Healey-Driscoll Administration Seeks Innovative Ideas to Strengthen Student and Educator Mental Health

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Seeks Innovative Ideas to Strengthen Student and Educator Mental Health 

Administration launches RFI to advance statewide birth-through-higher education  

mental health framework 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced it is looking for innovative ideas from educators, providers and community partners on how to strengthen mental health supports for students across Massachusetts, from birth through higher education.  

 

The Executive Office of Education (EOE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to help shape a comprehensive, statewide framework for mental and behavioral health, including ideas for projects, programs and grants. This effort will inform what investments are needed to shift how the state’s schools and places of learning partner across the community to incorporate mental health and wellness into everyday practice. 

 

The administration is currently developing a framework that will guide a coordinated statewide strategy to strengthen mental health supports in Massachusetts, improving alignment among early education providers, K-12 schools, higher education institutions, families and community-based service systems. In collaboration with Health and Human Service agencies and other key stakeholders, EOE and its agencies will use this framework to identify, guide, and align collective efforts to better understand and address mental and behavioral health wellness needs among all students, from infants to adult learners, using common language, strategies, and metrics. 

 

“This is an opportunity for practitioners, community organizations, researchers and educators to help shape the future of student mental health in Massachusetts,” said Education Secretary Stephen Zrike. “We are looking for bold, thoughtful ideas that are grounded in evidence, centered in equity, and built to last.”  

 

The administration is interested in high-impact ideas that meet one or more of the following criteria: 

·       Expands, scales, or replicates a successful existing education-based program with developed metrics and measurable impact on mental health and wellbeing

·       Uses evidence-based practices to improve mental health at a particular developmental stage

·       Develops infrastructure for sustainability of mental health supports, including coaching and support for systems navigation and success planning

·       Supports the development of metrics in each of the educational settings

·       Deploys innovative tools or approaches including “proof of concept” projects for promising practices or technology to break down silos and integrate services

 

“Supporting mental and behavioral health from the earliest years is essential to helping every learner thrive,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “We know that strong early foundations are critical, and we’re proud to be part of this statewide effort to align partners and systems. By working together and inviting new ideas, we can build a more connected, responsive approach that supports children, families, and educators across Massachusetts.” 

 

“This administration is committed to supporting the mental health of students of all ages,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Developing a statewide framework for mental and behavioral health will allow us to better align and integrate supports throughout students' educational journey.” 

 

“Strong mental health support should be a throughline in a student’s educational journey, and I’m grateful that my colleagues in the administration are seeking a strong partner to make that a reality,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “I look forward to the Commonwealth establishing a cohesive approach that will support students’ mental health needs not only when they arrive at college, but well before.”  

 

Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget invests $17 million in education funding to support student mental and social-emotional health, addressing the youth mental health crisis and ensuring students have the behavioral health care they need to balance their mental health and education. Key investments include $6 million to continue the development and implementation of a statewide birth-through-higher-education mental and behavioral health framework. In addition, the budget includes $5 million to maintain EEC’s Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation services, $2.9 million to fund DESE’s Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health Grant and $648,949 to maintain Safe and Supportive Schools.   

 

Interested vendors can find the RFI on COMMBUYS. This RFI will inform future procurements, pending funding. 

波士頓藝術中心 4/11-7/11舉辦駐村藝術家群展

           （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓藝術中心（BCA）將於 4月11日至7月11日 在 米爾斯藝廊（Mills Gallery,  551 Tremont St.) 舉辦名為 「隨員（Attaché）」的駐村藝術家群展。4月10日 為工作室開放日， 4月18日 辦開幕招待會。

這展覽由 Meclina Gomes 策劃，把30名該中心藝術家工作室大樓（Artist Studio Building）駐村創作者，當作攜帶記憶、傳統與體現知識的「文化隨員」，藉由他們深受文化傳承、移民經歷與生活血脈影響的藝術作品，展示當代藝術如何轉化移民經驗與家族傳承。

這展覽也把創意實踐框架為「遺產工作（legacy work）」，藉文化載體來致敬過去，形塑未來，揭示藝術家承擔起關懷責任，反映原鄉如何形塑身份，並透過物質、過程與形式，激活、轉譯文化，與重新想像。

在 30 名參展藝術家名單中，有至少2名華裔，約共4名亞裔創作者，分別為Lilan Yang，Yolanda Yang，以及越南裔的Ngoc Tran Vu和日裔的Yuko Okabe（岡部優子）。

