波士頓台大校友會慶冬至吃湯圓 歲末同樂

波士頓台大校友會歲末吃湯圓聚會。（周菊子攝）

               （Boston Orange 周菊子麻州劍橋市報導）波士頓台大校友會12月7日借用麻省理工學院宿舍，舉辦冬至暖心湯圓同樂會，請出席者現場自製湯圓，享用水煎包，玩遊戲，六、七十人歡聚一堂，笑聲此起彼落，現場氣氛十分熱絡。

波士頓台大校友會會長李佳蓉（中）和嘉賓，右起中華專協會長盧彥君，
TECO科技組組長蔡孟勳，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，影展協會共會長林致中。
（周菊子攝）

                  現任會長李佳蓉當天身體微恙，帶著口罩招呼到場校友與和應邀出席的波士頓經文處科技組組長蔡孟勳，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富。

                  蔡孟勳也是台大校友，被國科會借調來波士頓之前，還是台大生物科技研究所所長。他笑說自己參加活動時，常有學生突然上前告訴他，以前上過他的課，不知道波士頓這兒有沒他以前的學生，接著祝福校友們今冬在波士頓很溫暖，喜歡滑雪的，歡迎找他做伴。

波士頓台大校友會會長李佳蓉展示高家富主任捐出的抽獎品。（周菊子攝）

                  高家富表示自己代表僑委會委員長表達問候之意，感謝台大校友會過去一年來十分支持僑教中心的活動，尤其是雙十國慶遊行時，不但參加遊行，還提供表演節目。他祝願校友們冬天保重身體，迎接新年。

高家富接著指出台大校友人才輩出，當天在會場的就有波士頓急難救助協會會長林麗珠，紐英崙中華專業人員協會的盧彥君，波士頓台灣同鄉會的前任會長鄭嵎，波士頓台灣影展協會共會長林致中，波士頓北一女校友會前會長吳杏玫等人。

2名校友主持遊戲環節。（周菊子攝）

近年來台大校友會大都在大波士頓城區舉辦活動，出席校友有很明顯的年輕化跡象，和各個學校的台灣學生會也聯繫更加密切。哈佛的副會長白奇剛，前會長姚俊辰，MIT的會長張浩揚，波士頓大學的會長葉宇愷等人這晚也都來參加活動，聯絡情誼。

                  台大生化系畢業的林致中，藉用機會宣傳影展協會和羅德島台灣共好會合作，將於12月13日下午4點半至6點半，在羅德島州普域敦斯市（Providence

台大校友會活動中的北一女桌。（周菊子攝）

）圖書館，舉辦「造山者」紀錄片放映會。他鼓勵沒去過羅德島州的台大校友，可以利用機會安排一日遊，順道參觀位於羅德島州的布朗大學，以及有名的羅德島設計學院。他還說，影展協會刻正招募新志工，歡迎喜歡電影的人加入。今年影展節目冊上的45、46頁上有個二維碼（QR code），只要掃碼，在今年年底以前都還可以免費看10部片的線上影展。

                  

玩遊戲時，完成任務，全桌舉手回應。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台大校友會在大波士頓一直是個規模頗大的社團，近年來由於年輕校友接任會長，活動舉辦地點多半在城區，停車不易，以致出席校友有急遽年輕化現象。現任會長李佳蓉表示，還有部分原因是不少年長校友退休後搬遷他州，該會正在努力聯絡，希望重建年長與年輕校友之間的連接。

波士頓台大校友會會長李佳蓉招呼校友入座。（周菊子攝）

MIT台灣學生會會長張浩揚（右二）和哈佛副會長白奇剛等同學都是台大校友。
（周菊子攝）

波士頓台大校友會的冬至暖心湯圓同樂會有六、七十人參加。（周菊子攝）

波士頓北一女校友會慶10週年 會長林遊嵐交棒給徐麗玲

波士頓北一女校友會歷屆會長，右起，趙小怡，江佩蓉，李欣，吳萍萍，吳杏玫，
饒雨涵，林麗珠，林遊嵐，徐麗玲。（北一女校友會提供）

             （Boston Orange 綜合報導）波士頓北一女校友會12月6日在麻州Natick鎮慶祝成立10週年，共有90多人參加，見證林遊嵐交棒給徐麗玲的會長交接，盛況打破歷年紀錄。

