麻州政府撥款19萬5千元 10月21-25日舉辦STEM高峰會

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $195,000 in Grants During

Computer Science Workforce STEM Summit 

Grants awarded to five organizations to provide STEM opportunities to students in the fall 

BRIDGEWATER – The Healey-Driscoll Administration yesterday hosted the 2024 Massachusetts STEM Summit at Bridgewater State University that focused on the evolving computer science education and workforce landscape. As the computer science workforce continues to grow, the administration is promoting opportunities that enable more diverse and inclusive pathways for interested students.

At the Summit, the Administration announced that Massachusetts STEM Week will take place next year from October 21 - 25, 2024. To gear up for STEM week, the Administration also announced $195,000 in grants going to five educational organizations to support STEM-related hands-on learning opportunities for students in the fall. 

“In Massachusetts, we want to open doors for our young people, especially to STEM pathways. I want to encourage students, regardless of their circumstance, zip code, or socioeconomic status, to explore every option available to them. By empowering them to see STEM as a viable, exciting pathway to their future, we will inspire the next generation of innovators,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I am looking forward to next year’s STEM Week and all of the exciting opportunities our STEM Design Challenge Awardees will provide for students.” 

“It was wonderful to be with students, educators, workforce partners, colleagues and more at our STEM Summit to highlight the importance of computer science and the impact educational opportunities in this field can have on students and our state. We will continue to lift up these careers for all students, strengthening our tech workforce pipeline and economy, driving our competitiveness and building a brighter future for all,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, co-chair of the STEM Advisory Council. 

At the Summit, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Education Secretary Tutwiler, and other state officials first toured Bridgewater State’s Cybersecurity Training Center and Biology Labs. Then students from the Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School shared their perspectives on computer science education and the impact of meaningful computer science and IT career exposure opportunities. This was followed by a panel discussion on the role of mentoring and career exposure to advance workforce development and generate awareness about the growing workforce needs in the cybersecurity industry with the Mass Cyber Center.    

“I want to thank Bridgewater State University and President Clark for hosting the STEM Summit. Their Cybersecurity Training Center and Biology Labs were impressive examples of the STEM opportunities available for students across the Commonwealth. I am leaving the Summit energized and optimistic about the future for so many reasons. Among them are the Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School students who shared their stories and how the state’s investments are setting them up for success,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I also want to congratulate the 2024 STEM Design Challenge Awardees and look forward to how they continue to engage Massachusetts students in STEM.”

“As a computer science major in undergrad myself, I was fortunate to be surrounded by incredible educators, peers, mentors and workforce development opportunities,” said Secretary of Technology Services and Security Jason Snyder. “The STEM Summit is illustrative of what these partnerships mean to today’s students who represent the future of our statewide workforce, and I am so glad these opportunities and resources, like the Bridgewater State’s Cyber Range, exist right here in our backyard. We know these rapidly growing fields in emerging tech need highly skilled, diverse, workforce-ready individuals to step up in the coming years, and it is clear the STEM Advisory Council is a major driver toward that goal.” 

The STEM Summit is organized by the Executive Office of Education and the STEM Advisory Council. The STEM Advisory Council was established to expand access to high-quality STEM education for students across Massachusetts, and is currently co-chaired by Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, U.S Congressman Jake Auchincloss and Chairman, President and CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Dr. Jeffery Leiden. 

“Massachusetts continues to have all the essential pieces and partnerships to sustain a robust workforce pipeline to support companies and transform lives across the Commonwealth,” said Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Acting CEO and Vice President of Economic Development and Partnerships Jeanne LeClair. “We are incredibly proud of our support for Bridgewater State University as it demonstrates our shared mission to grow our life sciences ecosystem and broader STEM workforce on a regional basis.” 

2024 STEM Design Challenge Awardees 

Museum of Science – In the year of the EarthShot, the Museum of Science is launching an environmental engineering challenge for students in grades 3-5 to raise awareness about the prevalence of plastic pollution. Students will consider the effects of plastics on ecosystems and communities as they engineer filters to reduce plastic waste entering bodies of water. This challenge can also be modified for students in grades 6-8. 

