Healey-Driscoll Administration Wins $6 Million for Registered Apprenticeship

Healey-Driscoll Administration Wins $6 Million for Registered Apprenticeship 

Funding will support 275 early childhood educator apprenticeships 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) has been awarded more than $6 million from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to support Registered Apprenticeship and early childhood educator apprenticeships. This award builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to expand Registered Apprenticeship, a proven workforce strategy that combines technical and on-the-job training for workers, delivers industry-recognized credentials, and increases access to progressive wage increases and good-paying jobs.  

The Division was awarded two grants, a formula grant for $1,008,964 to support the Registered Apprenticeship program and a competitive grant for $5 million to support 275 early childhood educator apprenticeships. The competitive grant is the largest grant the apprenticeship program has received to date.  

For the $5 million competitive grant, DAS will engage with projects that seek to provide incentive funding to new and existing employers to rapidly scale early childhood education Registered Apprenticeship Programs, as well as create a Technical Assistance Hub for early childhood education apprenticeships. Additionally, identified projects will partner with Massachusetts community colleges to develop an early childhood education pre-apprenticeship program for high school students.  

“Our administration is committed to expanding Registered Apprenticeship to support business growth, create a stronger workforce, and strengthen our economic competitiveness across Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will provide funding to rapidly scale childhood education Registered Apprenticeship programs and help lower the cost of child care in the state.”  

“Registered Apprenticeship is a proven workforce development model that we have been expanding,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help us not only achieve our goals but further our efforts and reach even more individuals and businesses.”

Through the USDOL, State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grants support states to engage industry partners, create post-secondary education career pathways and develop the talent pipeline needed to meet the skill needs of their local labor markets. The investments are part of the third round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula funding the department has awarded. The State Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive grant will help support the launch, scaling, and sustainability of early childhood educator apprenticeships statewide, with an emphasis on “child care deserts” in the state.  

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is focused on expanding pathways for untapped talent to pursue meaningful careers and Registered Apprenticeship is a proven model to achieve this goal,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “As we scale Registered Apprenticeship to build the workforce among early childhood educators, we have registered 269 apprentices in this field and this grant position Massachusetts for building on this momentum to meet as we increase access to affordable, quality child care in Massachusetts.”  

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 work collaboratively over the past year to engage and scale registered apprenticeship. 

“Through Governor Healey’s Child Care Task Force, we have been working to support job seekers passionate about early childhood education to gain the skills and experience they need to join the field and meet their economic mobility goals. We have made progress, increasing educator compensation by almost 20%, reducing the number of vacant positions, adding more child care seats and opening more programs. This $6 million investment will accelerate this work, helping us to continue reducing child care costs for families and strengthening the early education and care workforce,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. 

“This record investment in apprenticeship is a game-changer for early childhood education employers in Massachusetts,” said Undersecretary Josh Cutler. “With these funds, we can partner with providers to launch and expand registered apprenticeship programs that strengthen their workforce, stabilize staffing, and ensure more families have access to high-quality care.” 

“Early education and care apprenticeships provide practical, hands-on experience and a clear career pathway — allowing participants to learn while earning,” said Department of Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “This grant will help grow and strengthen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the early education and care workforce while ensuring greater access to high-quality learning experiences for children and their families.” 

"Apprenticeships are hands-on experiences that help people build careers and strengthen our workforce,” Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Few people work harder than early childhood educators, and I know these dollars will be put to good use creating new opportunities and making a positive impact for families and businesses across Massachusetts." 

Massachusetts is recognized in scaling apprenticeship as an innovative workforce strategy in expansion industries, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized registered apprenticeship to address the state’s ongoing need for skilled labor and build a robust talent pipeline for future workforce needs. The investments not only support the immediate needs of employers, but also foster long-term economic growth by providing individuals with the skills necessary for high-demand occupations.  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts include expanding apprenticeships in fields such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, clean energy, and life sciences. As a result of these, since January 2023, the Division of Apprentice Standards has: 

• Leveraged state and federal funds to award more than $10 million in apprenticeship grants. 

