Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $1.8 Million to Build Talent Pipeline for Early Childhood Educators in Massachusetts

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $1.8 Million to Build Talent Pipeline for Early Childhood Educators in Massachusetts

Investment part of broader strategy to grow Registered Apprenticeship for In-Demand Occupations

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $1.8 million in Grants for Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities in Workforce (GROW) to eight organizations to train and place more than 300 apprentices in early childhood education careers across the state. In September, Massachusetts was awarded $5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to partner with employers with the goal of rapidly scaling early childhood education Registered Apprenticeship Programs and creating a Technical Assistance Hub for early childhood education apprenticeships.

Registered Apprenticeship provides individuals with paid work experience including classroom instruction and on-the-job training combined with securing nationally recognized credentials, progressive wage increases, and economic mobility and advancement.

Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones made the announcement at the YMCA of Greater Boston’s Chinatown location. Among grantees, the YMCA Greater Boston received $300,000 to enroll 50 early childhood educator apprentices throughout Greater Boston as well as working with the Alliance of YMCAs to expand into childcare deserts where at least 10 apprentices will be placed.

“Our administration has been committed to expanding the Registered Apprenticeship model into industries like early childhood education so we can strength the talent pipeline,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through the GROW grants, we’re creating real pathways for educators to learn, earn and advance their careers, while helping providers attract and retain the talent they need. These investments are building a strong early education system, and in turn, a more competitive Massachusetts.”

“Early childhood educators play a critical role in our state’s economic competitiveness,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are proud to support Registered Apprenticeship programs that help educators earn credentials, grow their careers, and stay in the field. The GROW grants allow us to not only invest in the early childhood education workforce but also invest and strengthen our communities across the state.”

The Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) administers the Commonwealth’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs. DAS offers over 500 active programs with more than 10,000 active apprentices. Construction and building trades apprenticeships comprise the majority of programs with nearly a quarter of registered apprentices in expansion industries such as health care, education, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

“Access to affordable, quality child care is an economic driver, vital support for our workers, and critical to strengthening our competitiveness,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “Registered Apprenticeship is an important piece of the state’s workforce agenda, and the GROW early childhood educator apprenticeship awards are part of the administration’s efforts to make child care more affordable and accessible by helping build a pipeline of early childhood educators.”

Expanding registered apprenticeship for early childhood education is a priority among the Administration’s “whole of government” Early Education and Child Care Task Force recommendations. The Division of Apprentice Standards and the Department of Early Education and Care have worked collaboratively over the past year to engage and scale registered apprenticeship.

“These investments in early childhood education apprenticeships reflect our shared commitment to economic mobility, workforce readiness, and building a stronger future for Massachusetts families,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “These grants will help child care programs grow, strengthen employer partnerships, and offer more support to our entire early education and care system.”

“Strengthening the early educator pipeline is a top priority, and apprenticeship is one of the most powerful tools we have,” said Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler. “These grants help providers grow their teams, stabilize staffing, and support the working families who depend on reliable child care.”

“We are so proud to be able to offer this support to early childhood education – the workforce behind the workforce,” said Director of the Division of Apprentice Standards Lara Thomas. “These grants will help communities across the Commonwealth grow their own talented educators and create meaningful career pathways while allowing working parents to feel even more confident about the quality of care that is being provided.”

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to growing Registered Apprenticeship opportunities marks a significant step forward for the Massachusetts early education and care workforce,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “Through collaboration with our state and national partners, we’re creating stronger pathways that allow educators to earn as they learn, advance in their careers, and achieve lasting economic stability — all while helping to increase families’ access to high-quality early education and care across the Commonwealth.”

GROW Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Grant Recipients:

The following is a list of the 8 grant recipients, totaling $1.8 million projected to register, hire, and place 302 apprentices:

City of Cambridge (Cambridge): $100,000 to register new 18-month, full-time apprenticeship program and enroll a cohort of 25 out of school time apprentices to be placed across Cambridge.

