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 advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity 

 

SPRINGFIELD – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today awarded approximately $1.5 million in 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 13 of the state’s 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 today and tomorrow.  

 

“Everywhere I go, I see the difference our investments in education are making — people earning degrees and credentials, launching new careers, increasing their earnings and strengthening their communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Free community college has opened doors for thousands of students, and these TRAIN grants will open even more by helping adult learners gain the STEM and workforce skills that power our economy. That’s what STEM Week is all about — learning that leads to opportunity.” 

 

“At a time when employers across the state are looking for skilled workers, we’re making sure Massachusetts residents can get the training they need to fill those roles and build great careers,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “During STEM Week, we’re celebrating how hands-on learning—from the classroom to the lab to the workplace—helps people of all ages discover new pathways in science, technology, engineering, and math. These TRAIN grants strengthen that pipeline by connecting adult learners to the high-demand STEM careers driving our state’s innovation economy.” 

 

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 13 implementation programs 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. 

 

“We know that education doesn’t stop at high school graduation — it’s a lifelong pathway,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Through programs like TRAIN, we’re connecting learning to purpose and helping adult learners develop the skills that Massachusetts employers need most. Announcing these grants during STEM Week is a powerful reminder that in our Commonwealth, STEM truly starts now — for students, workers, and communities alike.” 

 

“These TRAIN grants are an important part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s successful efforts to bring post-secondary opportunities to more residents, building their careers and strengthening our communities" said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “During STEM week, TRAIN grants also serve as an example of the crucial role our community colleges play in building a skilled workforce to fuel our STEM industries.” 

 

This announcement, made at Springfield Technical Community College during Massachusetts STEM Week, highlights the administration’s focus on connecting education and workforce development. STEM Week celebrates the hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for high-demand careers, and these TRAIN grants build on that mission by expanding access to skills training for adult learners. The theme of STEM Week is “STEM Starts Now”– at any age you can learn about STEM, from our youngest learners to adult learners, and STEM jobs and opportunities are here at this very moment in Massachusetts. This year STEM Week festivities kicked off on Monday, October 20th and go through Friday, October 24th. 

 

“As federal support for education declines, Massachusetts is charging forward – investing deeply in our community colleges and the students they uplift,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “These TRAIN grants demonstrate that our Commonwealth understands community colleges are not just classrooms, they are engines for equity, opportunity, and economic growth. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for continuing to lead with that vision.” 

  

“Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration and members of the legislature for prioritizing TRAIN grants,” said Dr. William Heineman, president of North Shore Community College and chair of the Community College Council of Presidents. “These funds help the community colleges to support the Commonwealth’s workforce and strengthen the career pipeline." 

 

"As the community college in Massachusetts with two middle names, we are honored to help highlight investments in STEM and workforce. At STCC, we know there is a lot of STEM in healthcare, and our $150,000 in grant funds for Certified Nursing Assistant Plus will expand access to careers in a vital sector. By connecting skill development with industry-recognized credentials, STCC and our sister community colleges showcase our contributions to the economic vitality in every corner of the Commonwealth," said Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) President Dr. John B. Cook. 

 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently celebrated statewide progress toward expanding access to postsecondary opportunities for every learner in Massachusetts. From new Innovation Career Pathway designations and Early College pathways that reimagine high school with career-connected learning, to tuition-free community college and increased state financial aid for students at public four-year institutions, the Administration is building a more seamless, affordable education system. Efforts are also reaching adult learners, with expanded job-training programs and noncredit credentials that connect residents to in-demand careers. The TRAIN grants are one of these programs that support career training for students. These milestones reflect a shared vision across K-12, higher education, and workforce development: to make education and training accessible, affordable, and competitive. 

 

TRAIN Implementation Grant Awardees: 

 

·       Berkshire Community College, Commercial Driver’s License Training – $132,825 

·       Bunker Hill Community College, Dental Assisting, EKG, Phlebotomy and IT Training – $150,000 

·       Bristol Community College, Cyber Security Certificate – $87,289 

·       Cape Cod Community College, Addiction Recovery and Medical Interpreters Training – $107,209 

·       Greenfield Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Phlebotomy Training – $102,309 

·       Holyoke Community College, Paraeducator Training – $123,235 

·       Massasoit Community College, EKG Technician and Phlebotomy Training – $75,730 

·       Middlesex Community College, Advanced Manufacturing, Pharmacy Technician, and Phlebotomy Training – $124,870  

·       Mount Wachusett Community College, Paraeducator Training – $99,282 

·       Northern Essex Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Technician Training – $147,258 

·       North Shore Community College, Dental Assisting and Central Sterilization Training – $92,895 

·       Quinsigamond Community College, Personal Care Aide Training – $106,183 

·       Springfield Technical Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant – $150,000