Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $387,000 in Innovation Career Pathway Grants to 26 School Districts
Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, Principal Jessica Callanan, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Reading
Superintendent Thomas Milaschewski celebrate with Reading Memorial High School students. (Photo by Casey Cunningham)
READING – The Healey-Driscoll Administration is awarding $387,000 in Innovation Career Pathway Planning Grants to 26 school districts across Massachusetts, including 11 that will be first-time grant recipients. As part of the Executive Office of Education’s “Reimagining High School” initiative, these grants enable public schools to create strong partnerships with employers to design programs that provide students with coursework and experiences in high-demand industries before they graduate high school, including in health care, technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and environmental sustainability. Students through Innovation Career Pathways can participate in internships, dual-enrollment courses, and hands-on learning experiences that align with their career interests.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler made the announcement today while visiting four Innovation Career Pathway programs at Reading Memorial High, where students take courses such as Environmental Issues, AP Environmental Science, and Environmental Engineering, Engineering Ethics, or Climate, Crisis, and Society offered through a partnership with UMass Lowell. Reading Memorial High participates in the Clean Energy pathway, which the administration launched in 2023 to allow high school students to get applied, hands-on learning opportunities in the renewable energy sector, a growing high-demand industry across Massachusetts, while supporting the state’s efforts to address the climate crisis.
"With these grants, we're giving students access to real-world career experiences that will set them up for success in today's economy," said Governor Maura Healey. "By investing in these Innovation Career Pathways, we're ensuring that students in every region of the state have the opportunity to develop the skills needed for high-growth fields like health care, advanced manufacturing, information technology and clean energy."
"These grants open doors for students to explore career options and gain valuable experience while still in high school," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "By creating stronger connections between education and industry, we're helping students discover their potential and empowering them to contribute to Massachusetts' vibrant workforce."
Innovation Career Pathways are part of the administration's ongoing commitment to expanding educational opportunities and workforce development initiatives that support the state's long-term economic growth. This funding allows schools to strengthen their connections with local businesses, colleges, and workforce training programs, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in emerging industries.
“These grants will provide students with invaluable opportunities to gain real-world skills and work-based learning experiences in fields that are critical to our state's future,” said Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. “We are equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed while also addressing the workforce needs of key industries across Massachusetts."
“These planning grants are important first steps to career connected learning leading more students to rewarding jobs here in the Commonwealth,” said DESE Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston. “I look forward to seeing these 26 districts develop their programs and add to students’ options.”
“Innovation Career Pathways allow Reading students to engage daily with technology and programs used by professionals in the field right now. These grants also support critical professional development for teachers creating new curriculum to support each pathway,” said Reading Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Milaschewski. “I am deeply grateful to all of those working to make these programs available for our students. We are encouraged by our progress and optimistic about the future as we deliver on our commitment to prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
Awardees include:
School District | Award Amount |
Amherst-Pelham | $15,000 |
Bellingham | $15,000 |
Bourne | $15,000 |
Brockton | $15,000 |
Clinton* | $15,000 |
Dedham* | $15,000 |
Framingham* | $14,457 |
Greenfield* | $14,835 |
Hadley | $15,000 |
Hampden-Wilbraham* | $15,000 |
Holliston* | $15,000 |
Hopedale | $15,000 |
Maynard | $15,000 |
Medway | $15,000 |
Mendon-Upton | $15,000 |
Newburyport | $15,000 |
North Brookfield* | $15,000 |
North Middlesex* | $9,950 |
Oxford* | $12,000 |
Sandwich | $13,300 |
Southern Berkshire | $15,000 |
Springfield** | $30,000 |
Wachusett | $15,000 |
Walpole | $15,000 |
Westfield | $8,500 |
Westport* | $14,070 |
* First Time Applicants. ** Expanding to new schools. | |
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