「隨員（Attaché）」展覽，將於4月11日 – 7月11日，在波士頓藝術中心Mills Gallery （551 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02116）舉行，每週三至週六的下午1:00 PM – 6:00 PM向公眾開放。4月10日 (週五) | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM有工作室開放日，4月18日 (週六) | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM有開幕酒會。、

波士頓體育會喜報邁向達成減排42%目標

（Boston Ｏrange編譯）波士頓體育會會（B.A.A.）今（8）日發佈 2025 年永續發展報告，展示在減排、廢棄物管理及社會公益方面的正加速邁向 42% 的減排目標，並透過官方慈善計畫募得超過 5,040 萬美元，惠及172 個非營利組織。

波士頓體育會和在麻州擁有2200名員工，已連續兩年被《時代》雜誌評為「全球最永續企業」的施耐德電氣（Schneider Electric）合作，致力節能減碳，推動環保。施奈德北美總裁Aamir Paul表示，波士頓馬拉松賽這種世界級體育賽事，在帶動社區邁向節能減碳，保護環境上有深遠影響力。

兩機構合作，在節能減碳上的成果重點包括，升級 HVAC 系統，在賽事中擴大使用電池動力發電機，有效降低碳足跡。此外，賽事共捐贈了 20 噸衣物，回收了 7.7 噸的可堆肥水杯，減少垃圾填埋量，落實資源循環。賽事動員了逾萬名志工，並吸引超過 3,200 名青少年參與。

波士頓體育會執行長 Jack Fleming 強調，永續發展的核心在於「人」。透過各界的集體努力，波士頓馬拉松正轉型為一個更具責任感、以社區為中心的世界級運動。

Boston Athletic Association Reports Significant Progress on Sustainability Goals in Second Annual Report

Second-year report shows accelerating results across emissions, waste diversion, and community impact, powered by multiyear partnership with energy technology partner Schneider Electric

BOSTON - The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today released its 2025 Sustainability Report, showing accelerating progress toward a 42% emissions reduction target, waste diversion across events, and $50.4 million raised for 172 nonprofit organizations through the Official Charity Program.

Building on the B.A.A.’s inaugural sustainability report, the 2025 edition details how the organization and its Official Sustainability Partner, Schneider Electric, are embedding measurable sustainability practices into race operations, emissions reduction planning, and year-round community programming.

“Sustainability at the B.A.A. is about people, from our athletes, volunteers and staff to the communities we serve,” said Jack Fleming, President and Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A. “This year’s progress reflects the collective effort behind our events, and we’re grateful for everyone who has helped us and continues to help us build a more welcoming, responsible and community-focused running environment.”

Key highlights from the 2025 report include:

• Advancing toward the B.A.A.’s 42% emissions reduction target, supported by upgraded HVAC systems and expanded use of battery-powered generators across events.
• Donating approximately 20 tons of clothing, and collecting 7.7 tons of compostable cups across B.A.A. events.
• Expanding inclusive race experiences, with 98% of runners reporting a sense of inclusion and more than 99% reporting overall satisfaction with their event experience.
• Raising $50.4 million for 172 nonprofit organizations through the Official Charity Program, while engaging the Greater Boston community through 3,200+ youth participants and 10,200+ volunteers.
• Enhancing organizational excellence with improved cybersecurity measures and updated leadership roles.

“As a proud member of the Boston community, Schneider Electric is inspired by what the B.A.A. is achieving,” said Aamir Paul, President of North America Operations for Schneider Electric. “From cutting emissions to diverting event waste, the B.A.A. is proving that world-class athletic events can also drive meaningful environmental and community impact. As an energy technology leader deeply rooted in Greater Boston, we are proud to support that work as the B.A.A.’s Official Sustainability Partner.”

 

Schneider Electric is the largest clean energy company in Massachusetts, and its commitment to the Boston region spans more than 130 years. With its North American headquarters in Boston and ongoing partnerships with local institutions, Schneider Electric is a vital part of the community’s efforts to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future. The company employs more than 2,200 team members in New England, with facilities in Boston, Foxborough, and Andover. Schneider Electric’s community and academic partnerships include programs with Boston University, Franklin Cummings Tech, Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber, and Essex County Habitat for Humanity. Schneider Electric was named the world’s most sustainable company by TIME Magazine for two consecutive years.

