Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $900,000 to Help Young Adults with Disabilities Prepare for Employment

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $900,000 to Help Young Adults with Disabilities Prepare for Employment

 

DANVERS - The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $900,000 in grant funding for six organizations across Massachusetts to provide job training, employment placement, and post-placement services for 116 young adults with disabilities.

 

Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones made the announcement at Northeast Arc, Inc. in Danvers. Northeast Arc, Inc received $115,000 to provide training for 15 young adults with disabilities in the Food Service and Child Care industry. Participants will receive classroom training specific to Food Service and Child Care occupations, benefit from job tours, job trials and paid internship opportunities, and after completing program requirements, job placement and support services. They will earn ServSafe, CPR and First Aid certifications.

 

Since 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with Commonwealth Corporation, has awarded $2,715,625 in Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities grants, projected to provide training and job placement services to over 360 individuals. Participants have been placed in a wide range of industries, including Transportation & Warehousing, Administrative and Support Services, Recreation, Educational Services, Waste Management, and Retail. The program also provides essential workforce support to help overcome employment barriers, such as transportation assistance, job coaching, soft and hard skills training, post-placement support, and support with requesting workplace accommodations.

 

“Across our state, there are talented, motivated people who face real barriers to employment—and employers who are eager to hire and grow their workforce,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants help break down those barriers by providing the skills, supports, and pathways people need to succeed in high-demand industries.”

 

“Everyone deserves an opportunity for meaningful work,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “These grants are about removing barriers, supporting people where they are, and connecting individuals with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed—while helping employers build a stronger, more inclusive workforce.”

 

Today’s announcement investments in Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities grants builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategic investment to attract and develop diverse, skilled talent to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers across industries and statewide. The grant program, funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and administered by Commonwealth Corporation, engages organizations dedicated to training young adults with disabilities.

 

“The Healey-Driscoll administration’s workforce agenda focuses on increasing access and reducing barriers to meaningful employment for Massachusetts jobseekers, including individuals with disabilities,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “We value the partnerships with awarded organizations to provide critical job skills and wrap around support that will improve employment outcomes and advance economic opportunities for individuals with disabilities as we grow a more inclusive workforce in Massachusetts.”

 

“We are deeply committed to supporting community-based organizations that are driving inclusive training and employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities across Massachusetts,” said Molly Jacobson, President & CEO of Commonwealth Corporation. “Their leadership and innovation are paving the way toward a more equitable workforce where every young person can pursue meaningful, fulfilling careers. We’re grateful for their partnership and congratulate this round of grantees for the impact they’re making in our communities.”

 

The following is a complete list of the organizations awarded the Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities grant totaling $900,000:  

 

Berkshire County Arc, Inc. (BCArc), Pittsfield: $80,000

BCArc will support 12 program participants by providing a structured pathway to employment in the healthcare sector. Through partnerships with Sugar Hill and Craneville Place of Dalton, participants will receive hands-on training for entry-level healthcare positions. Training will focus on roles such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Dietary Aide, Home Health Aide, and Activities Assistant. Skills acquired at Sugar Hill and Craneville Place will be transferable to other healthcare employers throughout the region.

 

Central Mass Center for Business & Enterprise, D.B.A. Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development (BV Hub), Whitinsville: $170,000

The Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development (BV Hub) will deliver the Foundations in Healthcare and School Support Careers program, an inclusive training and employment initiative preparing 24 neurodivergent young adults with cognitive disabilities for sustainable careers in the health and social services sector. Employer and community partners include Optum Health Reliant Healthcare, Applied Behavior Institute (ABI), Sutton Public Schools, Northbridge Public Schools, MassHire Central Region Workforce Board, MassAbility, Center of Hope, and transition programs at Nipmuc and Uxbridge.

 

Curry College, Milton: $165,000

Curry College’s Neurodiversity Center for Excellence (NCE) will launch a comprehensive employment transition program designed to support 22 neurodivergent young adults with disabilities across Massachusetts. The initiative focuses on building executive function skills, workplace readiness, and inclusive employer partnerships to improve employment outcomes for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. Employer partners include Alkermes, The Trustee of Reservations, and Enterprise Mobility.