            林遊嵐指出，在校友會的理事會和10週年慶籌備小組努力下，校友會今年完成了好幾個意義重大項目。

波士頓北一女校友會會長林遊嵐（左）送上禮物，感謝趙明華修女的分享，
送上校友會榮譽會員資格。（周菊子攝）

            首先是前會長吳杏玫組成波士頓北一女樂儀隊，參加了波士頓僑界每年一度的雙十遊行，為校友會爭光。吳杏玫和林麗珠2名前會長還為校友會親手製作了印有校徽，校友會中英文名稱的精緻橫幅。

其次有 校友李翠蘭和梁雅惠製作「十全十美只為你」視頻，訪問了包括這天現身會場，講述16年來參與打擊人口販賣行動，致力幫助弱勢人群的趙明華修女等共30名校友。

波士頓北一女校友會新任會長徐麗玲（右一）和現任會長林遊嵐，新任
副會長徐麗玲，介紹也是校友的趙明華修女（右二）。（周菊子攝）

           將於2026年接任校友會正副會長的徐麗玲、李翠蘭在10月中特地返回母校，拜會了北一女首名男校長陳智源，也錄製了一段北一女校舍影片，在10週年慶祝會現場播放，供校友們回顧當年的綠園歲月。

            波士頓北一女校友會還參加了美國北一女校友基金會（ABAF）發起的支持母校STEM課程募款活動，由前會長林麗珠代表，把校友會熱心響應得來的共3000美元捐款送出去。

吳杏玫和林麗珠為波士頓北一女校友會製作的新橫幅。（北一女校友會提供）

          其他的項目還訂製印有北一女校徽的馬克杯，為母校籌款，發給每名出席校友一份，內有一條綠綢巾，一塊鳳梨酥的10週年慶伴手禮，其中綠綢巾上的燙金字是前任會長林麗珠和吳杏玫利用感恩節假期趕工製作的，鳳梨酥則是前會長吳萍萍捐款，從台灣買來，由校友梁雅會親手包裝。

            林遊嵐謙遜表示，卸任在即，她非常感謝過去一年來校友們為該會出錢出力，理事會與10週年籌備小組的無私奉獻。有機會為校友會服務，是她的榮幸。

            波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，這天雙雙應邀出席，並代表僑委會委員長徐佳青，為將卸任的林遊嵐和接任的徐麗玲這2名會長，送上感謝狀和恭賀狀。

            波士頓北一女校友們這天在聚會中，除了享用海鮮自助餐，聽趙明華修女講述打擊販賣人口經歷之外，還有吳杏玫率樂儀隊表演，全體唱校歌等活動。

            波士頓北一女校友會是10年前由趙小怡和熱心校友創辦的，起初只有廿、三十人，經過吳國志，江佩蓉，李欣，吳萍萍，張冕，吳杏玫，饒雨涵，林麗珠，林遊嵐等歷屆會長努力，如今記錄在冊的已有247人，其中更有75人是永久會員，發展越見壯大。（更新版）

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF OFFICE TO RESIDENTIAL CONVERSION PROGRAM AS IT SURPASSES 1,500 NEW HOMES

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF OFFICE TO RESIDENTIAL CONVERSION PROGRAM AS IT SURPASSES 1,500 NEW HOMES

Program far exceeds expectations for number of units and permitting speed and efficiency

