Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Affordable Career-Connected Learning Opportunities in Western MA During 413 Day

Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Affordable Career-Connected Learning Opportunities in Western MA During 413 Day

 

Administration officials visited MCLA and Franklin Tech to showcase the impact of state financial aid, early college and career technical education expansion

 

NORTH ADAMS/ TURNERS FALLS — As part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s celebration of 413 Day, Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike visited Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams and Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls yesterday. These visits highlighted ways the administration is working to help students be career ready through cost-free opportunities to earn high-value industry recognized credentials and free and affordable higher education credits and degrees. 

 

“As Secretary, one of my focus areas is access to career-connected learning at all ages. In Massachusetts, we want to make sure that students are set up for the workforce of today and tomorrow,” said Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike. “It was a pleasure to visit MCLA and Franklin County Technical School to see how early college, career tech programs and financial aid expansion are supporting students to discover their career paths in affordable ways.” 

 

Secretary Zrike and Higher Education Deputy Commissioner Michael Dannenberg joined MCLA President Dr. James Birge for a roundtable discussion on higher education affordability. The conversation included students accessing higher education through Governor Maura Healey’s expansion of state financial aid, as well as local Early College students from Drury High School. Through this financial aid expansion, middle-income students have their cost of tuition and fees cut in half, and low-income students eligible for federal Pell grants have their tuition, fees, books and supplies paid for by state and federal financial aid. MCLA’s Early College partnership with Drury High School provides students with the opportunity to earn college credits cost-free while still in high school, expanding access and reducing the cost of a college degree.  

 

“The compelling numbers about Massachusetts’ growth in Early College and financial aid cannot convey the impact of these investments as well as student voices,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “I’m grateful to the students who shared their experiences with DHE and administration colleagues, and I want to thank the partners who arranged for us to engage with those who are benefitting from our investments in higher education access.”  

 

"Affordability is not just a policy conversation, it is a deeply personal one for our students and their families. We are grateful to Secretary Zrike and Deputy Commissioner Dannenberg for coming to North Adams to hear directly from the people these programs are designed to serve. At MCLA, we see every day how financial aid and early college access change the trajectory of a student's life, and we are proud to be part of that story," said James F. Birge, Ph.D, MCLA President. 

 

"The difference between a college degree and a high school diploma is $1.2 million in Berkshire County. That's how much more college graduates make over the course of their career in vital employment sectors like Education, Health Care, and Social Assistance. The partnership between MCLA and the North Adams Public School has been a game-changer for the community, as we work to ensure that almost all of our Drury High School graduates leave high school with a significant number of college credits completed, making a low-cost, nearly-debt-free college degree a real possibility," said Timothy Callahan, Superintendent of North Adams Public Schools. 

 

"I’m pleased that Secretary Zrike is making MCLA one of his first stops after being on the job for less than a month. His visit is a meaningful opportunity to speak directly with students and administrators about programs and resources that help shape the student experience. His focus on affordability highlights one of the most significant barriers many students face in pursuing higher education. Ensuring students have access to a quality, affordable education is critical in helping them succeed," said State Representative John Barrett III. 

 

Secretary Zrike and Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Deputy Commissioner Lauren Woo toured Franklin County Technical School’s career technical education (CTE) programs. CTE programs equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market, including 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.  

 

Franklin County Technical School received Federal Aviation Administration’s certification of their Aviation Maintenance Technology program this January and are working towards approval as a DESE designated CTE aviation program. Administrative officials toured their new 12,000 sq. ft. aviation hangar, flight simulator, and learned about their state-of-the-art aviation training modules. Certified aviation mechanics are in high demand and salaries can run from $50,000 to over $200,000. 

 

“Our goal is for students to know about the wide array of careers available here in Massachusetts and to take steps toward a career even before they graduate from high school,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "I want to see more students finish high school with industry-recognized credentials, college credits, or both, giving them the opportunity to enroll in college or enter the workforce while continuing their training.”  

 

“We were honored to welcome Steve Zrike to Franklin County Technical School to mark an important moment for our region. His visit to our new aviation hangar and the newly approved FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician program strategically located along the boundary of Franklin County Tech and Turners Falls highlights the Commonwealth’s commitment to building a highly skilled, career-ready workforce,” said Franklin Tech Superintendent Rick Martin. “It was a privilege to host Secretary Zrike alongside distinguished guests from the Executive Office of Education and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, as well as local and regional state representatives, town administrators, selectboard members, and our school committee. The tour provided a valuable opportunity to showcase how initiatives like the state’s Skills Capital Grants are directly impacting students by expanding access to high-demand, high-skill career pathways. This investment in aviation education reflects a broader vision one that aligns education with workforce needs and creates meaningful opportunities for students across Franklin County and beyond. We are grateful for the continued partnership and support from the Commonwealth as we prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.” 

 

“I was so pleased to join Secretary Zrike and Assistant Secretary LePage at Franklin County Tech during 413 Day. The new Aviation Maintenance program offers a pathway to innovation and success for our students. Congratulations to FCTS for always raising the bar when it comes to education and opportunity,” said State Representative Susannah Whipps.  

 

In Governor Healey’s third State of the Commonwealth address, she set new goals of enrolling 100,000 students in Early College in 10 years. Since taking office, Governor Healey has been expanding Early College and Career Innovation Pathways so that more students can get started on their college degrees while still in high school – for free. The administration has also doubled state financial aid, made community college free and with the Board of Higher Education, approved new regulations recently that allow public and private colleges and universities to propose pilot programs that include the option to offer three-year bachelor’s degrees. These efforts make Massachusetts more competitive, lower costs, and support students and our workforce. 

 

Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes $53 million for the administration’s Reimagining High School initiative, which supports programs like Early College and Innovation Career Pathways. It also invests $103 million to sustain financial aid expansion and other financial aid.