麻州文化會為EBT卡持有者提供了300萬人次欣賞文藝機會

（Boston Orange編譯）麻州文化委員會（Mass Cultural Council）今（8）日宣布，旗下的「持卡看文化」（Card to Culture）計畫達成兩大重要里程碑：合作文化機構已突破 600 家，累計為州內弱勢族群提供超過 300 萬次免費或低價的藝術文化入場機會。           該計畫旨在打破經濟門檻，確保藝術體驗不是特權，而是所有麻州居民都能平等享有的權利。麻州文化委員會代理執行主任大衛·斯萊特里（David T. Slattery）表示：「我們致力於讓每個人都有機會在社區中創造並體驗文化，這項成果證明了文化組織對平等願景的共同承諾。」             自 2017 年啟動以來，該計畫透過與麻州過渡援助部（DTA）、婦女嬰兒兒童營養計畫（WIC）及麻州健康連接器（Health Connector）的跨部門合作，讓持有 EBT 或相關卡片的民眾能走進劇院、博物館及各類藝文場所。           在600多家參與計劃機構中，亞裔組織有波士頓的包氏文藝中心 (Pao Arts Center)，波士頓華埠社區中心(BCNC)，亞裔劇作家集體 (Asian American Playwrights Collective)，大波士頓中華文化協會 (GBCCA)。 Card to Culture Program Surpasses 600 Participating Organizations, Delivering over 3 Million Admissions

BOSTON – Mass Cultural Council today announces that the Card to Culture program has reached two major milestones, with more than 600 participating cultural organizations that have provided more than 3 million free or steeply discounted admissions in total.   “The Card to Culture program is about ensuring that everyone in Massachusetts has the same opportunity to create, experience culture, and be part of a community,” said David T. Slatery, Acting Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “Mass Cultural Council is proud of this program and is grateful to the cultural organizations that participate and share in our vision for access.”   As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector, thereby advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities.   First launched in 2017, Card to Culture is collaboration between Mass Cultural Council, the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector. The program provides EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare cardholders with free or steeply discounted admission to hundreds of cultural organizations across the state.   “More than ever, our mission at the Department of Transitional Assistance is to help children be fed in both body and soul,” said DTA Commissioner Michael Cole. “Card to Culture brings that mission to life by ensuring that access to arts and culture is not a privilege, but a shared opportunity. These experiences can inspire, build confidence, and open doors that might otherwise remain out of reach for low-income children. Beyond putting food on the table, we are helping to expand what is possible. I am grateful for this partnership and excited to see its continued growth.”   “We continue to be grateful for our ongoing work with Mass Cultural Council to offer Card to Culture access to WIC participants,” said Department of Public Health Nutrition Division Director Rachel Colchamiro. “Participants tell us that they truly value this component of their WIC benefits. We’re thrilled to partner with Mass Cultural Council to make the Commonwealth’s amazing cultural resources accessible and affordable, and maybe even support families to explore something new.”   "The Health Connector works every day to promote the wellbeing of the Massachusetts public through access to health coverage and health care. But we know a healthy life is about more than health insurance. It’s also about engaging fully in community and connecting to the diverse and life-enriching cultural experiences available here in the Commonwealth” said Audrey Morse Gasteier, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. "Having 600 institutions participating in Card to Culture means our 278,000 ConnectorCare enrollees have improved access to art and culture where they live, enriching their lives. We are proud of our Card to Culture partnership with Mass Cultural Council and we encourage all ConnectorCare enrollees to take advantage of reduced barriers to these cultural opportunities."   In its 9 years of operation, the Card to Culture program has steadily expanded its reach, both in the number of participating organizations and the breadth of communities served. The program continues to grow as more cultural organizations recognize the importance of accessibility and inclusion.   “It’s an honor to celebrate Mass Cultural Council and the 600 cultural institutions who have the vision and determination to make art, culture, learning, and discovery an integral part of everyone’s life, regardless of their economic circumstances,” said Carole Charnow, President and CEO, Boston Children’s Museum. “At a time when there is growing inequality, and many families are struggling to afford basic living expenses, the Card to Culture program gives individuals and their families this wonderful gift. They can treat their child to a play at their local theatre, or visit an extraordinary museum, zoom, aquarium, or historic site, or immerse themselves in a magnificent garden in glorious spring bloom. They can explore, learn, grow, and be inspired, and experience all the cultural riches that our wonderful state has to offer.” A full list of participating organizations is available online.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates GE Aerospace’s $42 Million Investment in Massachusetts Defense Manufacturing

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates GE Aerospace’s $42 Million Investment in Massachusetts Defense Manufacturing   

LYNN – The Healey-Driscoll Administration highlighted GE Aerospace’s $42 million investment in its Lynn manufacturing facility, which is strengthening Massachusetts’ defense industry, supporting local jobs and advancing the state’s leadership in advanced manufacturing. 