BOSTON - Friday, December 12, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the extension of the City’s successful Office to Residential Conversion Program ahead of its scheduled expiration at the end of this month. The program, which formally launched in October of 2023, has received 22 applications to convert 1.2 million square feet of office space across 27 buildings into 1,517 new homes, including 284 income-restricted units, far exceeding initial city goals. Four projects totaling 236 units are currently under construction, and one of the first buildings to apply for the program at 281 Franklin Street with 15 units has already been fully tenanted. A total of 251 units are either under construction or completed. The Planning Department officially recommended and received approval for the extension of the Program at the December BPDA Board meeting.  “As Boston continues to take action to drive down housing costs, the Office to Residential Conversation program is critical to building a more affordable Boston for all residents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “By expanding the program and building a pipeline of over 1,500 new units of housing, we are building the foundation for a stronger and more vibrant downtown and neighborhoods.” “This program has proven to be extremely successful in removing vacant office space from the market and breathing new life into older, pre-war office buildings,” said Chief of Planning Kairos Shen. “By extending the program, we hope to attract another thousand units to the program in the next year, and continue to catalyze a more vibrant, residential community in our Downtown with thousands of new residents in the heart of our city.” The recently updated zoning for Downtown, as well as the updated zoning for the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District, enables these conversion projects to begin construction more quickly, and allows them to move forward without needing to seek relief from the Zoning Board of Appeal.  “We are happy to see the program extended. Office to Residential conversions – putting homes close to jobs – is just good policy,” said Synergy CEO Dave Greaney. “Less vacant office space and more residents Downtown will help stabilize the office market, lessen the burden on transportation, and support downtown restaurants and retail.  We look forward to working with the city and state on future projects.” “As one of the first developers to recognize the opportunity that vacant office buildings present, I’ve seen firsthand how much untapped value these properties hold. The Downtown Conversion Pilot Program has allowed my company to breathe new life into underused office assets and turn them into real housing for real people,” said Founder of Boston Pinnacle Properties Adam Burns. “Extending the program is a huge win for the city, for residents, and for anyone who believes Boston’s future depends on a vibrant, lived-in downtown. We’re proud to be helping lead the way and look forward to announcing our next project that is being made possible by this extension.” Projects in the conversion program have been able to take advantage of an expedited review process. By creating a new streamlined process that coordinates city and state agencies, the Planning Department has helped conversion projects complete their review in just six months. "Dinosaur Capital Partners is a strong proponent of the continuation of Mayor Wu’s successful Office To Residential Conversion Program. The Program offers a unique combination of financial incentives and fast track permitting which made approval of our 110 apartments, including 22 affordable homes, the fastest and most efficient approval process I’ve seen since I started working in the City of Boston in 1987," said Managing Partner of Dinosaur Capital Partners LLC Scott Oran. "The conversion program is unique in remedying our dire housing shortage, reducing an over-supplied downtown office market, and creating a vibrant 24/7 Financial District for Boston’s residents and visitors. It’s a triple win and a great example of public private partnership. Dinosaur looks forward to completing its next project under the extended program." “The Downtown Boston Alliance (DBA) applauds the Wu Administration and the Planning Department for supporting a reauthorization of the Office to Residential Conversion Program for 2026,” said President of the DBA Michael Nichols. “Extending the program for another year is the right move to give developers the time and clarity needed to structure additional proposals. We have already seen the delivery of new units in the downtown core, and we view this step as vital to maintaining the momentum. As we continue to reshape the neighborhood and the balance between our mix of uses, the creation of new housing remains one of the DBA’s highest priorities.” “Our neighborhood has a long and vibrant history of mixed uses, with historic warehouse and light-industrial buildings being thoughtfully converted to residential use since artists first began settling our community in the mid-1970s. The conversion currently underway by Boston Pinnacle Properties at 263 Summer Street perfectly illustrates the tremendous opportunity the Fort Point building stock offers developers looking to participate in the City of Boston’s Office to Residential Conversion Program,” said Tom Ready of the Fort Point Neighborhood Association. “We are genuinely excited by the extension of this program and look forward to seeing many more properties city-wide take advantage of the benefits it provides. The Office to Residential Conversion Program provides a 75 percent tax abatement for 29 years as an incentive to developers to convert vacant office space into residential units, including student and workforce housing. The goal of this program is to support owners and developers of older commercial office buildings in converting them to housing, and to help stabilize the office market downtown while also increasing the housing stock in Downtown Boston. The program is also designed to respond to post-pandemic economic shifts that will prioritize expanding housing options Downtown, creating an 18-hour, mixed-use neighborhood.  The application will remain open through December 31, 2026 with approvals given on a rolling basis. Applicants during this extended period must commit to pulling a full building permit and starting construction by December 31, 2027 to benefit from the program.

