麻州長Healey接見日本駐麻州總領事高橋誠一郎

麻州州長Maura Healey(左二)、副州長Kim Driscall (右二)率同MOITI執行主任Jeevan 
 Ramapriya (右一)在禮儀廳晤見日本駐麻州總領事高橋誠一郎 (中)，日本貿易振興機構
（JETRO）紐約總裁三浦聰 (Satoshi Miura，左一)。 

            (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 ( Maura Healey) 3月27日在禮儀廳歡迎日本駐麻州總領事高橋誠一郎，討論加強麻州和日本之間的經濟、文化和教育聯繫，尤其是擴大在生物技術、先進製造和清潔能源領域的貿易和投資機會。

             鑒於麻州和日本北海道 (Hokkaido) 的姊妹州關係跨入35週年，2025年世界博覽會將在大阪 (Osaka)舉行，奚莉州長和高橋誠一郎還談到藉由文化交流、教育合作，促進旅遊來加強兩地的聯繫。

             日本是麻州的第七大貿易夥伴，每年交易的商品總額超過33億美元，包括麻州向日本出口價值超過15億美元的醫療設備、工業機械和藥品，日本進口價值17億美元的商品，包括車輛、工業機械和醫療儀器。

             這次會晤，陪同在座的還有日本貿易振興機構（JETRO）紐約總裁三浦聰 (Satoshi Miura)和麻州國際貿易和投資辦公室 (MOITI) 執行主任Jeevan Ramapriya。

              麻州州長辦公室表示，奚莉州長自上任以來，就把晤見外國使節當成優先要務，尤其是當他們拜訪麻州時。

               奚莉州長最近才晤見了加拿大新布藍茲維省省長Susan Holt，愛德華王子島省省長Rob Lantz，討論麻州與加拿大之間的強大經濟夥伴關係，以及川普總統關稅的有害影響。

              她還晤見了愛爾蘭企業、旅遊和就業部長Peter Burke，討論麻州與愛爾蘭之間的文化、社會、貿易和投資關係。

               奚莉州長上任以來，還曾接待過約旦國王阿卜杜拉二世 (Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein)、拉脫維亞總統Edgars Rinkēvičs、德里市和斯特拉班市市長Lilian Seenoi-Barr、Donegal縣議會主席Niamh Kennedy、多米尼加共和國前總統Leonel Fernandez、英國駐新英格蘭總領事David Clay、荷蘭王國總領事Ahmed Dadou和新加坡駐美國大使劉德耀 (Lui Tuck Yew)。州長希利訪問過愛爾蘭、義大利和梵蒂岡，以在全球舞台上推廣麻州。

Governor Healey Welcomes Consul General of Japan Seiichiro Takahashi to Massachusetts 

BOSTON – This week, Governor Maura Healey welcomed Consul General of Japan Seiichiro Takahashi to the Massachusetts State House. At a meeting in the Governor’s Ceremonial Office, Governor Healey and Consul General Takahashi discussed opportunities to strengthen the economic, cultural and educational ties between Massachusetts and Japan. The meeting focused on building upon the longstanding relationship between Massachusetts and Japan, with a shared commitment to fostering collaboration in key sectors such as life sciences, technology and tourism.  

During the meeting, Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Consul General Takahashi, the President of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in New York, Mr. Satoshi Miura, and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment Jeevan Ramapriya discussed the opportunity to expand trade and investments, particularly in areas such as biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and clean energy. Japan is Massachusetts’ seventh largest trading partner, with over $3.3 billion worth of goods exchanged annually, including exporting over $1.5 billion to Japan in medical devices, industrial machinery and pharmaceutical products. Massachusetts also imports $1.7 billion of goods from Japan including vehicles, industrial machinery and medical instruments.  