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, Economic Development Undersecretary Zenobia Moochhala, and CEO of Mass Tech Collaborative Carolyn Kirk toured GE Aerospace’s facility in Lynn to mark the investment, which will upgrade machinery, expand test capacity, and modernize operations. The project is part of GE Aerospace’s broader $1 billion investment to expand manufacturing across the United States during 2026.  

"Massachusetts' defense sector plays a critical role in our national security and our economy, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in economic impact,” said Governor Maura Healey. "That’s why we launched our Strategic Hub for Innovation, Exchange and Leadership in Defense (SHIELD) Initiative, to bring together advanced manufacturing, applied research and emerging technologies in a unified strategy. GE Aerospace’s investment strengthens our manufacturing base, supports good-paying jobs, and ensures Massachusetts continues to lead in building in the technologies that keep our countries safe."  

“Here in Massachusetts, we have the tools, science and talent to help safeguard the nation. We have the innovative and coordinated ecosystem to ensure we’re protecting our servicemen and women, while also creating a lot of great jobs in our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Through SHIELD, we are aligning advanced manufacturing, applied research and emerging technologies into one cohesive strategy. With partners like GE Aerospace, who are leaders in defense manufacturing, we’re building the next chapter of our legacy.” 

Massachusetts plays a pivotal role in the nation’s defense ecosystem as the home of leading research institutions, advanced manufacturers, and a highly skilled workforce. The industry supports more than 130,000 jobs, contributes $15.2 billion in annual labor income, and generates $48.6 billion in annual economic output, underscoring the state’s critical role in national security and innovation. 

This investment builds on Massachusetts’ continued momentum in advanced manufacturing and defense innovation, as the state attracts new investment, expands workforce pipelines, and strengthens partnerships between industry, government, and research institutions. 

Governor Healey’s SHIELD initiative is designed to strengthen the state's defense leadership and accelerate the development of cutting-edge national security solutions. Through an Executive Order, Governor Healey directed state agencies to identify ways to increase support for defense sector initiatives across the administration, and established a SHIELD Working Group, led by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), to advise the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on advancing the defense sector in Massachusetts.   

“GE Aerospace’s investment in Lynn is a strong signal that Massachusetts remains a leader in advanced manufacturing and defense innovation,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “We have the talent, infrastructure, and ecosystem that companies need to grow and compete. Through initiatives like SHIELD, we are continuing to invest in that foundation and make it easier for companies to build and scale here.” 

Governor Healey has also invested in Massachusetts advanced manufacturing through the Mass Leads Act, which provides more than $300 million in capital authorization for new and existing programs at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to support advanced manufacturing, robotics, the Massachusetts TechHub Program, as well as for Small Business Technology Grants at MassVentures. 

“At GE Aerospace, we are proud of the work that the Lynn team does every day to ensure the mission readiness and safe return of the warfighters,” said Paul Ferraro, Vice President & General Manager of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace. “To meet their critical mission demands, we continue to invest in our people and our facilities to further strengthen our manufacturing capabilities to deliver to our customers. Today’s visit by the Lieutenant Governor was an opportunity to talk about our shared commitment to advance manufacturing in Massachusetts, and we look forward to working together on these key initiatives.” 

GE Aerospace’s Lynn facility has a history that dates back more than 130 years and is recognized as one of the founding sites of the General Electric Company. The site is home to the first U.S. jet engine and continues to design, produce, assemble, and test military aircraft engines and components. 

To further spur interest in manufacturing careers, the GE Foundation has funded $2.5 million in grants that established an Advanced Manufacturing Training Expansion Program (AMTEP) focused in Lynn and the North Shore. The program has helped address the skills gap in the region by supporting and coordinating advanced manufacturing training for 600 individuals since 2020 and connected them to full-time employment to meet the needs of manufacturing employers.

City of Boston Budget Presentation （波士頓市長報告預算視頻）

 Boston Mayor Michelle Wu presents her proposed FY27 Annual Operating Budget and five-year FY27-31 Capital Plan to the Boston City Council at the annual budget briefing. She is be joined by members of the Boston City Council and members of her Cabinet.