Wade Institute for Science Education – This Design Challenge, “Extreme Zoo Makeover: A STEM Approach to Habitat Design,” will engage students in grades 5-8 in a unique experience that integrates science and engineering concepts in a series of inquiry-based investigations that lead up to a student-driven challenge. The Wade Institute is partnering on this design challenge with the Lloyd Center for Environment and Buttonwood Park Zoo. 

Kids In Tech – STEM Goes Green: The STEM Challenge introduces students to a range of environmental topics, emphasizing how human activities impact water resources. Through hands-on activities, like a simulation demonstrating overfishing with goldfish crackers and a model of ocean gyres in a bottle, students gain practical insights into the issues facing marine ecosystems. It also covers plastic pollution and its journey through watersheds, encouraging students to brainstorm solutions to reduce environmental impact. Students learn about the water cycle, exploring concepts like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, and they perform water quality tests to understand the importance of clean water for human health. By the end of the unit, students will be better equipped to think critically about water sustainability and contribute to positive environmental change. This challenge is geared towards elementary/ middle school students. 

PBL Works – The Future of Work is a high-quality, meaningful K-12 applied project-based learning experience for Mass STEM Week aligned to Massachusetts standards created by PBLWorks for middle and high school students. Students have the opportunity to investigate in-demand careers and dialogue with industry experts. For a final product, student teams use what they learn to develop a website that will prepare and inspire students in their community to pursue the career they have chosen to explore. They engage in peer critique and use it to revise their designs. Students combine their team websites into one class website to share with an authentic audience of students in their community. This website becomes a resource for college and career counseling services at their school site and others in the district.

WPI STEM Education Center – For STEM Week 2024, the STEM Education Center will expand the “I Am STEM” Lesson Library (PK-7) with up to 8 additional lessons. In addition, a new category of CS will be established and some of the newly created lessons will be aligned with digital learning and computer science (DLCS) standards. Following teachers’ requests, they will create letters to families/caregivers to be added to all lessons in the library. Lastly, they will conduct a series of teacher training about the lessons. As in previous years, the Center will hire a team of expert STEM teachers to develop the additional lessons.

6月30日起 10個週日Newbury街變身行人徒步區

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES OPEN NEWBURY 2024 Pedestrian-only tradition kicking off in June, expanding into winter

