school day. The effort is also part of Governor Maura Healey's Anti-Hunger Task Force’s work to mitigate President Trump’s cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and adopt long-term solutions to hunger. While more students are eating school breakfast, the number of students who eat lunch each day is still about double the number who eat breakfast. In fall 2024, 292,000 students ate breakfast daily while 595,000 ate lunch.  

 

“By making school meals free for all students, Massachusetts is removing stigma, reducing food insecurity and making it easier for families to put healthy, local and culturally appropriate food on the table,” said Acting Education Secretary Amy Kershaw. “School Breakfast Week provides an opportunity to elevate the importance of school breakfast programs and encourage continued efforts to expand access for students across the Commonwealth.”  

 

“During this week, we emphasize the importance of breakfast and celebrate increased participation in school breakfast,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “We want students to know that breakfast is available to them and can help both their wellbeing and readiness to learn."  

 

Research consistently shows that students who eat breakfast perform better academically, have improved attendance, and experience fewer behavioral and social-emotional challenges. School breakfast programs also improve food security and protect against obesity and other negative health outcomes.  

 

When Massachusetts made universal free school meals permanent, it required all schools participating in the federal National School Lunch Program to also provide breakfast for their students. Under state law, schools where 60 percent or more of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program must offer all students a school breakfast after the beginning of the instructional day. This can happen through a variety of models, including breakfast in the classroom, “grab and go” breakfast, and “second chance” breakfast in the cafeteria. The administration works with districts to help them find the model that works best for them. 

 

“As President of the School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts, I am proud to celebrate the continued success of school breakfast programs across our Commonwealth. Universal school meals have transformed access for students, ensuring every child can start the day nourished, focused, and ready to learn. We commend the dedication of our school nutrition professionals who make this possible every day,” said Taylor Pirog, Food Service Director for Andover Public Schools and President of the School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts. 

 

"Every morning, school nutrition teams across the Commonwealth show up early to ensure that our state’s future doctors, scientists, teachers, and leaders can start their day with a free, healthy meal. Because Massachusetts has made children’s health a priority, every student statewide can begin the school day with the nutrition they need to learn and grow," said Erin McAleer, CEO of Project Bread, the leading statewide food security nonprofit. "As we join the Healey-Driscoll administration and Secretary Kershaw in celebrating National School Breakfast Week, we are immensely proud of Massachusetts for leading by example, prioritizing and investing in feeding our children, and removing barriers to food access for every family statewide." 

 

Governor Maura T. Healey proclaimed March 2-6, 2026 as School Breakfast Week in the Commonwealth, recognizing access to a healthy breakfast is essential to students’ academic achievement and overall well-being.