第42屆波士頓「酷兒電影節」選映台灣新銳導演黃筱雅短片「Last Day of Us」

黃筱雅（右）在布瑞托戲院接受主辦單位訪談。（周菊子攝）

             (Boston Orange周菊子麻州報導)橫跨台灣、新加坡發展，年僅25歲的新銳導演黃筱雅，應第42屆「酷兒電影節（Wicked Queer Film Festival）」之邀，4月5日在劍橋市布瑞托（Brattle）戲院，為甫獲獎的「如果我從未離開（Last Day of Us）」短片和觀眾對話，表現備受矚目。

黃筱雅（左二）和朋友一起出席影片放映會。（周菊子攝）

            「酷兒電影節」是布瑞托戲院創建人George Mansour於1984年創辦的非牟利組織，42年來歷經Gay/ Lesbian，LGBQ到酷兒等3次名稱變更，見證了性別平權面對的不同時代，規模高居全美第三。

「如果我從未離開」是導演黃筱雅埋藏在心底的回憶。（影片結束的一幕）

            今年選映62部片，分成14個主題單元。黃筱雅的「如果我從未離開」一片，和來自中國的門天闊（Tiankuo Men）「留校日（The Left Behind）」，以及柬埔寨，日本，印度，加拿大等的共6部短片，一起編在「舊的終結，新的開端：亞裔酷兒故事（Old Endings, New Beginnings: Queer Asian Stories）」單元。

            這部「如果我從未離開」，長僅約8分鐘的實驗性敘事片中，以黃筱雅的真實生活經驗為藍本，虛構出韓裔瓜地馬拉移民回釜山（台灣）出售老宅，勾起早已埋藏記憶的故事。她在回答觀眾提問時也坦言，片中情節70%來自真實生活，只是為了符合釜山國際電影節亞洲電影學院的規定，把場景設為釜山。片中英語、韓語，西班牙語並用，帶出多元文化角度。

黃筱雅本人在台灣出生，隨父母遷居中南美洲宏都拉斯後，唸到高中，再赴新加坡上南洋理工大學，從藝術學院設計及媒體系畢業。她人雖年輕，卻歷經遷徙之痛，不斷被迫拋棄過去，重新開始。

在拍攝影片這條路上，黃筱雅開始得很早，15歲就拿起攝影機了，2021年憑「Drive with Me 」入選新加坡當地的全國青年影片獎，2022獲台灣文化部非小說短片贊助，2023年的「再見長春（Farewell Chang Chun）」打入索尼（Sony）未來電影人獎全球學生紀錄片組決賽，2024年再獲選進入釜山國際影展（BIFF）的亞洲電影學院，拍出「如果我從未離開」這部影片，贏得紐約三州國際電影節最佳LGBTQ電影獎，入選麻州「酷兒電影節」。

4月5日和觀眾對談時，黃筱雅坦言韓國演藝圈確有應酬文化，在韓國拍片期間，身邊藝人及工作人員都面對陪酒壓力，但她自己完全不在乎。

            波士頓行程結束後，黃筱雅將前往科羅拉多州的阿斯彭（Aspen），為她擔任共同製片兼攝影師的「Blush」一片，參加奧斯卡（Oscar)認證的第35屆阿斯彭短片電影節，做世界首映。未來計劃包括為她父母的結婚30週年，拍一部父母在宏都拉斯等地，致力協助台灣和中南美洲國家穩定關係的20多年離散奔波生活軌跡。（更新版）

波士頓馬拉松週5K賽訂4/18舉行 MGBCI將冠名贊助10年

        （Boston Orange 編譯）波士頓體育會（B.A.A.）今（6）日宣佈，麻省總醫院布瑞根癌症中心（Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, MGBCI）將從今年起，正式成為「波士頓 5K 賽」的合作夥伴。未來十年將同時冠名贊助波士頓 5K 及 B.A.A. 10K 賽兩大重點賽事。

今年的「波士頓 5K 賽」，訂4月18日（週六）舉行，將為第130屆波士頓馬來松賽拉開序幕，估計會吸引來自全球 104 個國家及全美 49 州的 10,000 名跑者共襄盛舉。這比賽也是「B.A.A. 距離挑戰賽」（Distance Medley）中的第一場。