BOSTON - Thursday, May 16, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced Newbury Street will be open to pedestrians-only for 10 consecutive Sundays in the summer beginning June 30 through September 1. New this year, Open Newbury will also be held on two days in December to encourage holiday shopping in the Back Bay, with exact dates to be announced later. Since Open Newbury was first piloted in 2016, thousands have enjoyed food, shopping, and dining along the mile-long, eight-block stretch from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue.  “Open Newbury has become a beloved summer tradition in Boston, and I’m grateful to the many small business owners who work together with the City to make this possible. This year we’re excited to add themed days for more special experiences, including a winter holiday Open Newbury,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I encourage residents and visitors to come again and again starting this June, to experience dining, walking, and shopping in the heart of Back Bay.” Newbury Street will be car-free from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. The route will be the same as previous years, with Newbury Street closed to cars from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue. Parking will be restricted on Newbury Street and adjacent streets, with enforcement beginning at 5:00 a.m. Signs will be posted informing drivers of the change. The City encourages Newbury Street businesses to activate their outdoor spaces with programming with family-friendly activities, pop-up parklets, brand activations, and much more. “Open Newbury creates the opportunity for Bostonians and visitors alike to explore one of our City’s most vibrant streets from a different perspective free from cars," said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the local business community to enhance the experience for all.”  “I am so excited to see what was once an experiment becoming a tradition on Newbury Street. Open Newbury is coming to represent summer not just to residents of the Back Bay but those across the City and visitors coming from all over,” said City Councilor Sharon Durkan. “With over 250 diverse businesses on Newbury Street, we sought to incorporate their feedback and diversity of patrons, who travel in all modes of transportation. I believe the City is striking the right balance with 10 Open Newbury dates, which will help maintain a special quality to each of the chosen days and provide a chance for businesses to plan.” The Streets Cabinet, along with members of the Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Cabinet, worked with small business owners and residents of Back Bay to improve on Open Newbury. This year, the Streets Cabinet will work with local businesses to establish additional pick-up and drop-off zones on the adjacent streets to better accommodate deliveries throughout the day. Another addition will be a cancellation policy in the event of severe weather, with rain dates being announced the Friday evening before a scheduled Open Newbury Sunday.   “I am excited for this enhanced version of Open Newbury, which will bring new opportunities for residents and visitors to support our small businesses and enjoy the Back Bay,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “Thank you to the Back Bay Association and small business owners for partnering with the Administration to improve this program and ensure it supports the needs of all stakeholders.”  "Open Newbury improves our relationship with the community by being more accessible to everyone. That accessibility increases our exposure to the community, which in turn brings us more traffic and business,” said Nick Saunders, Store Manager at Bo Concepts.   “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks once again. As a Black business owner on Newbury Street, I greatly benefit from the increased foot traffic that Open Newbury brings,” said Romel Sanday, Owner of Canadian Park Training. “This initiative has been incredibly supportive, and it makes me feel valued and heard.”  Open Newbury Street will occur on these days in 2024: June 30 July 7, 14, 21, 28 August 4, 11, 18, 25 September 1 Two winter dates TBD More details on Open Newbury can be found here.  The expansion of Open Newbury builds on Mayor Wu’s commitment to reimagining our streets and making Boston a home for everyone. This year, the Mayor also announced the expansion of Open Streets, a similar event series where more than a mile of roadway is closed and transformed into a pedestrian-only zone. This year’s Open Streets routes are in Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, East Boston, and Allston-Brighton, with events throughout late spring, summer, and early fall. More on Open Streets 2024 can be found here.

華人前進會等38組織600人遊行 呼籲麻州管制租金最低時薪提高至20元

38個組織約600人遊行到麻州州政府大樓前，呼籲「提高薪資，限制租金」。
(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 華人前進會 (CPA) 和1199/SEIU工會，全民安居(Homes For All)等38個組織約600人，今(15) 日走上街頭，從波士頓廣場 (Boston Common) 遊行到州政府前，呼籲「提高薪資，管制租金 (Raise Wage, Cap Rent)」，要求把最低時薪提高到每小時20元。

              華人前進會主任陳玉珍率領約70名華裔民眾參加遊行，沿路高呼「全民安居 (Home for All) 等口號，並為上台發言民眾翻譯。

華人前進會主任陳玉珍(左一) 率該會群眾參加遊行。(周菊子攝)

其中一名華裔民眾透過陳玉珍的翻譯，敘述她的薪資收入有一半以上繳了房租，最近又獲悉她工作的那家廠即將於6月21日左右關閉，失業救濟可能只夠付房租，很是擔心今後將如何生活。幸運的是，她租住在波士頓華埠土地信託會購買的房屋，該會正在想辦法降低她的租金。

遊行隊伍繞行波士頓廣場。(周菊子攝)

陳玉珍在回應本刊提問時說明，近年來人們的薪資漲幅趕不上租金高漲的速度，許多人面對越來越重的生活壓力，所以他們這些團體攜手遊行，希望促使政府通過法令，提高工資，加強對居家服務行業的監管，把至少80%補助撥款，撥進工人手中。還有管制租金，增建房屋，尤其是要增撥款項建造更多可負擔房屋。

全民安居主任Carolyn Chou率先發言。(周菊子攝)

陳玉珍指出，有些人認為只要增建房屋，就可解決房荒問題，但是更重要的是需要建造各種不同類型房屋，尤其是可負擔房屋，才能解決問題。她們認為解決之道包括政府鼓勵建造可負擔房屋，增加補助撥款，還有就是通過租戶購買機會法 (TOPA)，徵收高價房屋轉手附加費，用於補助建造可負擔房屋，以及她們這天遊行的主要訴求，「提高薪資，控制租金」等。至於近來政府面臨稅收減少狀況，她們認為只要政府重新檢視給大財團及富有人士的稅額減免，就可調整。