"I was proud to host Consul General of Japan Seiichiro Takahashi and JETRO President Satoshi Miura at the State house to discuss ways to strengthen our state’s relationship with Japan,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our shared values of excellence, innovation and cooperation provided a strong foundation for expanding this great relationship, and I look forward to continuing to work with our partners in Japan to create even more opportunities for our businesses and residents.” 

"It was an honor to join Governor Maura Healey at the Massachusetts State House," said Consul General Takahashi. "Relations between Japan and Massachusetts have rapidly developed in recent years, particularly through startup collaboration in fields such as life sciences and biotechnology. We are confident that we will continue to expand this partnership in the years to come, including through the upcoming 35th anniversary of the Hokkaido-Massachusetts sister-state relationship and the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai." 

In addition to focusing on economic partnership, Governor Healey and Consul General Takahashi also discussed cultural exchanges, educational partnerships and the promotion of tourism between Japan and Massachusetts. The meeting marked a continuation of Massachusetts’ effort to deepen international ties and promote global collaboration as a hub for innovation, international business and cultural exchange.  

Since taking office, Governor Healey has made it a priority to meet with foreign officials when they visit Massachusetts. Just recently, she hosted the Premier of New Brunswick Susan Holt and the Premier of Prince Edward Island Rob Lantz to discuss Massachusetts and Canada’s strong economic partnership and the harmful impacts of President Trump’s tariffs. Additionally, she has met with Irish Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke to discuss cultural, social, trade and investment relationships between Massachusetts and Ireland. Governor Healey has also previously hosted the His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane Lilian Seenoi-Barr, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Niamh Kennedy, former President of the Dominican Republic Leonel Fernandez, United Kingdom Consul General to New England David Clay, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Ahmed Dadou, and Singapore's Ambassador to the United States Lui Tuck Yew. Governor Healey has also visited Ireland, Italy and the Vatican to promote Massachusetts on a global stage. 

The Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment (MOITI) is the international business development agency charged with promoting trade and investment with global partners in Massachusetts and around the world. MOITI is responsible for: 

• Promoting commerce with global partners in Massachusetts and around the world; 

• Recruits foreign investors by promoting the strengths of Massachusetts as a premier business and investment destination; 

• Preparing Massachusetts-based companies to work in global markets, including the export of goods and services; 

• Serving as the state’s business ambassador, welcoming foreign government officials interested in economic opportunities and investments to Massachusetts;

• Serving as the state’s liaison to the diplomatic community and managing relations with foreign governments, trade agencies, and business entities. 

劉美賢奪得2025世界花樣滑冰錦標賽短節目冠軍 台灣李宇翔今日出賽

來自加州的劉美賢代表美國隊贏得2025世界花樣滑冰短節目冠軍。 (推特截圖)

              (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 刻在波士頓TD花園體育館舉行的世界花樣滑冰錦標賽（World Figure Skating Championships），3月26日為華人圈傳出喜訊。現年19歲，代表美國的劉美賢 (Alysa Liu)以74.58分贏得短節目冠軍。

              3月27日早上11點，來自台灣的選手李宇翔將參加短節目賽，3月29日下午6

來自加州的劉美賢代表美國隊贏得2025世界花樣滑冰短節目冠軍。 (推特截圖)

點，將參加長節目賽。波士頓僑教中心和波士頓經文處都在呼籲社區民眾前往觀賽支持。

台灣選手李宇翔(右)由教練DINEV Ivan (左)陪同，到TD 花園球場
練習。(圖片節自波士頓經文處臉書)

              劉美賢是美國滑冰界名人，早在2019年她13歲時，就曾贏得美國全國錦標賽冠軍，成為全美歷史上最年輕的花式滑冰冠軍。26日這天是她退役2年，復出參賽後表現最佳的一次，以一個乾淨的三周翻跳-三周托盧普組合跳（Triple Flip-Triple Toe）、雙周半跳（Double Axel）和三周魯茲跳（Triple Lutz），搭配Laufey歌曲《Promise》的兼具技術與藝術表現，贏得冠軍。