• On track to register more than 10,000 by the end of the year 

• Registered 1,927 new apprentices in expanded industries 

• Registered 269 new apprenticeship programs 

• Expanded registered apprenticeship tax credit (RATC) to industries like clean energy and approved $480,000 in registered apprenticeship tax credits to employers who hired 100 apprentices, more than double the number in previous years 

• Reestablished the Apprenticeship Council 

「左撇子的女孩」將代表台灣角逐2026奧斯卡最佳國際影片

 

          (Boston Orange 編譯) 中華民國台灣文化部影視及流行音樂產業局8月28日宣佈，「左撇子女孩」將代表台灣角逐 2026 奧斯卡最佳國際影片。

台灣大約是在1957年時第一次選送影片角逐奧斯卡獎，然後從1985年起，才由文建會，後來是文化部，每年選送影片參加，但過去以來，只有李安執導的「喜宴」，「飲食男女」，「臥虎藏龍」曾經入圍，迄今也只有「臥虎藏龍」一片，曾經得獎。

「左撇子女孩（Left Handed Girl）」一片，是由台灣，美國，英國和法國合拍，由鄒時擎執導，由鄒時擎和Sean Baker共同編劇，講述一名單親媽媽和兩名女兒從鄉下回到台北，在夜市擺攤，從女兒視角，展現個人成長與家庭，傳統父權之間的衝突，也捕捉了台灣夜市文化的生命力。

文化部指出，「左撇子女孩」將於9月17日在法國上映，10月31日全台灣上映，預定11月28日到美國上映。

這部片已入選了第78屆坎城影展的國際影評人週單元，拿下「甘氏基金會獎」，「金鐵道獎」，也入圍了釜山影展主競賽單元，受邀參加多倫多，加拿大溫哥華等國際影展。

根據網路查得的資料，臺灣選送參加奧斯卡最佳國際影片（前稱最佳外語片）獎，較爲人知的影片有，1982年的「悲情城市」，1993年的「喜宴」，1994年的「飲食男女」，2000年的「臥虎藏龍」，2008年的「海角七號」，2011年的「賽德巴克萊」，2017年的「大佛普拉斯」，2019年的「陽光普照」，2024年的「老狐狸」。

即將於9月19日至25日推出第七屆影展的波士頓台灣影展協會，在過去這些年間，曾至少選映過「賽德巴克萊」，「大佛普拉斯」，「老狐狸」等片。

時代雜誌2025人工智慧100大 華裔14人

         （Boston Orange 綜合編譯） 時代雜誌（Times）日前公佈2025「時代人工智慧100人（TIME 100 AI）」名單，分領袖，創新者、塑造者，思想者4個類別，其中14人為華裔，加上其他數名非華裔，亞裔約佔20%。

            這是時代雜誌第三年從全世界在人工智慧領域最有影響力的人中挑出100人。馬斯克（Elon Musk），奧特曼（Sam Altrman），祖克柏(Mark Zuckerberg)，Peter Thiel等人當然在列。

            在2025年人工智慧領域中，最受矚目事件，莫過於Meta的祖克柏斥資逾億元的9位數薪資，聘僱汪滔（Alex Wang）和 Nat Friedman，使得人工智慧領域人才霎時間變成美國籃球協會的明星球員一般。

            入選2025年AI人才名單的電腦科學家Stuart Russell估計，人類社會在人工智慧上的花費，估計即使加入了通膨調整，都仍高達曼哈頓計劃的25倍，而這些錢，很多都是由在這名單上的人決定花的。他們包括軟銀的孫正義，開放人工智慧（Open AI）的奧特曼，XAI創辦人馬斯克，白宮AI凱薩David Sacks，以及歐盟的Henna Virkkunen。