 

Jewish Vocational Service (JVS), Boston: $175,000

The Transitions to Work (TTW) program at Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) will prepare 18 young adults with disabilities in Greater Boston and Brockton with the skills needed to compete for jobs, while building overall job readiness and life skills through training and internships. Partnering with top local employers like CVS Health, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, and Old Colony YMCA, South Shore Hospital, VA Brockton Medical Center, and the Sodexo-managed food service departments at Boston Children’s Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, TTW equips participants with the skills they need to thrive in the workforce.

 

Northeast Arc, Inc. (NeArc), Danvers: $115,00

NeArc will prepare 15 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder with training in the Food Service and Child Care industry. Participants will receive classroom training specific to Food Service and Child Care occupations, benefit from job tours, job trials and paid internship opportunities, and after completing program requirements, job placement and support services. They will earn ServSafe, CPR and First Aid certifications.

 

Polus Center for Social and Economic Development, Athol: $195,000

Retail Skills for Young Adults with Disabilities is an 8-week training program that will train 27 young adults with disabilities, ages 18–35, who are interested in pursuing work with one of Polus’ employer partners (Price Chopper, CVS Health, or Shaws) or at similar grocery or retail settings. The program will be offered statewide, with a focus on Central and North Central Massachusetts, Middlesex County, and Greater Boston.

麻州經歷企業轉型陣痛 2026以來12家企業裁員共1000餘人

           (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 波士頓環球報在2月3日以一連3篇文章，報導ZipCar、Panera、Thermo Fisher等3家不同類別企業，依序裁員 65人，92人，80人，讓人驚覺麻州正面對產業轉型，企業調整營運模式挑戰，尤其生技、科技研發及製造業，市場有點冷。

            “帕捏拉麵包（Panera Bread）”這家在全美有2200家分店，其中麻州64家，新罕布夏州13家，羅德島州8家，康州33家，佛蒙特州3家，緬因州6家的公司，重組供應鏈，預定3月27日時要關掉位於Franklin的新鮮麵團加工廠。

            “Zipcar“這家曾有Tracey Zhen於2017到2022年出任總裁，26年前在劍橋市創辦，2013年被安維斯集團（Avis Budget Group）收購的共享汽車鼻祖公司，打算把位於波士頓Fort Point的Zipcar公司總部，遷到新澤西州的安危斯集團總部，並從4月上旬起裁員共126人，其中65人在波士頓，61人是遠距上班員工。

                  “賽默飛世爾（Thermo Fisher Scientific）“在全世界有12萬名員工，在麻州10個地點共有約3500名員工，市值2000億美元高居麻州之最。該公司要在今年底以前，關閉位於Franklin市Forge 公園路27號的製造廠，估計會裁員103到200人。不過其中約120名員工可能分派，或重新申請到其他崗位去，所以裁員人數會縮減到80人。

1月時，賽默飛世爾還宣佈要關閉位於北卡Asheville的製造廠，並在2027年底前裁員421人。

根據麻州“工人調整和在培訓通知（WARN）”的資料，今年1月以來提交裁員通知的公司，遠多於前述3家，多半集中在生物製藥，金融科技，以及製造/零售業。

由於市場大環境導致的研發資金收緊，以及企業內部重整，在生物醫藥及生命科學領域傳出裁員訊息的公司包括，位於尚默維爾市（Somerville）的Tessera製藥公司，預訂3月前裁員82人，位於Bedford的Labocorp公司將從3月起至2027年，陸續裁員94人，位於Burlington的Curial 環球公司預定在3至6月間裁員81人，位於劍橋市的武田製藥（Takeda）持續裁員中，今年初報的數字是137人，位於Wilmington的”查理士河實驗室Charles River Laboratories)“預定裁員68b嗯。

金融和軟體服務業則有SMBC Manubank要裁161人，Zipcar裁65人。

製造，零售和交通業則有位於春田市（Springfield）的中國中車（CRRC MA），因車輛交付合約進度，以及財務受材料進口關稅影響，宣佈裁員161人，Medford CPL也宣佈裁員63人，位於Hyannis的鱈魚角晶片（Cape Cod Chips）生產線遷往外周，關閉老工廠，裁員49人，位於波士頓的TJX公司調整單位，裁員117人。