Community Day Care of Lawrence (Lawrence): $673,984 grant to enroll four cohorts of 20 apprentices each into early childhood educator positions across the Merrimack Valley over 3 years.

Family Services of Central MA (Worcester): $98,175 to train and place 15 early childhood educator apprentices to staff entry-level positions in the identified childcare desert of Worcester County.

For Kids Only (Winthrop): $300,000 to enroll a minimum of 57 out of school time apprentices in three cohorts over 3 years at locations in Winthrop, Revere, Quincy and Framingham.

G3 Works (Methuen): $99,900 to register new registered apprenticeship in early childhood education and recruit and train 30 new early childhood educator apprentices to work in communities identified as childcare deserts in Northeastern and Southeastern MA.

MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board (Pittsfield): $198,375 to register a new early childhood education registered apprenticeship and enroll 3 cohorts of 10 apprentices in identified childcare desert of Berkshire County over three years.

MassHire Hampden County (Springfield): $83,916 to register a new early childhood education apprenticeship and enroll 15 apprentices in identified childcare desert of Springfield as well as Holyoke and Chicopee.

YMCA Greater Boston (Boston): $300,000 to enroll 50 early childhood educator apprentices throughout Greater Boston as well as working with the Alliance of YMCAs to expand into other childcare deserts where at least 10 apprentices will be placed.

The Commonwealth continues to accept applications for apprenticeship program funding for Fiscal Year 2026. For more information, visit www.commbuys.com.    

波士頓音協合唱團慶10週年 「拾光」吸引近300聽眾

波士頓中國音樂家協會合唱團（BCMA Choir）慶10週年演唱。（周菊子攝）

          （Boston Orange周菊子麻州勒星頓鎮報導）波士頓中國音樂家協會合唱團（BCMA Choir） 12月6 日假勒星頓鎮朝聖公理會教堂（Pilgrim Congregational Church）慶祝十週年，以《拾光 — 十年之旅》音樂會，展現該團從「紅樓夢」到中西融合的轉變歷程。二、三百名觀眾聽罷熱烈鼓掌，盛讚唱得真好。

音協合唱團指揮朱珠為團員給讚。（周菊子攝）

          音協合唱團是個棣屬於波士頓中國音樂家協會的團體，2015 年 11 月成立，由熱愛唱歌的抒情男高音王慶擔任團長，服務迄今。這10年來該團致力發揚中國傳統音樂，推出過「泱泱國風 紅樓夢全版主題曲音樂會」，「劉三姐組曲」，「雲南風情阿詩瑪組曲」等經典民族樂韻。

波士頓中國音樂家協會合唱團（BCMA Choir）團長王慶（左）感謝各界捧場。（周菊子攝）

            2023年9月，畢業於上海音樂學院指揮系，創辦過上海彩虹室內合唱團，目前已取得波士頓音樂學院進修合唱指揮博士的朱珠，接任該團指揮一職，也開啟了該團「中西融合」的新紀元，開始演唱百老匯音樂劇中的經典英文歌，去年還辦了一場“梁山伯與祝英台”問世65週年小提琴協奏曲音樂會，今年1月又辦了一場「閩台風情音樂會」，演唱曲目越來越多元。

指揮朱珠在合唱團演唱前，會先做幾句歌曲介紹。（周菊子攝）

          12 月 6 日這天的慶祝10週年合唱音樂會，由畢業於新英格蘭音樂學院的青年鋼琴家張海祺伴奏。演唱曲目分四大類，涵蓋中國古典文學、華語流行金曲、西方合唱經典及節日慶典的作品。

音協合唱團女團員人數居優勢。（周菊子攝）

          音協合唱團以「春風吻上我的臉」拉開10週年音樂會序幕後，放映了一段視頻，回顧過去這10年的活動片段，人事變遷，也向甫於今年8月辭世的音協前指揮郭天生致意。

男聲分部合唱。（周菊子攝）

          接著演唱的曲目，有「愛 · 永恆」、「上春山」、有段建華以手風琴伴奏的「貝加爾湖畔」、「漁陽鼙鼓動地來」，以及世界經典名曲中電影真善美主題曲「The Sound of Music（音樂之聲）」、「The Snow」、「Glory to His Name」。