            時代雜誌也指出，人工智慧世界變得很快，今年的TIME 100 AI名單中，只有16人在去年的名單上。

            入選2025「TIME 100 AI」的華裔共14人。

領袖類6人，分別有輝達（Nvidia）創辦人黃仁勳，DeepSeek創辦人梁文峰，創辦Ｓcale AI，剛被Meta收購的汪滔，台積電董事長兼總裁魏哲家，華為創辦人任正非，宇樹科技創辦人王興興。

創新者類4人，分別為自動駕駛公司小馬智行（Pony.ai）共同創辦人兼執行長彭軍，Surge AI創辦人兼執行長Edwin Chen，曾是海豹突擊隊隊員的Shield AI 共同創辦人兼總裁Brandon Tseng。

塑造者類1人，被人稱為「人工智慧教母」，創立ImageNet資料庫的史丹佛大學教授李飛飛。

思想家類3人，分別為Open AI的模型行為部門負責人Joanne Jang，以「人工智慧帝國」，這本探討Open AI的崛起，以及該技術的倫理與社會影響而備受讚譽的記者兼作家郝珂靈（Karen Hao），以及清華大學蘇世民書院院長，被人視為人工智慧治理和公共政策領軍人物的薛瀾。

            在2025 TIME 100 AI名單中的其他亞裔，至少還有越南裔的日本人工智慧研究公司Sakana AI的共同創辦人兼執行長David Ha，韓裔的史丹佛大學教授崔藝珍（Yejin Choi），以及日裔的軟銀創辦人孫正義。

As School Year Starts, Senate Leaders Applaud English Language Learner Protections Amid Trump Attacks

 As School Year Starts, Senate Leaders Applaud English Language Learner Protections Amid Trump Attacks 

Supplemental Budget Provision Combats Federal Rollbacks 

 

(BOSTON—9/4/2025) As the school year begins for students across Massachusetts, Senate leaders are applauding newly codified protections for K-12 students who are English language learners. These protections were enacted in response to the Trump Administration's rollback of protections for students who are learning English.  

 

Thanks to a policy provision that was passed by the Legislature in July and signed into law by the Governor on August 5, 2025, English language learners in Massachusetts will be legally required to have educational supports. In addition, parents will have the right to have trained interpreters for school interactions and students with disabilities will be legally protected from being disciplined for disability-related behaviors.

 

This new law comes as the Trump Administration is rescinding federal guidance that requires schools to properly identify and serve English learners, provide trained interpreters for parents, and safeguard students with disabilities from inequitable discipline and exclusion. 

 

“It doesn't matter what language you speak or where you are from—if you are a Massachusetts resident and a K-12 student, you have the right to the resources you need to get a good education,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “President Trump is taking away opportunities for students because of the language they speak. In Massachusetts, we will protect our students, and we will not back down from this bully.” 

 

“With the swift passage of these critical provisions, the Commonwealth has moved decisively to ensure that long-standing educational rights for English language learners and students with disabilities are codified into state law, right from the start of the school year,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Fortunately, the federal government’s efforts to roll back the rights of students does not apply here in Massachusetts, the birthplace of public education in America. When justice demands, we will continue to step up and act whenever appropriate to safeguard important public education protections in law; while continuing to provide vital resources to school districts to meet the needs of all students in our state.” 

 

“As someone who came to this country as an English learner at a young age, I know firsthand the challenges students and families face when language becomes a barrier to receiving a quality education,” said Senator Pavel M. Payano (D-Lawrence), lead sponsor of the legislation in the Senate. “Every student deserves the tools to succeed, no matter the language they speak at home. By codifying these rights into state law, we are sending a clear message that Massachusetts will continue to support all our students and their families regardless of their immigration status or English language proficiency.” 

 

“I am proud to be the lead co-sponsor of Senator Pavel Payano's legislation—now law—that maintains education rights for disabled and limited English proficient students across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett), Assistant Senate Majority Leader. “As the Trump administration takes rights and funding away from our children, it is my highest priority to use every legislative and funding lever we have to fill the gaps and enshrine critical protections like these into state law. I want to thank Senate President Spilka, Senator Payano, and my colleagues for passing this essential policy through the Senate.” 