這些裁員，有的是企業為優化年度財報，重組公司，有的是因為自動化與人工智能化之後精簡人力，生物醫藥業則是受到融資寒冬的影響。

這一連串的企業裁員，使得麻州的失業率從2024年中的4%攀升到4.7%到4.8%，甚至比全美平均的4.5%還高，以至於儘管麻州的整體經濟環境並不算差，但找工作，確實沒以前那麼容易了。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program

Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program

$10 Million Available to Support FIFA World Cup–Related Events and Watch Parties 

BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), announced the opening of the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program application portal. This competitive grant program will support major sports and entertainment events that drive tourism and economic activity across the Commonwealth. 

The program was authorized through the Fiscal Year 2025 Supplemental Budget, which allocates $10 million to support costs associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including public safety, transportation, and celebrations. Massachusetts will host seven World Cup matches, including a Round of 32 and a quarterfinal, between June 13 and July 9, 2026. 

“Massachusetts has a long history of hosting world-class sporting and cultural events, and this new fund positions us to lead the next chapter,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By creating this program, we are making a clear commitment to attract and support marquee events like the FIFA World Cup and the community experiences that surround them. This investment allows us to showcase Massachusetts’ sportsmanship, creativity, and vibrant communities to a global audience, while bringing people together, strengthening our economy, and welcoming the world to our state.” 

“Bringing major events to Massachusetts, from this summer’s FIFA World Cup to last year’s International World Figure Skating Championships, requires strong coordination across state agencies, municipalities, and private partners,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This fund helps ensure communities have the infrastructure, communications, and operational support needed to successfully host and elevate events of this scale. By working collaboratively, we can deliver seamless experiences for visitors and ensure communities across Massachusetts share in the lasting benefits of hosting large-scale events.” 

The program will evaluate applications based on return on investment, economic impact to the tourism sector, potential to promote Massachusetts nationally and internationally, and geographic equity across the state. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipalities. No single entity may receive more than half of the total funds available. Grantees must provide matching funds equal to or greater than the grant amount awarded. 

“Sports and entertainment events are catalysts for broad economic growth,” said Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley. “This new fund gives Massachusetts a strategic, competitive tool to attract and support high-impact events that drive job creation, visitor spending, and long-term value for local businesses across the state. By making targeted investments like this, we are strengthening Massachusetts’ ability to compete on a global stage while delivering measurable economic benefits to communities statewide. We thank the Legislature for their support” 

“Sports tourism introduces visitors to Massachusetts in a uniquely personal way, whether they are attending a global tournament, a community watch party, or a regional championship,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “This fund helps us welcome visitors, elevate local destinations, and share the stories of the people and places that make Massachusetts special. These events create lasting connections and help raise the profile of communities across the state as destinations worth exploring.” 

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 4 at 3:00pm. Applicants can visit MOTT’s online application portal to review program guidelines and eligibility requirements, and to submit an application. An optional, informational webinar for potential applicants will be held on Wednesday, February 11 at 10:00am. Register here.  

GBCCA 歌舞慶馬年 吳德惠出任2026文協會長

大波士頓區中華文化協會董事長葛幼梅（左起）和新任會長吳德惠（左三），
以及幹部徐宗玲（左起），薩芝楠，吳宇懷，2027會長李翠蘭。（周菊子攝）

           （Boston Orange周菊子麻州報導）大波士頓區中華文化協會（GBCCA）1月31日在Waban的Zervas小學慶祝馬年新春，160多人歡聚一堂，迎接2名麻州眾議員到賀，欣賞不下15項歌舞文藝表演，見證執行團隊交接，趙寧卸職，吳德惠上任會長。

文協卸任會長趙寧（右）查看接待桌。（周菊子攝）

          慶祝會由談繼欣和吳萍萍擔任司儀，在武安武藝學校開場舞獅，趙寧至歡迎詞，介紹吳德惠接任會長，新屆執行委員會由薩芝楠，吳宇懷，徐宗玲，陳韻潔組成後，董事長葛幼梅頒社區成就獎給余日健（Samuel Yee ）和陳企平（Chi-ping Chen）這2名成人， 頒社區服務獎，表揚衛斯理高中的陳以誠（Camden Chan）、潘明旭（Taylor Pan），王欣龍 （Daniel Wong）等3名青少年。

