Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Application for $15 Million in Capital Grants to Expand Career Technical Education

Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Application for $15 Million in Capital Grants to Expand Career Technical Education

 

Grants support expansion, modernization, and increased enrollment capacity 

by 400-600 seats for career tech at comprehensive high schools

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced it is accepting applications for $15 million in capital grants to help school districts to expand and modernize career technical education (CTE) programs at comprehensive high schools. These grants will add an estimated 400-600 additional CTE seats across Massachusetts. 

 

Through this Career Technical Education (CTE) capital grant pilot program, eligible comprehensive high schools — traditional high schools that offer a broad academic curriculum — will be able to use the funding to reduce waitlists for CTE programs, expand capacity to meet the needs of regional employers, and increase equitable access to career and technical training for students pursuing in-demand careers like manufacturing, mechanics, health care and social assistance. The grant pilot focuses on annex facility capacity expansion and modernization, which are specialized, modern, off-site or added spaces offering classroom space that simulates real-world work. 

 

“Our administration is committed to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality career. We are investing $15 million to expand access to career technical education and make sure more students can get the skills they need for good-paying jobs,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will help schools expand hands-on learning opportunities, reduce waitlists, grow high-quality programs and connect more students with the skills employers across our state are looking for.” 

 

“Career technical education opens doors for students and strengthens our workforce,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By expanding capacity at comprehensive high schools, we’re helping more students access hands-on learning and preparing them for success.” 

 

As part of the administration’s Reimagining High School initiative, CTE programs in standalone CTE schools and in comprehensive high schools equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market. Signature components of CTE programs include at least 900 hours of immersive learning time, co-operative education in partnership with local employers, and opportunities to earn high-value, industry recognized credentials. Career tech programs are offered during the school day at approved CTE schools and programs and some after school to provide additional public-school students with access, as well as on evenings and weekends for adult learners through the Career Technical Initiative (CTI). 

 

Funding for the CTE grant pilot program comes from a supplemental budget Governor Healey signed in June that included $100 million in Fair Share dollars to add more than 3,000 CTE seats over three years. Grants will be administered by the Executive Office of Education in consultation with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. 

 

“Massachusetts employers are looking for skilled workers, and our schools play a critical role in preparing the next generation of talent,” said Education Secretary Stephen Zrike. “These investments will help our public high schools build or expand high-quality CTE programs that will provide students with meaningful pathways into the workforce.” 

 

“Expanding access to Career Technical Education helps Massachusetts prepare future talent and meet the needs of employers” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “This capital investment is a win-win for our workforce—improving critical infrastructure in our schools, closing the skills gaps among students and adult learners to compete in growing fields, and engaging employers looking for future talent in regions across the Commonwealth.” 

 

This is the second CTE capital opportunity the administration has made available this fiscal year to expand access. Earlier, the administration opened applications for comprehensive high schools and career technical schools to apply for $60 million in CTE program capital grants. The multi-year funding supports expansion of existing and new career tech programs, as well as for the purchase and installation of equipment.  

 

“This administration is finding new ways to expand access to career and technical education in diverse school settings,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “I have seen during my visits to schools excellent career and technical facilities, including an ambulance simulator for health students. I'm pleased that the administration is responding to demand so that more students can access these types of learning.” 

 

"Today marks a major step toward improving education outcomes for our students. Ensuring access to high quality career technical education has been a longstanding priority for the Senate because we know that when our youth succeed, our Commonwealth's future is brighter," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We know many of our students want to enroll in CTE programs and these grants will help expand access. I'm proud of the Senate for leading the way on this initiative and thankful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for working with us to get these funds to our schools.” 

 

CTE is the largest College and Career Pathway in Massachusetts, with more than 12,500 graduating students participating in at least one CTE program in 2025. The number of CTE graduates has grown by 9 percent—1,006 more statewide graduates—when compared to 2022. Currently, 27 percent of high schools provide CTE programs. In August, the administration designated 18 new CTE programs at 16 high schools, including the second aviation maintenance program in the state. 

 

"I’ve worked closely with the Healey-Driscoll administration to make public educational funding a top priority for K-12 students across Massachusetts. I’m thrilled to see the launch of the career technical education (CTE) grant pilot program, providing $15 million for CTE academic curriculums and workforce training,” said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “In today’s global economy, traditional high schools can now offer CTE programs to give public high school students the tools they need to compete in today’s changing job market. I was proud to lead the effort in last year’s supplemental budget to support funding for this innovative co-operative education partnership with local employers who are on the lookout for these in-demand specialized skill sets.”  

 

“Increasing opportunities for more students to access Career Technical Education programs is exactly what the Fair Share Amendment was meant to do,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “These grants will allow more students to explore potential career paths, partner with local employers to learn new skills, and earn industry credentials before graduating high school.” 

 

"CTE programs empower students to pursue careers they are passionate about while helping employers meet their workforce needs with skilled, well-prepared individuals,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “The Legislature and the Administration have made these grant programs a priority because they deliver meaningful value by strengthening both student success and our broader workforce.” 

 

The deadline for applications for the capital grants is April 28, 2026.  More information can be found in COMMBUYS.