遊行團體繞行波士頓公園，再匯聚於州政府大樓前之後，由全民安居(Homes For All)的執行主任Carolyn Chou率先發言。她指出，如果不是有穩定租金，提高薪資的需要，人們不會走上街頭，遊行來到州政府之前。她說”我們是在為我們的生活、權力、未來而抗爭”。

根據全國低收入住房聯盟(National Low Income Housing Coalition)的2023

陳玉珍(左) 為發言者翻譯。(周菊子攝)

年度「遙不可及」報告，麻州是全美租金第三高的州，僅次於夏威夷及加州。大波士頓在全美的都會區中，也排名第六貴。

華人前進會遊行隊伍。(周菊子攝)

根據該報告，麻州的最低時薪為15元，租住2睡房的房屋， 時薪得41.6元才夠。在麻州，一睡房的市價租金平均為1772元，2睡房平均為2165元。麻州總共約272萬戶人家，其中100萬戶多租屋而住。要負擔得起租住零睡房的房屋，年收入得約6萬5千元，一睡房得有7萬1千元，倆睡房得有8萬6千餘元。

但是對於一名賺取最低時薪，並能一週40小時全職工作的人來說，每月780元才是他們負擔得起的房租。

包括城市生活 (City Life/ Vida Urbana)等參與這次遊行組織的發言人們，這次聚集那麼多個組織大規模遊行，是因為他們覺得問題已嚴重到迫在眉睫，他們不能再沉默等待，必須促使政府及立法機構加強關注，採取行動。

遊行群眾拉出的標語還包括「免於驅逐區」。 (周菊子攝)

約600人在「擁抱」雕像前集合，為呼籲提高薪資，限制租金而遊行。(周菊子攝)

華人前進會志工劉健儀這天協助維持現場安全。(周菊子攝)

紐英崙婦女新運會探訪耆英慶母親節

左起，何洋、林黎輝、張青梅、李曹秀萍、伍劉小芸、李盧蓮卿、
梅伍銀寬、鄧陳秋華、張瀠今等人和耆英同慶母親節。(耆英會提供)

           (Boston Orange) 紐英崙婦女新運會5月10日組隊，攜糕點，帶備手工藝材料，前往中華耆英會康樂樓日間護理中心，和耆英們同慶母親節，獻上康乃馨，齊唱「世上只有媽媽好」的歡度一日。

李盧蓮馨(右) 和耆英。

                   紐英崙婦女新運會的現任會長李盧蓮馨、張青梅，以及梅伍銀寬，李曹秀萍，伍劉小芸，鄧陳秋華等歷任會長及幹部，在張瀠今、何洋、林黎輝等人協助中，10日這天，帶備回收材料，和耆英會康樂樓日間護理中心的耆英們，拿起剪刀，彩筆，膠水，畫上喜愛的圖案，各自做出獨一無二的手提包，玩得很開心。

                   婦女新運會接著為每位耆英們獻上康乃馨，送上美味糕點，齊唱「世上只有媽媽好」。

                 中華耆英會康樂樓老人中心的負責人感謝的表示，希望將來能和婦女新運會有更多合作機會，為耆英們帶來更多歡樂。

李曹秀萍(右)和耆英。

紐英崙婦女新運會會長李盧蓮馨表示，該會致力推動婦女參與社會活動和公益事業。以提升婦女的社會地位和影響力，也支持、幫助弱勢群體，探訪耆英是該會的不定期活動之一，很高興這天能為耆英們帶來歡樂。 (所有圖片均為耆英會提供)

梅伍銀寬(左)和耆英。

張青梅(左)和耆英。

波士頓慈濟三節合一慶典 介紹四大志業 強調環保

慈濟波士頓三節合一禮臺佈置得莊嚴、瑰麗。(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 慈濟波士頓聯絡處5月12日在牛頓會所舉辦「浴佛節、母親節、全球慈濟日」的三節合一慶祝，有七十多人絡繹加入禮佛行列，唱誦佛經，回向功德，祝願世人脫離苦難，平安健康，在儀式結束後參觀環保攤位，品茶，享用蔬食。