董事長葛幼梅（左）請新會長吳德惠致詞。（周菊子攝）

卸任會長趙寧致詞時感謝他的2025團隊，包括吳德惠，魏大生，宋永麒，以及志工楊曉華，陳玉瑛，韓咪咪，王豫靈，楊羅東，湯耀武，楊哲修等人之外，也不忘感謝柯乃南，蒼穹盛宴，老四川捐贈禮券。

文協新會長吳德惠（中）和新屆執委會成員，左起徐宗玲，李泓嘉，薩芝楠和吳宇懷。
（周菊子攝）

           新任會長吳德惠致詞時先感謝2025年會長趙寧的卓越領導，以及其幹部團隊的辛勤付出，特別是協會行政主任高紅燕的專業貢獻，接著感謝2026年度執行委員會團隊的支持，將在未來一年合作為文協服務。

文協秉承傳統，2026年伊始，將於2027年接任的團隊也已選舉就位，會長當選人李翠蘭（Leslie Lee）將率下屆執行委員會委員們配合本屆團隊，執行工作任務。

           曾歷任麻州大學醫學院，健贊（Genyme）、賽諾菲（Sanofi）研究員，參與過麻州中部中文學校教務，以及蔚藍鎮（Wayland）多元文化節籌辦工作，2021年應雲鶴社之邀，做新冠病毒講談，才和文協結緣的吳德惠表示，文協歷史悠久，成立至今跨入70

文協董事長葛幼梅（後）歡迎麻州眾議員馬惠美（前右）和Greg Schwartz。（周菊子攝）

年，許多會員攜家帶眷，三代同堂，甚至把有著不同文化背景的姻親都帶來出席活動，彰顯了文協所倡導的多元、包容與文化共享精神。

文協董事長葛幼梅頒社區服務獎給3名青少年。（周菊子攝）

             她強調，文協是個非政治組織，堅守開放包容理念，歡迎來自不同族裔背景的人士參加，希望讓更多人透過語言學習，藝術創作與傳統文化的發揚，體驗博大精深的中華文化。

司儀吳萍萍（左）和談繼欣（右）。（周菊子攝）

            2026年，文協推出3項嶄新計畫，包括增進親子互動與家庭凝聚力的「父子同樂（Game On）」，把華文學習融入藝術創作的「藝術探險（Art Explorers）」，以及推廣身心健康與活躍生活方式的「有氧舞蹈（Cardio Dance）」，希望吸引並鼓勵年輕世代參與，為文協注入創新與新生的力量。

            文協這天還特地邀請了轄區包括牛頓市的2名麻州眾議員，馬惠美（Amy Mah Sangiolo）和Greg Schwartz出席與盛。

開場舞龍。（周菊子攝）

馬惠美還為這場新春慶祝會主講。她強調新年是一元復始，講韌性，重連接的日子，也讓人問自己，都傳承了些什麼，將來要為後人留下什麼。傳統教給人的“尊敬長輩，為社區盡責，對未來樂觀”等價值觀，時至今日格外重要。他祝福所有人健康，和平，欣欣向榮。

馬惠美也分享道，他的3個小孩都在文協上過課，學中文，揚琴和功夫，文協對她個人和她家都很重要。

健身腰鼓舞隊表演。（周菊子攝）

文協這天安排的表演，十分豐富，有嚴曉敏團隊的舞龍，文協扯鈴隊的扯鈴，波士頓揚琴和鼓隊演奏揚琴「慶新年」，文協國樂團演奏「喜慶鑼鼓」，「春郊試馬」，武安武藝學校示範功夫，徐莉瑜伽健身班表演「新年快樂」健身舞，余嘯渝排舞班表演「快樂媽媽舞」，波士頓京劇協會聯唱京劇，知音舞韻表演「踏青」，楊書旺表演「川劇變臉」，張揚明和楊哲修以卡拉ＯＫ演唱「祝酒歌」，「卡拉永遠ＯＫ」，波士頓健身腰鼓隊表演「蒙古人」。