指揮朱珠在合唱團演唱徐志摩作詞，冉天豪作曲的「為尋一個明星」時，直言這首歌，不容易唱，但團員們很努力，她豎起了拇指給讚。

            鑑於時序已入12月，聖誕節將近，音協合唱團的團員們紛紛在身上掛了一條紅圍巾，高唱「We Wish You a Merry Christmas」，為10週年音樂會劃下句點。

全女班演唱的一段。（周菊子攝）

           音協麾下，由張正山、黃少堅帶領，有20多名團員的絲竹樂團，這時上場，為祝賀的表演了「蘇堤漫步」、「拔根蘆柴花」2曲。

副團長王曉梅當年是國家一級播音員。（周菊子攝）

 絲竹樂團表演前，還一一介紹了音協會長林湛濤，副會長王曉梅等幹部，以及絲竹樂團所使用的樂器，包括張正山這天使用，人們平常較少見的三弦，郭京冨手中的二胡，順道解釋了京胡略短小些，以及其他團員們使用的琵琶，笙，笛，中阮，揚琴等。

根據音協合唱團當天派發的節目冊，該團共有男女高中等四個聲部，約63名團員，聲勢頗為浩大。

          根據網路，大波士頓地區有超過60個註冊的活躍合唱團，其中華人組織的合唱團有音協合唱團，劍橋合唱團，文協合唱團，波士頓東方之聲合唱團，艾克頓中文學校成人合唱俱樂部等。以人數計，音協合唱團應是其中最大的一個。

張正山手中拿的是三弦。（周菊子攝）

郭京冨這天拉的是二胡。指揮朱珠特地介紹，京胡和二胡相比，身形小些。（周菊子攝）

這個樂器是中阮。（周菊子攝）

朱珠指揮絲竹樂團演奏。（周菊子攝）

音協合唱團團長王慶站在門口迎接到會嘉賓，剛好迎接到該會理事，
曾是職業歌星的曾燕琴。（周菊子攝）

中國音樂家協會會長林湛濤曾是廣西音樂學院副教授。（周菊子攝）

音協合唱團這天變換隊形演唱。（周菊子攝）

音協合唱團10週年音樂會現場有將近300人。（周菊子攝）

段建華以手風琴伴奏。（周菊子攝）

音協合唱團理事之一畢曉明。（周菊子攝）

曾燕琴十分低調地坐在觀眾席中。（周菊子攝）

曾是職業歌星的方柳君，這天也來捧場。（周菊子攝）

愛好唱歌，還開過個人演唱會的趙寶玲這天也來為朋友捧場。（周菊子攝）

林瑩玉（右）和夏耘（左）都是絲竹樂團成員。（周菊子攝）

庄輝壯應邀出席音協合唱團10週年音樂會。（周菊子攝

Four Defending Champions, Two American Record Holders To Compete at 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America

 Four Defending Champions, Two American Record Holders To Compete at 130^th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America

BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced six of the world’s best marathoners will compete on the roads between Hopkinton and Boston at the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America. For what is believed to be the first time in history, all four defending open and wheelchair division champions plus the reigning American record holders will all compete in the same edition of the world’s oldest annual marathon. 

 

Reigning Boston Marathon champions Sharon Lokedi (Kenya, women’s open division), John Korir (Kenya, men’s open division), Susannah Scaroni (USA, women’s wheelchair division), and Marcel Hug (Switzerland, men’s wheelchair division) all return to defend their titles, while American record holders and 2024 Olympians Conner Mantzand Emily Sisson each will enter as U.S. favorites.

 

“On the occasion of 130 days away from the 130^th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, it is fitting to preview what could be considered the strongest field of international and American stars for April’s race,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the Boston Athletic Association. “Each of these six athletes have decorated careers and are focused on meeting the moment and making history come Patriots’ Day.” 