 

“The Trump administration’s vile attacks on public education, immigrants, and students with disabilities are shameful and unpatriotic,” said Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “I was proud to work with my colleagues to quickly approve this bill in the Education Committee and to advocate for its final passage this summer. Everyone deserves access to a high-quality education in the United States, and in Massachusetts we follow through and actually stand up for our American values.” 

 

Key Protections Now Enshrined in Massachusetts Law:  

 

·                Maintaining Special Education Protections for English Learners with Disabilities. Codifies 2015 federal guidance ensuring that schools meet the needs of English learners with disabilities, whose educational supports too often go unmet. 

·                Ensuring Qualified Interpreters for Parents. Requires that school interpreters be fluent in both languages and trained in ethics, confidentiality, and educational terminology, so families are not forced to rely on untrained employees or unqualified interpreters. 

·                Protecting Students with Disabilities from Inequitable Exclusion. Preserves federal protections that prevent students from being unfairly disciplined or excluded when behaviors are directly tied to their disability, while still ensuring safety for all. 

·                Preserving the Right to Public Education Regardless of Immigration or Disability Status. Explicitly affirms the right to public education in Massachusetts for all children, regardless of disability or immigration status, strengthening state nondiscrimination law and aligning it with Plyler v. Doe. 

麻州出現第 2 宗人類感染西尼羅病毒案例

 State Health Officials Announce Season’s Second Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts

 

WNV risk levels elevated in 10 additional communities

 

BOSTON (September 3, 2025) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the second human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year in a woman in her 60s who was exposed in Essex County.

 

This follows yesterday’s announcement of the first confirmed WNV infection in a person this season. As a result of these two cases and ongoing evidence of WNV in mosquitoes, risk levels have been elevated to high in Belmont, Cambridge, Everett, Malden, Melrose, Revere, Saugus, Somerville, Wakefield, and Watertown.

 

“Massachusetts is in peak season for the spread of West Nile virus,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “While the temperatures have dropped slightly, this is the time of year when most people get exposed to the virus. We encourage everyone to use mosquito repellent, to wear clothing to reduce exposed skin, and to empty anything that may be collecting water outside your home.”

 

The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in the state this year were announced on June 17. Since then, 364 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV so far this season from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. There has also been one animal case of WNV this year in a goat.

 

The risk for WNV is now high in 20 municipalities in Suffolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties and moderate in 183 cities and towns in Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.

 

In addition to WNV, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has also been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year. There have been 21 EEE-positive mosquito samples and no human or animal cases so far this year.

 

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

 

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

 

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

 

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

 

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.

 

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

 

Learn more about mosquito-borne diseases, including all WNV- and EEE-positive results on DPH’s Arbovirus Surveillance Information page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800

Healey-Driscoll Administration Expands Community-Based Behavioral Health Services for Children and Youth

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Expands Community-Based Behavioral Health Services for Children and Youth 

Statewide Network of Community Service Agencies Selected to Provide Critical Services for MassHealth Children 

 

BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that 36 community service agencies have been selected across the state to provide home- and community-based services for children who are MassHealth members – nearly half of all children in Massachusetts – with behavioral, emotional and mental health needs. The new network will be the first expansion of the provider network in over a decade.  

 

The new network will offer more options for families, increase access to high-quality behavioral health services, and ensure geographic coverage across the entire state, including for families seeking specialized cultural and linguistic care. 

  

MassHealth provides health care coverage for nearly half of all Massachusetts children. As part of the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative, the selected agencies will provide intensive care coordination, family engagement services, and new intensive team-based treatment services for families of children and youth with particularly complex needs.  

 

Childhood mental health conditions affect many children and families across the country. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in five children ages three to seventeen have, at some point, been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition. 

 

"This expansion will strengthen the behavioral health system of support for hundreds of thousands of children and their families here in Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through this important work, we are making sure that our young people get the care that they need.” 