文協麾下的紐英崙中文夏令營（NECYSC），這天也特地上台預告2026年活動。

慶祝會最後在文協卡拉ＯＫ隊員演唱「恭喜、恭喜」聲中落幕。（三次訂正版）

武安武藝學校示範功夫。（周菊子攝）

扯鈴表演。（周菊子攝）

揚琴表演。（周菊子攝）

柯乃南帶著孫輩出席。（周菊子攝）

蔣宗壬、史美芳夫婦也是資深文協會員。（周菊子攝）

文協馬年新春慶祝會有鄭玉春（右一）等人當義工。（周菊子攝）

文協馬年新春有160多人參加。（周菊子攝）

楊羅東（左），葛幼梅（中），周石生（右）。（周菊子攝）

蕭雲（右）、羅蘭（左）。（周菊子攝）

陳玉瑛（左）、周飛飛（右）。（周菊子攝）

文協的馬年新春在這兒舉辦。（周菊子攝）

PATRICK ROATH OUT-RAISED 24-YEAR INCUMBENT REP. STEPHEN LYNCH IN 2025

 PATRICK ROATH OUT-RAISED 24-YEAR INCUMBENT REP. STEPHEN LYNCH IN 2025

Milestone caps breakout week for insurgent campaign, following national endorsements, viral campaign video, and forum where Rep. Lynch refused to appear

BOSTON — Patrick Roath, Democratic candidate for Congress in Massachusetts' 8th District, today announced raising more than $600,000 in 2025 – surpassing the $381,000 raised by 24-year incumbent Rep. Stephen Lynch. In Q4 of 2025, Roath outraised Lynch for the third quarter in a row, raising $170,000 to Rep. Lynch’s $106,000. Roath launched his campaign in May 2025 and raised his total entirely from individual donors without accepting any PAC money of any kind. By contrast, more than half of Congressman Lynch’s donations were from PACs.

In 2025, Patrick Roath, a first-time candidate, raised more money in less time than an incumbent with 24 years of fundraising experience – and did it 100% from individual donors.

"We out-raised a 24-year incumbent without taking a single PAC check – that tells you everything about the enthusiasm in this district," said Roath. "Voters are ready for a representative who actually shows up, listens to their concerns, and fights for them."

The fundraising milestone is the latest in a string of momentum-building developments for the campaign. In recent weeks, the campaign was endorsed by former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, a slate of local elected officials, and Leaders We Deserve, a grassroots organization dedicated to electing young candidates co-founded by gun safety activist David Hogg. 

Last week, the campaign released its first video and participated in the first candidate forum of the cycle, which Congressman Lynch refused to join.

法蘭克林公園2/19日起一連3日冬季免費活動上路

Boston Parks and Recreation Announces Three-Day Winter Festival at Franklin Park February 19-21

BOSTON - February 2, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Franklin Park Coalition, today announced the 2026 Winter Festival at Franklin Park, a free, family-friendly celebration taking place February 19–21. The three-day event offers winter-themed activities throughout school vacation week, concluding with a festival on Saturday, February 21.

“We’re excited to invite Boston families and residents to explore Franklin Park in new ways through music, recreation, and hands-on programming,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Through our partnership with Boston Parks and Recreation and the Franklin Park Coalition, the Winter Festival will bring energy, creativity, and community to our city’s largest park.”

The Winter Festival features music, dancing, crafts, giveaways, winter recreation, and programming with the Boston Park Rangers. Attractions throughout the week include a synthetic ice skating rink, inflatables, winter activities, and opportunities to explore Boston’s largest park and meet members of the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit. 

Winter Festival at Franklin Park 

Thursday, February 19, 2026 

Stable Tour with the Park Rangers Mounted Unit

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Franklin Park Maintenance Yard

275 Canterbury Street, Dorchester

Snowshoeing Safari with the Park Rangers

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

William Devine Golf Course Parking Lot

1 Circuit Drive, Dorchester

Friday, February 20, 2026

Horse-of-Course with the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit

2:00 - 2:45 p.m.

