Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Grants for Career and Technical Education in Correctional Facilities

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Grants for Career and Technical Education in Correctional Facilities Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century grants, also known as Perkins V, will provide $234,000 to train incarcerated individuals EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that they have awarded $234,000 in grant funding for career and technical education in correctional facilities in four counties. This funding, provided through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is to establish or substantially improve career and technical education programs that prepare people to succeed in in-demand career pathways such as manufacturing and welding. “These grants will help give individuals access to relevant career and technical skills while in custody,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We want returning citizens to be prepared to join the workforce on day one, earning family-sustaining wages and reducing recidivism.”    “We are strengthening our workforce statewide by offering technical training opportunities to individuals who have historically faced barriers to employment,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants offer training and experience for important industries across the state.”   Students receive an industry-recognized credential or certificate through the eligible programs, which are delivered fully, or in part, via technology-based distance learning. The grant funding enables meaningful collaboration between correctional institutions, community corrections, career and technical education providers, and local area employers. Programs include transition support services that are tailored to support success in the career pathway before and after release, as well as rigorous educational activities that develop the academic, technical, and career management knowledge and skills required to secure employment in an identified career pathway or enroll and complete a postsecondary program in the pathway.   “Career and technical education is an important part of Massachusetts’ future,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “We are creating pathways for incarcerated adult learners to gain the skills and experience needed to enter high-demand industries such as welding, manufacturing and more."   “We are pleased to help adult learners in correctional facilities gain these essential career and technical skills,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “We seek to support returning citizens as they reenter their communities and rejoin the workforce.” The grant recipients are: Bristol County Sheriff’s Office (North Dartmouth): $63,208 for hands-on welding education and training Essex County Sheriff’s Office (Lawrence): $64,100 for hands-on hardscape (structures incorporated into a landscape) education and training Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (Greenfield): $44,999 for foundational manufacturing training Hampden County Sheriff’s Office (Ludlow): $61,693 for hands-on welding education and training