中華表演藝術基金會訂1/10舉辦黎卓宇鋼琴獨奏會

黎卓宇。（中華表演藝術基金會提供）

           （Boston Orange ）中華表演藝術基金會訂 2026 年1月10日(週六)晚上8點，假新英格蘭音樂學院喬丹廳 (Jordan Hall)，舉辦第37屆音樂季第2場音樂會，邀曾獲莫斯科柴可夫斯基鋼琴大賽銀獎，名報盛讚的鋼琴家黎卓宇（George Li），演奏李斯特和蕭邦作品。

黎卓宇曾獲許多獎項，包括2015年的莫斯科國際柴可夫斯基鋼琴大賽銀牌，2016 年艾弗里・費雪職業發展獎（Avery Fisher Career Grant），2012 年吉爾摩青年藝術家獎（Gilmore Young Artist Award），以及 2010 年青年演奏家國際選拔賽（Young Concert Artists International Auditions）一等奖。

黎卓宇也常和世界頂尖樂團和指揮家合作演出，踏上過許多個在世界各地最負盛名的音樂廳舞臺。

「紐約時報」曾經形容黎卓宇是個能「把青春的奔放與完全的掌控力融為一體」的鋼琴家。

「華盛頓郵報」也盛讚黎卓宇「擁有令人震撼的技術實力、極強的掌控力與深邃的表現力」。

2017年時，黎卓予以華納古典音樂（Warner Classics）簽約藝術家身份，發行了他的首張獨奏專輯，接著2019 年第二張專輯，2024 年發行的第三張專輯《Movements》，還被「留聲機（Gramophone）」雜誌評為 2024 年 8 月「最佳新古典專輯」之一。

自 12 歲起便一直師從卞和暻（Wha Kyung Byun）的黎卓宇，2019年從哈佛大學和新英格蘭大學的雙學位項目畢業，獲得英文文學學士與音樂碩士學位，2022 年再上層樓，獲得新英格蘭音樂學院的藝術家文憑 (Artistic Diploma)。

黎卓宇將於2026 年 1 月 10 日演出的曲目包括：李斯特的《彼特拉克三首十四行詩》：第 123 首，《B 小調鋼琴奏鳴曲》，S.178，蕭邦的《升 F 大調即興曲》第 2 首，作品 36《B 小調鋼琴奏鳴曲》，作品 58。

音樂會票價為 $20 (7- 13 歲)、$40、$60。主辦方提供14歲以上學生免費票，以及非學生贈送卷。需事前預訂。6歲以下兒童請勿入場。詳情請在中華表演藝術基金會的官網查詢.https://www.chineseperformingarts.net/contents/season/20260110/index.html

線上售票1月10日下午3時將關閉。現場沒有免費票贈送。門票為10美元，僅限現金支付。

PLANNING ADVANCES REDEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC LAND IN THE MARINE PARK AND CHARLESTOWN NAVY YARD Affordable housing moves forward in Charlestown, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, and Roxbury