              在這場短節目比賽中，日本選手千葉百音（Mone Chiba）和美國選手Isabeau Levito，依序獲得第二、第三名。

              2005年8月8日出生於加州的劉美賢，是2019年，2020年連續2年的美國全國錦標賽冠軍，還是首位在國際比賽中完成四周盧茲跳 (Quad Lutz)的美國女子選手。2022年，她參加北京冬奧會獲得第六名（後因禁賽調整名次），並摘下世界錦標賽銅牌後宣布退役，進入加州大學洛杉磯分校（UCLA）讀心理學。

              2023年底，她在一次滑雪旅行中，對冰上運動重燃熱情並在2024年3月1日宣布復出。之後她在2024-25賽季的大獎賽和挑戰者系列賽中逐步找回狀態，今年 (2025) 還在美國全國錦標賽短節目中以76.36分領先。

              劉美賢的父親劉俊是1990年代從中國四川移民來美的律師，她的母親則是一位匿名捐卵者。在她8歲左右時，她父親就已解釋過，而她對自己這一身世也坦然接受。

              劉美賢這次的參賽成績，將為她鋪出踏上進軍2026冬奧會之路。

              波士頓曾於2016年承辦過世界花樣滑冰錦標賽。波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)和麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 26日晚都出席了開幕式。

波士頓市區學院將頒給吳荔榮譽早期兒童教育副學士學位

吳荔老師。 (圖片來自波士頓市區學院網站)

       (Boston Orange 摘譯) 波士頓市區學院 (Urban College of Boston) 訂5月31日在波士頓市中心舉行的畢業典禮，將邀請人道主義者 Malaak Compton-Rock做主要演講人，並頒發榮譽早期兒童教育副學士學位給吳荔 (Lai Chan)，Robert M. Coard領袖獎給William F. Kennedy。

吳荔是波士頓華埠社區中心 (BCNC) 助理主任，也是特級教師。她的學生、同儕都稱她為「師傅」，藉以尊敬她是一名睿智的老師。

吳荔從香港移民來美時，在市區學院學中文，為她在之後的將近43年，培育6000多名學生，輔導數難以計教師的教學生涯，奠定了基礎。

吳荔來美前，在中國及香港已經是老師，有著和移民家庭打交道，管理中文學校的豐富經驗，還在香港和人合開過一家幼稚園。

          吳荔說，「不論學生們來自哪兒，或是說哪種語言，市區學院將繼續啟發未來世代，成就夢想」。她為自己能獲得一個在自己個人，以及波士頓市內無數個人的生命旅程中有重要角色的機構表揚，感到非常榮幸。

         波士頓市區學院的5月畢業典禮主講人Malaak Compton-Rock是Angelrock 計畫南非信託這非牟利機構的創辦人，在南非援助孤兒，易受傷害兒童，患愛滋病者。她原本在娛樂圈，公關界，以及特別活動領域工作，後來接受美國聯合國兒童基金(U.S. Fund for UNICEF)職位，並在領導、監督特別活動及名人關係部門上成就了事業。

Nutter McClennen & Fish的公共政策及政府事務組共同主席William F. Kennedy對社區有重大貢獻。在Dorchester長大的他，慈善事業惠及廣泛的社區及教育活動，包括艾曼紐學院 (Emmanuel College)，律師監督委員會，天主教慈善事業，松街客棧(Pine Street Inn)，以及麻州大學。他或有聖十字學院的文學士，以及薩福克大學法學院的法學博士學位。

麻州政府譴責川普終止110億美元的公共衛生補助款

(Boston Orange 整理編譯) 麻州政府3月26日發出聲明，強烈譴責川普政府終止發放110億美元的全國公共衛生補助款，指出麻州政府獲聯邦政府批准，並已承諾發放的經費中，有至少1億美元會受影響。