B.A.A. 10K賽，目前已開放報名，訂6 月 21 日登場，也是由MGBCI贊助，並擔任獨家籌款夥伴。

B.A.A. 執行長 Jack Fleming和MGBCI 執行長 David Ryan 博士表示，醫療機構與體育組織的合作，將可更有效的匯聚社區力量，把科研轉化為防治癌症動力，讓人更健康。未來10年，雙方將深度合作，為跑者帶來更有意義的參賽經驗。

Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute to be Presenting Partner of the Boston 5K Road Race

 

Beginning this year, Boston Athletic Association and Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute expand partnership to include presenting sponsorship of both Boston 5K and B.A.A. 10K events 

 

BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today that Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute (MGBCI) will serve as the presenting partner of the Boston 5K beginning with this year’s race. The 2026 Boston 5K presented by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute is set to take place on Saturday, April 18, two days prior to the 130^th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America. 

 

The Boston 5K partnership expands upon Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute’s commitment to the community and B.A.A. events; MGBCI will also serve as presenting sponsor and exclusive fundraising partner for the B.A.A. 10K over the next ten years. 

 

“As we gear up for the greatest week in running, we are very grateful to extend our partnership to the Boston 5K and commitment with Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, leading to an even more impactful event experience for participants,” said Jack Fleming, B.A.A. President and Chief Executive Officer. “Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute continues to provide incredible care to our community, and together our collaboration for the next decade will lead to many meaningful miles at both the Boston 5K in April and B.A.A. 10K in June.”

 

“The B.A.A.’s historic and world-renowned road running races have long featured a variety of teams from across our organization running in support of our patients and staff. We are delighted to expand our collaboration with a true Boston institution,” says David Ryan, MD, president of the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. “As we work to shape the future of cancer care, we are grateful to join with the B.A.A. to harness the power of our community as we push the boundaries of science and medicine, giving hope and health to all whom we serve.”

 

The Boston 5K presented by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute is the first event of the B.A.A. Distance Medley presented by Honda, a year-long series that includes April’s Boston 5K, June’s B.A.A. 10K, and November’s Boston Half. The 2026 Boston 5K presented by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute will feature 10,000 athletes from 104 countries and 49 U.S. states, and annually kicks off Boston Marathon weekend within the city.

 

The 2026 B.A.A. 10K presented by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute will be held on Sunday, June 21; registration is currently open at www.baa.org. 

 

The Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute unites the unparalleled expertise of two world-renowned academic medical centers — Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital — along with a comprehensive network of community locations across New England to provide every patient with the best chance at the best possible outcome. Together, we are transforming cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment through a powerful combination of compassionate care, extraordinary talent and scientific discovery. 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Work-Based Learning Initiative for Massachusetts Public Higher Education Students

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Work-Based Learning Initiative for Massachusetts Public Higher Education Students

 

Initiative will grow co-ops for students at state’s public campuses

 
LOWELL – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced The Massachusetts Cooperative Education Initiative to expand cooperative education (co-ops) for students at Massachusetts public higher education institutions, creating more opportunities for students to gain paid work experience while strengthening the state’s workforce pipeline. This is the first pilot initiative out of the Department of Higher Education’s (DHE) Innovation Hub. DHE is awarding $20,000 each to Bridgewater State University, Framingham State University and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) to establish regional co-op partnerships, which are slated to launch for students starting in the fall 2026 semester. The agency is also partnering with UMass Lowell, which has a robust co-op program, to provide state universities with guidance to grow co-op programs on their campuses, including through technical assistance and coaching.
 
“In Massachusetts, a college degree should come with real experience and a direct path to a good-paying job,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why we’ve made historic investments in public education and set a goal of 100,000 apprenticeships over the next decade, and now we’re launching this initiative to expand co-ops and work-based learning so more students can build skills, earn a paycheck and graduate ready to succeed.”
 
“Building a strong workforce means making sure our colleges and employers are working hand in hand,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Co-ops allow students to earn money and gain career experience while they’re in college, and they help ensure that students graduate with the skills and knowledge that regional employers are seeking.”
 
Co-ops are a type of work-based learning where students participate in full-time, paid work experience for four to eight months and do not attend classes during that time. Research shows that co-op participation leads to better employment, earnings and career satisfaction.
 