BOSTON - December 11, 2025 - The Planning Department this month recommended approval of real estate actions to advance the redevelopment of Parcel M in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park and Pier 5 in the Charlestown Navy Yard, and recommended an extension of the Office to Residential Conversion Program to the BPDA Board. Staff also recommended approval of nine new development projects representing approximately 321,688 square feet (SF). All were approved. The newly approved development proposals will create 278 new homes, including 170 units that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 296 construction jobs and 159 permanent jobs. The projects advanced today will help make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city. Office to Residential Conversion Program extended The Planning Department recommended and received approval to extend the Office to Residential Conversion Program. The program, which formally launched in October of 2023, has received 22 applications to convert 1.2 million square feet of office space across 27 buildings into 1,517 new homes, including 284 income-restricted units, far exceeding initial city goals. Four projects totaling 236 units are currently under construction, and one of the first buildings to apply for the program at 281 Franklin Street has already fully tenanted its 15 units. A total of 251 units are either under construction or completed. Applicants during this extended period must commit to pulling a full building permit and starting construction by December 31, 2027 to benefit from the program.  Real Estate Planning advances redevelopment of Parcel M on the South Boston Waterfront  The Board awarded tentative designation to Marcus Partners for the redevelopment of Parcel M in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park (RLFMP) at 3 Dolphin Way. Marcus Partners is proposing a new advanced marine manufacturing and research and development facility to support the development, integration, and testing of marine technologies. The project would also install a new floating dock at the East Jetty. The proposal is estimated to create hundreds of temporary construction jobs and new permanent ‘blue tech’ research and development jobs. Like all publicly-owned parcels in the RLFMP, the selected development team will be required to meet Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion evaluation criterion, including Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs) in all aspects of their development process. Planning advances redevelopment of Pier 5 in Charlestown The Board awarded tentative designation to Courageous Sailing to redevelop Pier 5 in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Staff issued the original RFP for this site in September 2024 focusing on creating public open space and enhancing waterfront access and education. Because of the significant deterioration of the current pier, the RFP also included up to $8 million in public funding for the pier’s rehabilitation or demolition. The requirements of the RFP were based on extensive feedback from the community over the last several years. The Courageous Sailing team, which currently operates out of nearby Pier 4, is proposing to demolish the current pier and build a new building and public open space including: a roof terrace, harbor pool and floating dock, an ecological learning lagoon, and a public venue. The new building on site would include classrooms, office space, concessions, and other public amenities, increasing year-round public access to the waterfront. The team will continue to refine their proposal with Planning Department staff over the next year. Planning staff advance an Invitation For Bids (IFB) to extend Harborwalk in Charlestown The Board accepted a $500,000 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation’s MassTrails program and approved an IFB to advance the construction of the Little Mystic Channel Harborwalk Extension in Charlestown. This project will complete a missing section of the Boston Harborwalk, providing connectivity, supporting pedestrian safety, and allowing equitable access to the waterfront.  Development Projects 15 Supertest Street grocery store and housing project, and Hood Park PDA amendment move forward  Housing: 32 residential units, 26 income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 52 construction jobs, approximately 34 permanent jobs Community: New local grocery store Sustainability: LEED Gold, all-electric building Located in Charlestown, the project at 15 Supertest Street will build a new grocery store with 32 homes above it. Of those units, 26 will be income-restricted. The income-restricted units are being delivered early as part of the income-restricted unit requirement from the proposed 25 Supertest Street hotel and residential project. A grocery store and affordable housing were identified as key community needs in PLAN: Charlestown. The project will also contribute new landscaping, public realm improvements, $18,595 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system, and more than $102,000 in mitigation funding.  4259-4267 Washington Street project will create new senior housing in Roslindale and incorporate hallmark features of Squares + Streets zoning Housing: 41 housing units for seniors, all income-restricted Jobs: Approximately 38 construction jobs Community: Home for the Thrift Shop of Boston in Roslindale Square Sustainability: NZC compliant, Passive House-Certified, close proximity to public transportation This project will transform a prior bank parking lot into a six-story building with ground-floor retail and housing above. Located in the heart of Roslindale Square, the building will create 41 homes for seniors and older adults (age 55+), all of which will be income-restricted at or below 60 percent AMI. Residents will have access to a multi-purpose room, a fitness center, bike storage, management offices, shared laundry, a roof deck, and resident services. A transit-oriented development, the project is located near a number of MBTA bus routes and the Roslindale Village Commuter Rail. The project will also include an outdoor courtyard and improvements to the public realm along Washington Street such as widening the sidewalks, protecting three existing trees, and planting at least two additional trees.  