疾病控制與預防中心（CDC）及物質濫用與心理健康服務管理局最近通知各州公共衛生部門，川普總統決定終止多項聯邦公共衛生基礎設施的補助。

麻州政府表示，這意味著麻州預計在未來一年內獲得的近1億美元資金將受影響，而其中的大部分，獲准領取資金的計畫、機構，已經在麻州政府承諾將從聯邦政府取得經費的情況下，開始花錢了。

這些資金原本用於支持麻州公共衛生實驗室的核心功能，包括檢測與治療呼吸道疾病（如禽流感），支撐麻州疫苗基礎設施，為社區組織提供補助，以提升疫苗接種率、對抗疫苗錯誤信息等。其中有許多資金直接惠及社區，例如全州的社區健康中心，用於支持勞動力及社區投資。

麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）表示：「這是川普總統和埃隆·馬斯克 (Elon Musk) 再次損害麻州及全國人民健康與福祉的例子。麻州依賴這些資金提供行為健康照護、預防及治療呼吸道疾病，並確保社區組織、社區健康中心及工作者擁有照顧患者的必要資源。」

她批評川普背棄競選時讓生活更便宜、更健康、更輕鬆的承諾，並表示州政府正與司法部長辦公室及其他49個面臨類似挑戰的州聯繫，評估全面影響。

副州長Kim Driscoll強調：「我們需要一個與州政府合作的聯邦夥伴，支持地方醫療提供者，確保我們擁有預防及治療疾病的工具。麻州無法獨立支付川普和馬斯克終止的所有資金，但會盡力保障人民的安全與健康。」

麻州衛生與人力服務廳長Kate Walsh 指出，這不僅是藍州或紅州的問題，而是對全國公共衛生基礎設施的重大打擊，影響州政府預防、監測和管理疫情的能力，例如當前的禽流感疫情。公共衛生部專員羅比·戈德斯坦博士（Dr. Robbie Goldstein）則稱這一決定「令人不安且可能對公共衛生造成毀滅性影響」，強調這些資金是州實驗室、疫苗基礎設施及社區組織運作的關鍵投資。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Condemns President Trump’s Termination of $11 Billion in Public Health Grants 

Millions cancelled for behavioral health care, respiratory illness prevention and treatment, state lab, community health centers, public health workers in Massachusetts   

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration is condemning the Trump Administration’s move to terminate more than $11 billion in public health grants across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has notified state departments of public health, including the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, about the sudden termination of multiple federal public health infrastructure grants. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has also abruptly terminated awards to the Department of Mental Health. 

These grants are expected to bring nearly $100 million to Massachusetts over the next year, and much of the funding has already been obligated under the Healey-Driscoll Administration. The Trump Administration is moving to terminate the unobligated portions of the grants. This funding is used to support the core functions of the State Public Health Laboratory, including treatment and testing for respiratory diseases, like bird flu. Resources support the Massachusetts vaccine infrastructure and provide grants to community-based organizations to improve vaccine uptake and counter against vaccine mis- and disinformation. Much of the funding goes directly to the community, including to community heath centers across the state to support workforce and community investments. 

“This is yet another example of President Trump and Elon Musk undermining the health and wellbeing of the people of Massachusetts and people across this nation. Massachusetts depends on this funding to provide behavioral health care, prevent and treat respiratory illnesses, and ensure that community-based organizations, including community health centers and workers, have the resources they need to care for patients,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Donald Trump was elected and promised to make life cheaper, healthier and easier for people, but he’s taking us backwards on all of those fronts. We will continue to assess the full impacts and are in touch with the Attorney General’s Office and the 49 other states facing similar challenges.” 

“We need a federal partner who is going to work with states to support local health care providers and make sure we have the tools to prevent and treat illnesses,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Massachusetts does not have the resources to replace all of the funding that President Trump and Elon Musk are terminating. Massachusetts will always step up to keep people safe and healthy, but we need the federal government to work with us, not against us.” 