浴佛禮會場眾人獻花。(周菊子攝)

今年的波士頓慈濟三節合一慶典，在司儀林彩彤宣佈儀式開始，陳裕逢敲擊大鼓後，拉開序幕。出席眾人在擺有水晶佛像，鮮花點綴的禮臺前唱誦出自「大智度論」的「讚佛偈」，列隊繞場回向功德，再分批向佛陀奉香湯，獻鮮花，捧心燈，完成浴佛儀式。

波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿接著請到場嘉賓們分組參觀介紹慈濟志業的攤位，包括黃湘霏的球鞋回收活動闡述，齊明君的慈濟環保理念及行動解說，陳裕逢的茶道，黃素玲以靜思(淨斯)產品製作糕點等現場示範。

波士頓慈濟三合一慶典會場佈置。 (周菊子攝)

出席眾人對現場展示，全用回收材料製作，具環保阻燃功效，一分鐘就可搭建完成，能夠照顧災民個人隱私，配備有桌椅床及毯子的慈濟救災帳篷，尤感興趣。曾任新英格蘭大波士頓臺灣商會會長的許炳煌還特地進帳棚試躺了一下。

波士頓慈濟當天還由金花師姊率香積組準備了豐盛的蔬食大餐，邀出席者享用。慈青也自製全素小糕點，請出席者品嘗。

黃湘霏率慈青們加入服務陣容。 (周菊子攝)

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，前任波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬，曾在俄亥俄州擔任當地一慈濟分會負責人的曾皇鈞，紐英崙客家鄉親會舞蹈老師余嘯渝，本身也是慈濟人的波克萊台灣商會創辦人游勝雄等，當天有不少嘉賓出席。

慈濟波士頓聯絡處負責人長金滿透露，今年以來，波士頓慈濟忙碌非常，不但持續辦理波士頓中國城掃街，蔬果發放，為街友烹煮熱食等活動，還申請到政府經費補助，致力關懷銀髮族身心健康，未來還有增加服務據點計畫，希望能招募更多義工協力服務社會。

 (僑務電子報:   https://ocacnews.net/article/369254)

許炳煌試坐慈濟照顧災民隱私的簡易環保以及帳篷、床。(慈濟提供)

波士頓慈濟聯絡人長金滿(左) 邀曾在他州擔任慈濟據點聯絡人，
如今定居麻州的曾皇鈞參加三合一慶典。(周菊子攝)

陳裕逢(中)、宋永麒(右二)主持茶道分享。(周菊子攝)

長金滿(左一)歡迎在劍橋市推廣蔬食的簡藝(左二)到場。(周菊子攝)

吳明真(左)準備帶應邀出席的華人經濟發展協會董事長蔣宗壬參觀攤位。(周菊子攝)

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮(右)問候慈誠游勝雄(左)的身體康復狀況。(周菊子攝)

第45屆波士頓香港龍舟節 68 隊參賽6月9日舉行

伍振中(後右)夫婦和他輔佐的船隊之一在BDBF45週年慶中合影。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 波士頓香港龍舟節 (BDBF) 今年跨入第45屆，日前在昆士市龍鳳酒樓設宴慶祝並籌款。籌委會主席汪剛柳宣佈，今年有將近70隊參賽，6月9日盼各界人士到波士頓市查理士河畔共襄盛舉。

狼群隊 (Wolfpack) 是BDBF 45周年慶中出席人數最多的隊伍。(周菊子攝)

              波士頓香港龍舟節是個歷史悠久的社區活動，創辦人包括曾任波士頓兒童博物館副總裁，領養有杭州女孩的史凌雲 (Leslie Swartz)，數年前辭世的劉忠凱，Peter Murray及其妻趙禮斌等人。大波士頓中華文化協會的陳瑞虹早年也是龍舟節核心人物之一。

              在波士頓香港龍舟節的45週年慶晚宴上，史凌雲簡述了龍舟賽的歷史淵源。一名曾參加第一屆比賽的出席者感嘆，當年下水競划船隊屈指可數，如今參賽隊數竟逼近70的規模，令人欣喜。