 

The complete Bank of America Professional Athlete Field will be announced in January, 2026.

 

VIEW ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO

 

Lokedi timed a blistering 2:17:22 in April, breaking a course record that had stood since 2014. Lokedi’s mark shaved more than two minutes, 30 seconds from the prior event best (2:19:59). She has since gone on to finish second at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. 

“Boston in 2025 was beyond expectations. Breaking the course record, earning a victory, and racing against some of the best women in the world made 2025’s race a career highlight,” said Lokedi. “We’re already training hard to run it back in 2026.” 

 

John Korir overcame a fall at the start to win in 2:04:45 – the third fastest time in Boston Marathon history. By claiming the olive wreath, Korir joined his brother Wesley (2012 champion) to become the first set of siblings to win the Boston Marathon. Most recently, Korir clocked a 2:02:24 win at the Valencia Marathon on December 7, moving into eighth on the all-time fastest marathon list.

 

“Last year’s race was a very meaningful win for me and my family, and I look forward to coming back to Boston again,” said Korir. “I aim to finish first and run fast again in April.”

 

Hug earned his eighth Boston Marathon title last April, moving him into a tie for second with Jean Driscoll on the all-time Boston wins list (only behind Ernst van Dyk’s ten wheelchair division wins). Hug is also the course record holder (1:15:33, 2024) and is the reigning Abbott World Marathon Majors series champion. 

 

“Boston’s spectators and energy help push me every April,” said Hug. “Every Boston Marathon is special and unique, and I hope to add a ninth victory soon.”

 

Scaroni swept all three American events in the Abbott World Marathon Majors this year, earning dominant wins in Boston, Chicago, and New York City en route to securing the AbbottWMM Series crown. Scaroni is a two-time Boston winner (2023, 2025) and clocked a winning time of 1:35:20 this year.

 

“Winning the Boston Marathon on the 50^th anniversary of the wheelchair division in 2025 was significant and set the ball rolling for a strong season,” said Scaroni. “Boston is always a race I look forward to and will bring out the best on Marathon Monday.” 

 

For the first time since 1978 – and for only the third time ever – both the men’s and women’s American record holders will toe the start line in Hopkinton at the same edition of the Boston Marathon. 

 

Mantz returns after a fourth-place, 2:05:08 run in April – the highest finish by an American man since Boston 2018. Now Mantz is the American record holder thanks to a 2:04:43, fourth-place run at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October. Mantz enters Boston looking to finish on the podium – something he was an agonizingly four seconds away from in 2025.

 

“Finishing fourth a year ago was very close to my goal of placing in the top three,” said Mantz, who also owns the American record in the half marathon. “I’m eager to return to Boston and race against the best of the best again. Boston’s full of history and I’m working to give it my all every step towards Boylston Street.”

 

Sisson takes on the Hopkinton-to-Boston route for the first time. A two-time U.S. Olympian, Sisson has ties to New England, having graduated from Providence College and placed in many races in the Bay State – including a pair of top-three finishes at the B.A.A.’s Boston 10K. Her lifetime marathon best of 2:18:29 has served as the American record since 2022.

 

“The Boston Marathon has been a race I’ve looked forward to competing in for many years,” said Sisson, who currently lives in Ireland. “I’m ready to take on the challenging course and be part of one of the legendary races in our sport.”

 

The B.A.A. will announce the complete Professional Open, Wheelchair, and Para Athletics Division fields in January.

 

Media credential applications for the 2025 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America will open in February. Information will be posted to the B.A.A.’s Media Relations page in the new year.

