Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.5 Million to Community Colleges to Train Over 500 Students Across Massachusetts

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.5 Million to Community Colleges to Train Over 500 Students Across Massachusetts

Grants fund skills training in high-demand sectors like health care, cyber security

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today awarded approximately $1.5 million Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) grants to provide essential training opportunities to over 500 unemployed and under-employed people across Massachusetts. These grants will be administered through the state’s 15 public community colleges and are designed to equip adult workers with the skills necessary to thrive in key industry sectors, ensuring that the workforce is prepared with the skills for the opportunities of tomorrow.
 
“Our administration is committed to building a workforce that reflects the strength and diversity of Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These TRAIN grants will connect hundreds of community college students to the skills, support, and opportunities they need to succeed in growing industries and help ensure our economy works for everyone.”
 
“We know that access to high-quality training can be life-changing and set people up for long-term success,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help students at community colleges across Massachusetts gain the skills and support they need to build meaningful careers—and strengthen our workforce in the process.”
 
The TRAIN grant program focuses on supporting long-term unemployed, under-employed, and new entrant adult workers by providing them with targeted industry skills and workforce readiness training. This funding supports 15 implementation programs and two planning projects that offer comprehensive training programs, which include not only the development of key skills, but also wraparound support services to guide participants through their learning journey and into new careers.
 
“Community colleges are at the heart of workforce development in Massachusetts,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Through this investment, we are creating pathways for adult learners to thrive—both in the classroom and in high-demand careers.”
 
“These training programs offer valuable career pathways for residents across Massachusetts,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “I’m grateful to our community colleges for their knowledge and responsiveness to regional workforce needs, and their ability to offer high-quality programs that can quickly benefit communities.”
 
“We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for this investment in our students and the future of the Commonwealth,” said Luis Pedraja, president of Quinsigamond Community College and chair of the Community College Council of Presidents. “By providing targeted skills training in high-demand fields, these grants empower individuals to secure meaningful careers and simultaneously strengthen the Massachusetts workforce, ensuring economic mobility and opportunity for all.”
 
The grants are part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s ongoing commitment to creating educational pathways that lead directly to employment opportunities. Students will benefit from a wide range of services designed to support their success, from job readiness training to academic guidance, ensuring they are fully prepared to meet the demands of their chosen industries.
 
TRAIN Planning Awardees:
Greenfield Community College, Certified Production Manager Training – $50,593
Northern Essex Community College, Customer Service Training – $29,619
 
TRAIN Implementation Awardees:
Berkshire Community College, Phlebotomy Technician Training – $34,541
Bunker Hill Community College, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assisting, Google IT and Red Hat Operations Technician Training – $132,005
Bristol Community College, Cyber Security Certificate Training– $94,241
Cape Cod Community College, Addiction Recovery and Wellness Coach Pre-Certification Training – $79,843
Greenfield Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant Training – $61,509
Holyoke Community College, Paraeducator and Nurses Aid Training – $103,851
Massasoit Community College, Commercial Driver’s License and EKG Technician Training – $120,485
Mass Bay Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant, Behavioral Health Technician and Information Technology Help Desk Training – $124,600
Middlesex Community College, Advanced Manufacturing Training – $44,029
Mount Wachusett Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant and Information Technology Tech Training – $93,971
Northern Essex Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant & Pharmacy Technician Training – $110,453
North Shore Community College, Dental Assisting Training – $122,558
Quinsigamond Community College, Personal Care Aide Training – $85,033
Roxbury Community College, Cyber Security Certification Training – $72,162
Springfield Technical Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant Training – $137,966