“This is not just a blue state or red state issue, this is a deeply concerning blow to public health infrastructure across our country,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh. “Strong public health infrastructure helps states prevent, monitor and manage outbreaks and divert resources where they’re needed to keep us safe from a wide range of diseases, including the ongoing bird flu outbreak. Public health doesn’t stop at state lines. States need to be able to rely on the federal government for funding, coordination, and policy leadership in order to effectively protect public health.” 

“This decision by the Trump Administration is troubling and potentially devastating to public health,” said Dr. Robbie Goldstein, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. “We rely on these funds to carry out important work at the Department and with our partners in the community. These resources fund our state lab, supplement our statewide vaccine infrastructure, and provide the support needed for community-based organizations across the state. They represent investments in the core functions of public health. We are working quickly to analyze the fiscal and operational impacts of these abrupt terminations.”  

Governor Healey Nominates Dana Rutherford as Clerk Magistrate in the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court

 Governor Healey Nominates Dana Rutherford as Clerk Magistrate in the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court  

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced the nomination of Dana Rutherford to serve as Clerk Magistrate of the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court. Mr. Rutherford has worked as Assistant Clerk Magistrate for the Malden District Court since 2006. He will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation. 

“Dana Rutherford has shown a strong dedication to serving his community over the course of his career, and in this role, he will serve to ensure the smooth operations of the Boston Municipal Court,” said Governor Maura Healey. “He’s been a leader and committed public servant in the Malden District Court, and we look forward to working with the Governor’s Council to confirm his position as Clerk Magistrate.”   

“Known to be smart, kind and just, Dana Rutherford has served as an advocate for his community for decades. As an Assistant Clerk Magistrate, he’s been a leader for the Malden District Court and, as Clerk Magistrate in the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court, he will continue to deliver results,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are excited to work toward his confirmation with the Governor’s Council.” 

Dana Rutherford has served as an Assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Trial Court for nearly two decades, 13 of which have been in the Malden District Court. In this role, he has performed all the duties associated with the clerk’s office including conducting show cause hearings, reviewing search warrant applications, running court sessions, and presiding over small claims trials and motion sessions. He was a founding member of the CHOICE Program, a program run out of the Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court, aimed at reducing recidivism among court-involved young people by providing mentorship and connecting them with the resources needed to help them succeed. He has also served as a facilitator for the Changing Lives Through Literature program. In addition to his community involvement, Mr. Rutherford spent nearly two decades as a project manager in the private sector where he managed engineering projects throughout the country and in Osaka, Japan and where he honed his managerial skills, directing teams, working with both internal and external stakeholders, and finding creative solutions to complex problems. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Westfield State University and resides in Hyde Park. 

The Boston Municipal Court Department serves the City of Boston, handling criminal and civil matters while maintaining a commitment to the rule of law, and protecting human dignity through respect, compassion, correction and the fair resolution of cases.  

The Boston Municipal Court Department has 30 judges in eight court divisions in Brighton, Central (downtown), Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury, South Boston and West Roxbury. The Boston Municipal Court also has jurisdiction to review appeals of decisions made by some government agencies on issues such as unemployment compensation and firearms licensing.   

Governor Healey has already nominated six attorneys to the Boston Municipal Court: Connor Barusch, Nicholas Brandt, Rebeca G. Figueroa, Steven S. Kim, Dana Pierce and Vanessa Vélez. 