“These agencies will help us provide coordinated, innovative services that are essential to the behavioral and mental health of children here in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are thrilled to work with our partners to increase access to these services.” 

“Meeting the behavioral health needs of our young people and supporting their families is foundational to our commitment to a healthy society and is crucial to our work,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah. “This expanded network offers families of children enrolled in MassHealth the assurance that their child will get the care they need to thrive.”   

“MassHealth is dedicated to offering integrated behavioral health services and a comprehensive, community-based system of care for our members,” said Undersecretary for MassHealth Mike Levine. “This expanded network will help us strengthen those efforts to reach more kids who need help.” 

Community service agencies were selected through a rigorous review process led by the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP), with review teams comprised of community members and caregivers with relevant lived experience and representatives from state agencies and managed care entities. MBHP will conduct a rigorous readiness process with the selected agencies prior to contracting. 

 

“We are excited to announce the selection of new community service agencies, key partners in providing every child and family with access to coordinated care,” said Sharon Hanson, Vice President of Client Partnerships and CEO, MBHP. “With innovations like Family-based Intensive Treatment, we aim to transform behavioral health services and create lasting positive change in our communities."  

 

As part of Carelon Behavioral Health, MBHP manages comprehensive, high-quality behavioral health care for over 400,000 MassHealth members statewide, ensuring accessible and culturally sensitive services through strategic collaborations with state agencies, providers, and community stakeholders to promote rehabilitation, recovery, and whole health. 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Application for $60 Million in Career Technical Education Capital Funding for Schools

Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Application for $60 Million in Career Technical Education Capital Funding for Schools  

Funding will add over 2,000 new career tech seats and support schools to buy and install training equipment 

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that applications are now open for comprehensive high schools and career technical schools to apply for $60 million in Career Technical Education (CTE) program capital grants. This multi-year funding will support over 2,000 new CTE seats through expansion of existing and new career tech programs, as well as for the purchase and installation of training equipment. 

The capital grants, made possible through Fair Share funding, will enable new programs that meet the workforce needs of regional employers. Projects will be prioritized that offer more CTE programs at night and on weekends to serve more high school students and adult learners and in geographic areas that have long waitlists and limited regional capacity. 

“We know there is a strong demand for Career Technical Education because it is proven to give students the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce. This capital investment project answers the call for more seats and additional program hours across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This multi-year expansion plan reflects our commitment to growing career pathways, closing workforce gaps, and improving career readiness for students across the state.” 

“Career Technical Education plays a vital role in our economy and our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By investing in facilities, equipment and flexible learning time, we’re empowering more students to gain the skills they need to succeed and ensuring every region in Massachusetts benefits from these investments.”  

As part of the administration’s “Reimagining High School” initiative, CTE programs equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market through development of innovative, applied learning opportunities that align with current industry needs and provide students with high quality learning experiences that enable them to see and understand their future career paths, including continued education. 

CTE programs are offered during the regular school day at approved comprehensive high schools and dedicated career technical schools. Career technical schools and comprehensive high schools also offer CTE Partnership Programs “After Dark” that take place after the school day to provide additional public-school students with access to career technical education. Further, CTE schools provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers through the Career Technical Initiative (CTI). 

“With this investment, we’re giving schools the resources they need to train the next generation of skilled workers and to support adult learners who are ready to acquire new skills or change careers,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “CTE programs are a proven pathway to good jobs and this expansion project will allow more students to thrive and reach their full potential.”  

“Career Technical Education schools provide job training and placement for adult learners, positioning Massachusetts to develop a workforce pipeline for in-demand occupations in regions across the state,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration appreciates partnering with CTE schools to invest these capital funds, grow critical infrastructure, and close skills gaps that will empower future talent ready to compete in high growth industries.” 