波士頓香港龍舟節籌委之一趙夢荷(Jennifer Chiu，右) 等人請廣教學校
醒獅隊為BDBF 45週年助興。(周菊子攝)

              這些年來，波士頓香港龍舟節的確變化極大，早年是純粹民間組織，後來爭取到香港經貿辦支持，1997年香港回歸中國大陸後，贊助單位又9再增加中國駐紐約總領事館，現任駐紐約總領事黃屏也出席過不只一次。去年杭州市代表團到訪波士頓，還送出一艘船。

              根據波士頓香港龍舟節籌委會主席汪剛柳提供的名單，該會現任董事名單共12人，包括趙夢荷，Jim Conelley，Kathy Lobo，Kai Pong，陶凱，溫朱曼妮，汪剛柳，王碩平，黃梓均，黃漾娜，尹譯晗，鄭藍宇。

廣教學校醒獅隊走進人群中舞動吉祥。該校副校長余仲強
特地依照習俗，遞出一個洪封包。 (周菊子攝)

              每年都大力支持波士頓香港龍舟節，為該會修船，輔導船隊練習，今年出任紐英崙伍胥山公所主席的伍振中在回應本刊詢問時直言，他從來沒有加入過波士頓香港龍舟節籌委會，儘管該會曾多次邀約，但他實在太忙，既要輔佐癌症倖存者船隊划龍舟改善身體健康，要為他創辦的神筆小孩基金會製作、銷售藝術品，保持神筆小孩基金會作為自給自足公益團體地位，要從麻州擴及全美，更重要的是他還在籌辦龍舟博物館這更大的計畫。

波士頓香港龍舟節45周年慶約200人出席同歡。(周菊子攝)

              根據主辦單位日前陸續公佈的表演節目及參賽隊伍海報，今年的表演節目一樣從中午12點開始，預定有大波士頓中華文化協會 (GBCCA)的腰鼓隊為點睛儀式助陣，華林功夫太極學校為開幕式舞龍。接著有中國傳統音樂及扯鈴，柬埔寨舞蹈，中國武術示範，韓國舞蹈，韻律操，變臉，柬埔寨歌唱樂隊，中國舞蹈及芭蕾，日本太鼓表演等，估計下午5點舉行頒獎典禮。

              在參賽隊伍方面，印在傳單上的共66隊，其中約9個校友隊，清一色來自中國大陸，包括復旦及同濟，孫逸仙、交通、清華，浙江，南京等大學的校友隊，武漢聯隊，北京大學校友甚至組成2隊參賽。

              實力最強的俱樂部隊 (club)，也至少有7隊，其中的波士頓台灣人龍舟隊 (BTBC)和主要由在大波士頓本地出生亞裔所組成的狼群 (Wolfpack)隊，各派出2隊參賽。過去數年來經常派有2隊參賽的華人青年會隊 (CYPN)，今年只派出暴風雨 (Storm)隊。

              波士頓台灣人龍舟隊近年表現極佳，去年10月打進北美龍舟賽前五名，取得今年9月到義大利，代表美國參加世界錦標賽的資格。

              第45屆波士頓龍舟賽已定6月9日(週日)，從早上8點起開賽，中午12點開始文娛表演。活動地點在劍橋市的JFK和西方大道橋之間紀念大道 (Memorial Drive) 旁的查理士河畔Weeks Footbridge。查詢詳情可上網https://www.bostondragonboat.org/。