波士頓市爭得100萬元聯邦經費 資助20機構擴辦「數位技能」計畫

(Boston Orange 綜合摘譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 和國會議員Ayanna Pressley，以及波士頓市人力發展辦公室 (OWD) 日前在東波士頓青年會 (YMCA)宣佈，波士頓市將投資100萬美元，擴辦數位能力計劃（Digital Literacy Initiative），邁進DigLit 2.0世代。

這100萬元將用於資助20個波士頓市內的就業準備和職業培訓項目，協助波士頓市民學習在當今就業市場中必須具備的基本數位技能。

波士頓市府說明，這100萬美元100%都是國會議員Ayanna Pressley從美國勞工部2023會計年度的社區項目資金中爭取來的，沒有非聯邦資金。

2022年時，賦權工人內閣 (Worker Empowerment Cabinet) 麾下的人力發展辦公室和世界教育 ( World Education)合作，試辦數位能力計畫 (Digital Literacy Initiative，簡稱DigLit)，經由美國援救計畫法案 (ARPA)，資助25個成人基本教育 (ABE) 項目，每年服務了3500名學生，並取得重大成果，建成一個包含70多項整合數位技能補習教育教學流程的「波士頓科技教育教學流程圖書館 (Boston EdTech Routine Library)」。

國家技能聯盟(National Skills Coalition)的一份報告，強調數位能力在就業上的重要性。該報告指出，儘管如今就業市場上的工作，92%需要數位技能，但有三分之一的工作者缺乏就業所需的基礎數位技能。

波士頓市政府因此和不同夥伴合作，為居民提供學習這些支持家庭，找工作技能的機會。

新一批將獲資助的20個社區機構包括華埠社區的華美福利會 (AACA)，波士頓華埠社區中心 (BCNC)，以及:

Breaktime United, Inc.

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc.; El Centro Adult Education Program

Community Work Services

Digital Ready

Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation

Immigrant Family Services Institute, Inc.

International Institute of New England

Jamaica Plain Community Centers Adult Learning Program

Julie's Family Learning Program

The Loop Lab

Maverick Landing Community Services 

Mothers for Justice and Equality

New England Center for Arts & Technology

Operation ABLE of Greater Boston, Inc.

Somali Development Center

St. Stephen’s Youth Programs

The YMCA of Greater Boston。

CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION INVESTMENT TO EXPAND DIGITAL LITERACY ACROSS BOSTON 

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 26, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) last week announced a $1 million investment to expand the City’s Digital Literacy (DigLit) Initiative, a critical initiative that helps workforce development programs address digital literacy gaps. This investment will fund the next phase of the initiative, DigLit 2.0, and equip 20 Boston-based job readiness and occupational training programs with the infrastructure and capacity to deliver the digital skills necessary for residents to succeed in today’s evolving job market. This expansion is funded by a Community Project Funding grant secured by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. Phase 2 of the Digital Literacy Initiative, DigLit 2.0, is fully funded by FY2023 Community Project Funding totaling $1 million (100%) from the U.S. Department of Labor with 0% ($0.00) financed from non-federal sources. This announcement was made at the East Boston YMCA, a committed adult basic education and job training provider. 

"Closing the digital literacy gap is critical in our work to make Boston a city for everyone,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Every resident across our neighborhoods deserves to be equipped with the digital skills they need to access resources, secure good jobs in an evolving economy and be connected to more opportunities. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Pressley for securing this vital funding and look forward to coordinating with all of our partners to advance this important work forward.”

“I am proud to deliver $1 million in direct federal funds that we secured for Boston’s adult digital literacy initiative, which will expand access to digital skills, close gaps in our workforce development programs, and open doors for our workers to grow and thrive,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. “I’m grateful to Mayor Wu and our local leaders for their partnership in bringing much-deserved digital literacy opportunities to our city.”

This announcement builds on the City’s efforts to better connect residents with job training and educational opportunities while working to close digital literacy gaps. In 2022, the Office of Workforce Development, led by the Worker Empowerment Cabinet, piloted the Digital Literacy Initiative (“DigLit”) in partnership with World Education to address digital access gaps identified through extensive community-engaged research. The pilot, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, supported 25 Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs that collectively serve 3,500 students annually. The pilot also yielded successful results for the participating programs, including the increased use of digital tools, instructional software, communication tools, and technology used for instruction. A pivotal outcome of this initiative was the Boston EdTech Routine Library, a repository that contains 70+ remedial education instructional routines that integrate digital skills. 