Lt. Governor Driscoll, Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike and Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega announced this co-op initiative today at UMass Lowell, in partnership with the campus and Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education (MBAE). The announcement was followed by a panel discussion with UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, Bridgewater State University President Fred Clark, Framingham State University President Nancy Niemi, MassArt President Mary Grant, co-op students and employers, and Strada Education Senior Vice President Dave Clayton.
 
“Career-connected learning is crucial to students’ academic experiences,” said Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike. “I’m proud that Massachusetts is exploring how we can grow work-based learning for our public higher education students, creating an infrastructure that benefits students and our workforce for years to come.”
 
“Work-based learning is an essential focus of the Innovation Hub, which is designed to pilot promising approaches to college access and student success and explore whether they can be scaled throughout our public higher education system,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “The Innovation Hub and DHE’s coordinating role put us in a unique position to grow work-based learning across public colleges and universities in Massachusetts, building on the efforts of these institutions.”
 
DHE’s Innovation Hub was announced in March 2025 following a $2.1 million grant award from the non-profit Axim Collaborative. The first-of-its kind in the nation, the Hub allows DHE to pilot innovative approaches to enhancing public higher education co-ops, strengthening pathways from high school to college, and integrating high-value non-degree credentials such as industry recognized certificates or licensure.
 
“Cooperative education can be transformative for college students — providing invaluable work experience, creating connections that turn into good-paying jobs after graduation and making a college education more affordable. We’re thrilled by the success of our co-op program at UMass Lowell, supported by partnerships with the Department of Higher Education and Axim Collaborative. We look forward to sharing the recipe for success we’re developing with colleagues across the Commonwealth so that other students will also experience the benefits of these programs,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen.
 
UMass Lowell’s co-op program has grown steadily toward efforts to integrate co-op experiences more seamlessly into academic requirements while building interest among students and opportunities among employers. According to UMass Lowell, students completing six-month co-ops earn on average $20,714 during these work-based learning experiences, a significant factor in making college more affordable, while creating connections that in some cases turn into permanent jobs after graduation.
 
“We are thrilled to see our state higher education institutions embrace this model of education that pairs academic preparation with the development of work readiness skills that are essential to career success. Cooperative education allows students to enter the workforce seamlessly after college, and that is a huge benefit to the student and the employer,” said Ed Lambert, Executive Director, Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education.
 
"The Board of Higher Education has set as strategic priorities the fostering of productive Innovation across public higher education as well as the advancement of Economic Mobility as an outcome,” said Board of Higher Education Chair Chris Gabrieli. “Co-op education has a rich tradition dating back over a century in Massachusetts. There is strong evidence that participating in such an authentic employment experience helps students, especially from first-generation and low-income backgrounds, to gain skills, confidence and professional networks and ultimately to get a better first job and career after graduation. We are delighted to be able to combine our priorities with the clear appetite of our public colleges and the expertise of UMass Lowell to broaden the number of co-op offering colleges and over time to make this experience far more commonly available to our students."
 
Statements of Support
 
Dr. Linda Thompson, Chair of the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents, and President of Westfield State University: 
“Across our state university system, we want every student to graduate not just with a degree, but with the confidence and real-world experience to shape what comes next. Through the Innovation Hub, we have an opportunity to grow partnerships like regional co-ops that bring learning to life and connect students to meaningful careers. This is about more than preparing students for the workforce; it’s about opening doors, advancing equity, and making sure every student has the chance to thrive and build a future filled with purpose and possibility."
 
Bridgewater State University President Frederick W. Clark, Jr., Esq:
“Bridgewater State University is focused on creating pathways to employment for all our students. The co-op pilot is attracting strong interest from students and faculty and builds on the many opportunities Bridgewater provides students to explore, prepare for and connect to career opportunities.”
 
Framingham State University President Nancy S. Niemi:
“Work-based learning has always been part of the fabric of public higher education. At Framingham State, what is different now is that we are committed to ensuring that every student has access to a meaningful internship, co-op, or applied learning experience that complements their academic journey without delaying graduation. This initiative reflects what’s possible when higher education, businesses & non-profit organizations, and state leadership come together with a shared purpose. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and our partners in the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education for their leadership in advancing this work, and Framingham State is proud to be part of a statewide effort that will better prepare our students—and our workforce—for the future.”
 
MassArt President Mary Grant:
"We are delighted that MassArt is a part of the creative thinking around this co-op pilot program to expand opportunities for hands-on experiential learning for our students. We plan to engage our longtime partners and establish new partnerships to compliment an art and design education that prepares students for a lifetime of possibilities."