波士頓市和奧林匹克泳將推出一系列國際水上安全日活動

CITY OF BOSTON HOSTS OLYMPIC SWIMMERS, KICKS OFF INTERNATIONAL WATER SAFETY DAY EVENTS

BOSTON - Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Today, the City of Boston was joined by Olympic swimmers Cullen Jones and Janelle Atkinson to kick off a series of events to raise awareness of International Water Safety Day, an annual day of recognition to bring global awareness about drowning prevention. The morning reception kicks off two days of events that will include visits to two Boston Public Schools, a technique clinic for youth at the BCYF Flaherty Pool in Roslindale, and a water safety festival and swim lesson at the BCYF Mattahunt Community Center in Mattapan. This series of events is the latest in the City of Boston’s Swim Safe campaign that strives to improve water safety by making swim lessons and water access top priorities.  Learning to swim is one part of Mayor Wu’s Connect, Learn, Explore, her commitment to the city’s youth to ensure they have the resources and opportunities to thrive and explore their passions. This is an important step to make Boston a home for everyone. “With summer approaching, our children should be able to experience the joy of being in our water and pools, with their families knowing that they are doing so safely,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am grateful for our community partners that are emphasizing the importance of water safety to ensure that Boston is the most family-friendly city.” During the event, Olympic swimmers Cullen Jones and Janelle Atkinson McClave shared their experiences of learning to swim and rising to the highest levels of competitive swimming.  “USA Swimming is proud to help raise awareness of water safety and swimming programs across the country by expanding our community support of International Water Safety Day to four locations,” USA Swimming Managing Director of Sport Development Joel Shinofield said. “As we prepare to name our next Olympic team in June, we are reminded that every athlete starts by first putting their goggles on and learning how to swim.”  Chief of Human Services José F. Massó unveiled a new City-run water safety public information campaign that will be posted on social media, city billboards, and MBTA bus shelters this summer with the goal of encouraging residents, and especially caregivers of young children, to take steps to keep their children safe around water this summer. The City also announced a new round of grant awards totalling $150,000 to support free lessons at the YMCA of Greater Boston, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, West End House, and Dot House Health.  “We want all families in Boston to have a safe, fun summer,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “With the help of our partners, we’re spreading the word about water safety and giving residents the tools they need to keep themselves and their kids safe around water this summer.” The City’s efforts to expand swim lessons is a public health issue. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children and that the risk of drowning is higher for children of color. Black children are more than twice as likely as white children to die of drowning. For every child who dies of drowning, there are seven non-fatal drownings, which are traumatic and can lead to health issues later in life. Swim Safe Boston seeks to improve water safety in Boston, address the public health threat posed by drowning, and increase access to swimming for Boston families. “As summer approaches, we are thrilled to partner with the City of Boston and Swim Safe to bring the joy of swimming to every child,” said Jeff Bellows, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. “By investing in water safety education, we’re promoting fun and healthy activities, addressing systemic inequities and ensuring all community members have the opportunity to safely enjoy Boston’s pools and beaches.” Boston Centers for Youth & Families also offer free lessons at their pools. There is currently no charge for membership or programming but visitors need to create a membership at Boston.gov/BCYF-Registration. “It's such a unique opportunity and incredible honor to partner with elite swimmers and institutions on Boston's effort to promote swim safety throughout our city," said Marta E. Rivera, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. "In a waterfront city like Boston, it's imperative that all youth have the tools to safely enjoy all that Boston has to offer in the summer- including our pools and beaches."  “We are incredibly proud to host Olympic swimmers at a number of our schools this week to share their important message about water safety with our kids,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “Learning to swim and having access to pools is so important for Boston’s young people, and hearing this message from elite athletes who are spending quality time with our students has a powerful impact. We are proud of our ongoing collaboration with BCYF, City Hall, and others to ensure that our kids can safely enjoy our pools all summer long.”  The Mayor’s commitment to swim access is seen in many neighborhoods across the city. Because of a collaboration between Boston Public Schools, Boston Centers for Youth & Families, the Public Facilities Department, and the Property Management Department, investments of City funding, and improved facilities assessment, the City is on track to have more pools open this year than in previous summers, including the BCYF Clougherty, Draper, Hennigan, Marshall, and Perkins pools. BCYF Marshall Community Center pool opened in fall 2023 and the BCYF Mattahunt opened recently. The Draper, Hennigan, and Perkins are expected to be open this summer as is the Clougherty Pool, which is undergoing a two-year renovation. This fiscal year, Mayor Wu allocated $34.3 million in the FY24-FY28 capital plan for repairing and renovating the city's pools.