"We believe that all residents need intentional and comprehensive access to quality education, and skills and job training to thrive in Boston," said Chief of Worker Empowerment Trinh Nguyen. "This expansion reflects our commitment to increasing these opportunities and our collaborative approach to meeting employer demand while tapping into Boston’s talent pool. Digital literacy is no longer optional—it is critical to accessing job opportunities and economic mobility. Ensuring access to digital skills training is essential to building an inclusive economy where everyone has a fair shot at success. We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley whose leadership and advocacy made this investment possible. Thank you to the participating organizations whose commitment to enhancing their programming will undoubtedly result in lasting positive outcomes for our residents.”

Last week’s launch event featured a panel featuring employers from Eversource, Boston Medical Center, Dana-Farber, and life sciences alongside training providers from Just-A-Start, FCIT, and YMCA of Greater Boston. The panel was moderated by Priyanka Sharma, Director of World Education, and brought together voices from across Boston’s workforce ecosystem to explore how technology is transforming middle-skill roles, shifting skill demands, and how partnerships can better align training programs with employer needs, especially amid rapid technological shifts driven by AI.

“The YMCA of Greater Boston is deeply grateful for the City of Boston's continued investment in digital literacy through its DigLit funding,” said David Shapiro, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. “We are also grateful for the national leadership of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, who garnered federal investment in this effort. It is an honor to host the DigLit 2.0 Launch event at the East Boston Y, the site of our very own culinary training program with the New England Center for Arts and Training. The event is a powerful reflection of the multi-sector commitment necessary to foster job preparation, skills, and supported career pathways. It also reflects the powerful efforts to advance digital literacy skills while strengthening the very foundation of our community - its people. Together, we will continue to uplift each other with the knowledge, skills, and pathways critical to a more inclusive, competitive, and dynamic economy and City.” 

“At World Education, we recognize that digital skills are essential for unlocking opportunities in today’s tech-driven workforce,” said Priyanka Sharma, Director of World Education. “We are proud to collaborate with the City of Boston and our partners to advance a shared vision for a stronger, more resilient workforce—one where every adult has the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy. Through the DigLit project, we are activating digital skills programming into training programs, expanding career pathways, and empowering Boston’s communities with greater economic mobility.” 

Following the pandemic, digital literacy skills have proven to be crucial for workplace success. A report from the National Skills Coalition emphasizes the critical importance of digital literacy for employment, revealing that, despite 92% of jobs requiring digital skills, one-third of workers lack the foundational digital skills necessary for success in today's job market. Recognizing this gap, the City has worked closely with various partners and employers to offer skills-based classes and opportunities for residents to be connected to digital literacy support. OWD continues to engage in field-building and capacity-building efforts to align training programs with employer needs so Boston residents gain the skills necessary to access family-sustaining, quality jobs.

“Digital Literacy has become an important skill and ever more necessary in today’s workforce, it is not just the access to technology but the reliance on so many different systems and platforms,” said Macy Reed, Director of Workforce Development at Boston Medical Center (BMC). “As an employer, BMC continues to offer various skills-based classes to employees to help improve performance and career growth.”

Building on this initiative’s success, DigLit is expanding to support 20 additional Boston-based organizations:

• Asian American Civic Association
• Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
• Breaktime United, Inc.
• Bridge Over Troubled Waters
• Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc.; El Centro Adult Education Program
• Community Work Services
• Digital Ready
• Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation
• Immigrant Family Services Institute, Inc.
• International Institute of New England
• Jamaica Plain Community Centers Adult Learning Program
• Julie's Family Learning Program
• The Loop Lab
• Maverick Landing Community Services 
• Mothers for Justice and Equality
• New England Center for Arts & Technology
• Operation ABLE of Greater Boston, Inc.
• Somali Development Center
• St. Stephen’s Youth Programs
• The YMCA of Greater Boston

These programs will receive technical assistance provided by World Education and funds to address their digital literacy needs, allowing them to deliver effective digital literacy training and help bridge the digital equity gaps faced by their training participants. 