 

RETURNING CHAMPIONS	PERSONAL BEST	DIVISION
John Korir, Kenya	2:02:24 (Valencia, 2025)	Men’s Open
Sharon Lokedi, Kenya	2:17:22 (Boston, 2025) CR	Women’s Open
Marcel Hug, Switzerland	1:15:33 (Boston, 2024) CR	Men’s Wheelchair
Susannah Scaroni, USA	1:27:31 (Grandma’s, 2022)	Women’s Wheelchair

 

 

AMERICAN RECORD HOLDERS (HOME)	PERSONAL BEST	DIVISION
Conner Mantz (UT)	2:04:43 (Chicago, 2025)	Men’s Open
Emily Sisson (AZ/IRL)	2:18:29 (Chicago, 2022)	Women’s Open

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES CITY’S PRESERVATION OF 16 AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS IN ROSLINDALE AND CELEBRATES MAJOR INVESTMENT IN BOSTON ACQUISITION FUND

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES CITY’S PRESERVATION OF 16 AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS IN ROSLINDALE AND CELEBRATES MAJOR INVESTMENT IN BOSTON ACQUISITION FUND

First Citizens Bank announced a contribution of $1 million to the Boston Acquisition Fund, bringing the fund to $14 million and bolstering the City’s work to make Boston a home for everyone