This project is fully zoning compliant and is the first project to be approved in Roslindale Square since the area was rezoned with Squares + Streets zoning districts. The project incorporates the vision of Squares + Streets with active ground floor uses, new homes near transit and small businesses, and community spaces including a courtyard and roof deck.  Senior housing project at 151 Lenox Street moves forward in Roxbury Housing: 38 units of income-restricted, senior housing  Jobs: Approximately 30 construction jobs Community: Ground floor community room, resident services, programming for seniors, close proximity to neighborhood resources Sustainability: NZC compliant, fully electric building, Passive House Located in Roxbury, this transit-oriented development will turn a vacant publicly-owned lot into 38 units of income-restricted senior housing. The project also plans to partner with local organizations to deliver health, wellness, education, and cultural programs to residents. Public realm improvements will include reconstructing sidewalks and planting new street trees.  Majority income-restricted housing project moves forward at 294 Hyde Park Avenue in Jamaica Plain Housing: 48 residential units, 43 income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 44 construction jobs Community: Public realm improvements Sustainability: All-electric, NZC compliant Located in Jamaica Plain, this project will create 48 new homes, 43 of which will be income-restricted. These will be a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three- bedroom units. The building will also include bike parking and recreational space for tenants. The project will also improve the public realm by widening the sidewalks on site and adding or preserving trees. The building will be all-electric and Net Zero Carbon compliant, contributing to the City’s sustainability goals. 1 Longfellow Place project to convert offices to housing Housing: 24 housing units, five income-restricted Jobs: Approximately 11 construction jobs Community: New residents living Downtown Sustainability: Adaptive re-use and preservation of existing building This project will renovate two floors of office space into 24 new homes Downtown, including five income-restricted units. The two-tower, 38-story building is already primarily residential. This project is one of 22 applicants to Mayor Wu’s successful Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, which is on track to create more than 1,500 units from the conversion of 27 vacant office buildings.  Project at 1 & 10 Emerson Place to bring new homes Downtown Housing: 33 housing units, six income-restricted  Jobs: Approximately 18 construction jobs  Community: New residents living Downtown Sustainability: Adaptive re-use and preservation of existing building This project will renovate office space into housing in two buildings that are already primarily residential. The renovation will deliver 33 new homes Downtown, six of which will be income-restricted. This project is one of 22 applicants to Mayor Wu’s successful Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, which is on track to create more than 1,500 units from the conversion of 27 vacant office buildings.   Project at 1028-1032 Dorchester Avenue to bring new housing to Dorchester Housing: 22 residential units, four income-restricted units Jobs: Local business to tenant ground floor Community: Public realm improvements, bike parking, close proximity to public transportation Sustainability: Solar-ready roof Located in Savin Hill, this project will build a new four-story building with 22 residential units, four of which will be income-restricted. These will be a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. The project is a transit-oriented development, will include bike parking on site, and will contribute $8,008 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system.  110 Wales Street will bring new homeownership opportunities to Mattapan Housing: 40 homeownership units, seven income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 41 construction jobs Community: Public realm improvements Sustainability: Passive House, all-electric, solar panels, EV charging stations, green roof and rain garden This project will build a new five-story building with 40 homes, seven of which will be income-restricted. This project will contribute $11,000 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system, and will improve the public realm by widening the sidewalks on site and adding or preserving trees. New office and assembly space move forward at 100 Magazine Street in Newmarket Jobs: New office and assembly space Community: Public realm improvements Sustainability: Increased tree canopy, new EV parking This project will renovate a vacant warehouse and existing office space into new offices. This project falls within the PLAN: Newmarket study area which encourages the preservation and growth of industrial jobs. Exterior improvements will be made to the existing building, including a new roof, facade and window renovations. Nearly 50 trees and pollinator planting beds will be placed across the site to help minimize the urban heat island effect. Other pedestrian-focused improvements include widening sidewalks and narrowing the driveway curb cuts on site. The project will also contribute $10,285 to the Boston Transportation Department to support the bikeshare system. In addition to these projects, the board approved: An update to a previously approved project at Allston Square to reduce the amount of parking on site. An update to a previously approved project at 257 Washington Street to increase the number of income-restricted and family-sized units on site. A change of use at 4 Alger Street from industrial to exercise and entertainment. An Invitation for Bid (IFB) to realign Fid Kennedy Avenue in the RLFMP. A Demonstration Project Plan for 11 Ashmont Park to facilitate the property being acquired and redeveloped for use by the Boston Fire Department.

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.