“Digital literacy will equip our graduates with the ability to learn more quickly and adapt to new technologies, a crucial trait for career advancement,” said Christopher Hope, Executive Director of the Loop Lab. “Their enhanced proficiency in digital tools will likely lead to greater efficiency and productivity, making them much more valuable members to their employers.”

“The DigLit Initiative will help to directly address these barriers, enhancing participants' employability, job retention, and opportunities for career advancement,” said Ben Hires, CEO of Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center. “For many, the job search process, application submissions, and interviews have moved online, making basic computer skills a necessity.”

For more information on the Digital Literacy Initiative, visit boston.gov/DigLit.

FEDERAL FUNDING DISCLOSURE

Phase 2 of the Digital Literacy Initiative, DigLit 2.0, is fully funded by FY2023 Community Project Funding totaling $1 million (100%) from the U.S. Department of Labor with 0% ($0.00) financed from non-federal sources.

麻州慶祝醫療科研再進一步 Cellino和MBG合作治療帕金森症新法 (圖片)

 

牛頓市退休醫師被騙走將近50萬美元

            (Boston Orange 摘譯) 一名住在牛頓市的 72 歲醫生相信了打電話給她的人是聯邦毒品探員和美國財政部案件經理，同意轉帳以釐清她和從事非法毒品交易帳戶之間關係，以避免被捕，結果9天之內被騙走50萬美元。

米斗塞郡檢察官瑪麗安·里安 （Marian Ryan） 和牛頓市警察局長喬治·麥克曼斯 （George McMains） 3月25日 (週二)在一份聯合聲明中表示，案件發生在去年 12 月，冒充美國緝毒探員和財政部個案經理的一男一女，打電話給受害者，聲稱有人以她的名義開了22個帳戶，而她得為這些帳戶中用於非法毒品交易的200萬美元負責。

根據檢察官遞交的一份長3頁事實說明，假冒者告訴受害者，為了防止身份盜竊，她必須把她所有的資產轉到美國財政部那兒，然後她會拿到一張財政部支票，以確保這些資產。如果她不合作，聯邦調查局探員就會逮捕她。

所謂的美國財政部”案件經理”接著打去電話，指導這名受害婦女如何把他的資產變成金條，並在特定地點及時間，交給遞送員，然後她的社會安全號碼會更改，她的錢也會被退回來。

受害婦女於是把她退休帳戶的錢全都拿了出來，買成金條。

12月17日，她把價值34萬2000員的12根金條交給了遞送員，然後在12月24日又交付了價值8萬8955元的另外3根金條。2天後的12月26日，她又匯4萬9755元進騙子指定的一個銀行戶口。

當這名受害婦女的兒子明白發生了什麼事時，他聯繫了牛頓市警察，於是警方佈署了一場誘捕行動。

              1月3日，一名臥底警察假扮成受害者，在牛頓市星巴克和一個名叫大衛的遞送員見面，遞交了另一筆16萬5000元款項。

              他們交換了密碼後，這名遞送員，也是本案嫌犯，紐約皇后區 23 歲的 Vishal Kumar，收下這份包裹，接著就當場被捕了。

              Kumar上週五在米斗塞郡高等法院出庭時，聲稱自己無罪，因未能繳交50萬元現金的保釋金，羈押在米斗塞郡監獄。根據法庭文件，他的下一次出庭日期為4月2日。

              調查人員還在繼續調查共犯。警方的聲明並未說明受害者是誰，但強調損失金額巨大，將近50萬美元。騙子利用了多方接觸，讓受害者相信他們的假冒身份，然後再利用恐懼心來嚇唬受害者就範，這些都是金融罪犯慣用的手段。

              一個大陪審團在2月26日時，起訴了Kumar。