BOSTON - Thursday, December 11, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today joined representatives from Lavi Investment LLC, First Citizens Bank and residents to announce that the City of Boston has acquired and preserved 16 income-restricted apartments at The Hillcrest located at 237 Cummins Highway in Roslindale. The preservation of the Hillcrest, supported by the City’s Acquisition Opportunity Program (AOP) and the Boston Acquisition Fund (BAF), ensures that residents will remain in their community without being displaced. Mayor Wu also announced that First Citizens Bank announced that it is contributing $1 million to the Boston Acquisition Fund, a public-private loan fund designed to acquire affordable housing and protect residents from displacement. First Citizens Bank’s major contribution increases the fund from $13 million to $14 million. This announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s efforts to make Boston a home for everyone and the administration’s ongoing efforts to make Boston more affordable and keep residents and families in their homes across neighborhoods.  “As Boston continues to take every action to drive down housing costs, we are grateful for this collaboration,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Preserving the Hillcrest in Roslindale shows what’s possible when public and private partners work together to ensure our neighborhoods remain strong, stable and secure for residents. I’m grateful to Lavi Investment for taking ownership of the Hillcrest and to First Citizens Bank for contributing $1 million to our Acquisition Fund, which will bolster our efforts to make Boston a home for everyone.” The Hillcrest had not changed ownership in over thirty years, and rent has remained well below market. When the property was listed for sale, rent was approximately 35 percent below the neighborhood average and had the potential for significant rent increases. Since entering the speculative market, the City and community partners have worked to take these homes off the speculative market and ensure the units are affordable for long-time residents. “Whenever a building goes up for sale, longtime tenants can face real uncertainty about their future,” said Sheila A. Dillon, Chief of Housing. “By taking 237 Cummins Highway out of the speculative market, we are ensuring that the people who call this building home can remain in their community without fear of sudden rent increases or displacement. The Boston Acquisition Fund has ensured this positive outcome.” In order to take these apartments off the speculative market and secure long-term affordability, Lavi Investment, an organization dedicated to acquiring and stabilizing naturally occurring affordable housing, received an award from the City’s Acquisition Opportunity Program. The Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation also provided a $3.8 million below-market senior loan through the Boston Acquisition Fund, and the Boston Housing Authority awarded an operating subsidy to ensure that tenants’ current below-market rents remain unchanged. “I am extremely proud of this acquisition, as it ensures the preservation of affordable rents for the families currently residing in the building and for future families who need it most,” said Adler Bernadin, Founder of Lavi Investments. “This achievement reflects Lavi Investment’s deep commitment to creating lasting, positive change in the communities we serve and underscores the strong partnership we have built with the City of Boston in advancing housing stability and equity.” "With the housing crisis continuing to challenge families across Boston, I am grateful that we are stepping up with real solutions that keep our neighbors housed,” said Boston City Councilor Enrique Pepén. “This preservation shows what is possible when the City and our partners work together with urgency and purpose. Thank you to the Acquisition Opportunity Program (AOP) and the Boston Acquisition Fund (BAF) for their leadership and commitment to protecting long-term affordability in our communities.” "Thank you to Mayor Wu and the City of Boston for making this important and much needed announcement in my District today,” said State Representative Rob Consalvo. “With this acquisition, the City is continuing to prioritize preserving and protecting affordable housing in Boston and will ensure that these neighborhood residents can stay in their homes now and for years to come.” “With the increasing need for affordable housing across the commonwealth and nation, I am proud to live in and represent a city that is committed to meeting the needs of everyday people,” said State Senator Michael Rush. “I am grateful to Mayor Wu and the City of Boston for ensuring residents in the neighborhoods I represent have access to affordable housing.”  Launched last year by Mayor Wu and the Mayor’s Office of Housing, the Boston Acquisition Fund (BAF) is an innovative public-private loan fund that addresses the City’s housing affordability crisis, an important part in making Boston a home for everyone. The fund’s primary goals are to stabilize housing for at-risk individuals and families, permanently remove naturally occurring affordable housing from the speculative market, and promote the growth of new, local, and diverse development teams. This fund will also strengthen the Acquisition Opportunity Program by offering sustainable financing through a revolving loan model. When developers identify buildings for sale, BAF will provide low-interest loans, complemented by City grants and lender financing, to support these acquisitions. The revolving loan structure ensures that repaid funds are reinvested into future projects, preserving more affordable housing units in Boston. BAF is administered by the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation. “First Citizens Bank is thrilled to support the Boston Acquisition Fund in its efforts to attain and preserve affordable housing units across the city,” said Fiona Hsu, Head of Community Development Finance for First Citizens. “Our contribution underscores our commitment to build lasting financial security and stability in the communities where we live and serve.” First Citizens Bank joins the City of Boston and 10 of Boston’s largest private employers and philanthropies who have previously invested in the BAF as a proven, high-impact strategy to address affordability and preserve workforce housing in Boston. These include Mass General Brigham, Barr Foundation, The Boston Foundation, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Eastern Bank Foundation, Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation, and Tufts Medicine.   The City of Boston continues to seek support for this program from businesses, foundations, and investors to join in the effort to ensure that all Boston residents have access to safe, affordable housing. For more information about the Boston Acquisition Fund, please visit this website. The Acquisition Opportunity Program (AOP) helps protect Boston’s rental housing from market pressures while creating and preserving affordable homes. Through the program, the Mayor’s Office of Housing provides loans to responsible developers to acquire occupied multi-family buildings. AOP ensures tenants’ apartments remain affordable over time, funds developments with more income-restricted units, and helps fight displacement caused by rising rents and gentrification. The program also gives mission-driven developers a competitive edge in a fast-moving housing market by pre-qualifying them for funding, helping them secure properties that might otherwise be lost to private investors. Since its launch in 2016, the City’s Acquisition Opportunity Program has become one of Boston’s most effective tools for protecting tenants and preserving affordability. The program has acquired and safeguarded 1,394 homes citywide, ensuring that residents are not displaced when properties change hands. Since the start of Mayor Wu’s administration, 789 of those homes have been preserved, reflecting the City’s ongoing efforts to keep people in their communities and stabilize neighborhoods facing rising housing pressures. Under Mayor Michelle Wu’s leadership, Boston has made historic progress toward creating and preserving homes that residents can afford. Since the start of her first term, the City has produced or begun construction on more than 18,000 new homes, including thousands of income-restricted units, and has launched new policies to make it easier, faster, and less expensive to build housing across every neighborhood. Mayor Wu has directed record levels of investment to prevent displacement, expand affordable homeownership, and support renters and homeowners who face housing instability. Through innovative programs like the Housing Accelerator Fund, Welcome Home Boston, and the Housing with Public Assets initiative, the City is finding new ways to create housing on public land, convert vacant buildings into homes, and support residents in building wealth and stability. The Mayor’s focus on climate and health has also made Boston a national leader in green and energy-efficient housing. Together, these efforts are helping to make Boston a city where every resident can have a safe, stable, and affordable home, and where communities can grow stronger for generations to come.