“Career Technical Education is one of the smartest investments we can make in Massachusetts’ economy,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “At the beginning of this session, I recommitted the Senate to making historic increases in funding in this area, and I’m proud to see that commitment come to life — delivering the resources that both students and employers need to grow and compete in the global workforce. I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their leadership and for expeditiously opening these applications so schools across the Commonwealth can access these funds.” 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has been expanding access to career-connected education in a variety of ways through their Reimagining High School initiative. Over the past two and a half years, the administration has approved 49 new CTE programs, supporting 2,334 additional students. Also, Governor Healey’s BRIGHT Act includes $100 million for Skills Capital grants that help high schools, colleges and educational institutions upgrade technology and instructional lab spaces, expand career programs, and increase the capacity of workforce training programs. These efforts build on expansions the administration has made to Early College programs, Innovation Career Pathways, work-based learning opportunities and My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP). 

"There is huge demand for more CTE programs, and these grants will help address the need for additional capacity," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "I look forward to seeing programs expand across the state to help students connect their learning with their future career." 

"The MSBA has been proud to support grants for the new construction and improvements to 28 career and vocational schools as well as adding programs in academic and comprehensive high schools since 2007, paving the way for thousands of students to learn the skills needed for a successful future,” said Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. "As Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority, I am pleased to see this additional funding provided through the Fair Share Act that will continue to promote learning opportunities for CTE programs and students." 

Massachusetts comprehensive high schools and dedicated career tech schools that operate CTE programs interested in this grant program can apply online. The deadline for submissions is October 30, 2025, by 3:00 PM. An opportunity will be available later this fall for comprehensive high schools that do not yet have a CTE program to apply for planning grants. 

昆士市不分區市議員初選 袁自強、Andrew Pham 告捷

袁自強（Susan Yuan)初選告捷，11月4日能否當選還戴亞裔支持。（周菊子攝）

                   （Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導）麻州昆士市的9月2日初選，幾家歡樂幾家愁，初次參選的2名亞裔，袁自強(Susan Yuan)和Andy Pham順利晉級，成為11月4日大選的6名不分區市議員候選人之一。第六區市議員初選，競爭過於激烈，陳天偉飲恨。

Andrew Pham 晉級昆市是不分區市議員大選。（周菊子攝）

            昆士市的這2025年市級選舉，儘管亞裔人口已高達全市人口30%以上，亞裔參選人數也創下歷來最多的歷史紀錄，但選民出席投票率卻相當低。在68,000名登記選民中，僅只9.5%已登記選民在不分區市議員選舉中投了票。

梁錦輝（Tom Leung，右一)刻正競選昆士市學校委員會委員。（周菊子攝）

            進入大選，將角逐3個不分區市議員席位的6名候選人，分別為曾任市議員，參選過昆市市長，得票數最高的Anne Mahoney，得3234票。其他晉級大選者，分別為得3018票的在位市議員Noel DiBona，得2576票的Scott Campbell，首次參選，得1853票的袁自強（ Susan Yuan），現任昆士市計畫委員會委員，得1804票的Alie Shaughnessy ，和年僅28歲的會計專業人士，得1617票的Andrew Pham。

            另外2名不分區市議員參選人，Jackie Carvey得707票，Hannah Kaplan 得594 votes票，落選。

            第六區市議員部分，晉級大選的是目前在位，得646票的Bill Harris，和挑戰席位，得609票的Deborah Riley。

李啟文（左）將於11月4日競逐昆士市學校委員會席位。（李啟文提供）

            參選新人陳天偉（Christopher Chan）得259票，Jim Coffey得235票，未能晉級。

昆士市市議員選舉第6選區，有11,660已登記選民，但只有其中的15.22%，在9月2日這天出席投票了。陳天偉的得票數雖然排名第三，但得票數和2名晉級大選的候選人差距頗大。

昆士市學校委員會委員部分，6個任期4年的席位，每2年改選其中的3個席位，今年共有6人參選，符合大選僅有2名候選人角逐一個席位條件，所以不辦初選。

李啟文(Kaiman Lee)和梁錦輝（ Tom Leung）這2名亞裔，將在11月4日和其他4名昆士市學校委員會委員參選人，角逐3個席位。