William Devine Golf Course Parking Lot

1 Circuit Drive, Dorchester

On Thursday and Friday, residents of all ages are invited to meet the horses of the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit and learn about their role in protecting and patrolling Boston’s parks.

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Festival featuring inflatables and ice rink

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

William Devine Golf Course & Clubhouse 

1 Circuit Drive, Dorchester

Saturday’s festival will feature ice skating, inflatables, arts and crafts, and treats. Free skate rentals will be provided as well as treats and giveaways while supplies last. Live music and entertainment including music from 98.1 FM The Urban Heat and a magic show at 12:30 p.m.  Weather-permitting activities include snowshoeing, sledding, and archery.

Additional attractions include Boston Music Group’s instrument “petting zoo,” wildlife education with Mass Audubon, and an interactive soccer exhibit hosted by the New England Revolution. Visit boston.gov/winterfest for more information about this family-friendly school vacation week event. 

The event is hosted in partnership with the Franklin Park Coalition and is made possible thanks to title sponsor Highland Street Foundation and contributing sponsors H.P. Hood LLC.

The Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse is located at 1 Circuit Drive, Dorchester. Call (617) 635-4505 or email parks@boston.gov for more information. To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks, call (617) 635-4505, visit boston.gov/parks, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, and Instagram and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky. 

MassVentures Opens START Grant Applications to Help Startups Translate Research into Companies and Jobs

MassVentures Opens START Grant Applications to Help Startups Translate Research into Companies and Jobs 

Funding supports Massachusetts SBIR Phase II companies moving federally funded innovations from lab to market 

BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and MassVentures announced that applications are now open for the next round of its SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grant Program, which provides non-dilutive funding to Massachusetts companies that have received federal SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) or STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) Phase II awards. The program helps startups translate advanced research into commercial products, new businesses, and high-quality jobs across Massachusetts. 

START grants provide $100,000 to $500,000 to eligible companies to support critical commercialization activities, including market validation, business development, and intellectual property strategy, that are not typically covered by federal research funding. In addition to capital, participating companies receive business guidance to accelerate go-to-market progress across sectors such as advanced materials, quantum computing, AI, cleantech, and biotechnology. 

“Supporting entrepreneurs at the earliest stages is critical to building a strong innovation economy,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, Chair of the MassVentures Board of Directors. “START grants provide founders in high-impact sectors with the resources they need to grow, hire, and succeed in Massachusetts—while advancing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.” 

MassVentures launched the START program in 2012, and this year marks the program’s 15th year supporting high-impact Massachusetts innovators. 

In FY25, with increased funding through the Mass Leads Act, MassVentures expanded the number of annual START awards from 17 to 26. Over its 15-year history, START has awarded $41.7 million to 141 companies that have employed more than 3,300 and leveraged more than $5 billion in private capital. The businesses are located in more than 40 communities throughout Massachusetts.  

“START grants address one of the most persistent challenges facing deep tech founders: proving commercial viability before traditional capital becomes available," said MassVentures President and CEO Charlie Hipwood. "This program helps Massachusetts businesses validate their technologies, build teams, and hit the milestones needed to attract follow-on investment—keeping our state's most promising innovations here in the Commonwealth.” 

Applications opened February 1 and are due February 23. Massachusetts-based companies which have won a SBIR/STTR Phase 2 in the past 5 years are encouraged to apply. For more information, join MassVentures for an information session on February 3 at 8:00 a.m. or visit https://www.mass-ventures.com/start-program-info. 

麻州政府宣佈首批車聯網（V2X)參加名單

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Participants for Groundbreaking Vehicle-to-Everything Program

Bi-directional EV chargers will turn vehicles into energy storage assets, advancing grid reliability and lowering energy costs for customers

Two bi-directional chargers sit next to electric school buses at Acton-Boxborough Regional School District.

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced the participants in a first-of-its-kind Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Demonstration program. Selected participants, including school districts, residents, and municipal projects, will receive bi-directional electric vehicle (EV) chargers at no cost. The program will help to accelerate the adoption of V2X technologies, which, at scale, can lower energy bills by reducing energy demand during expensive peak periods and limiting the need for new grid infrastructure.

Bi-directional charging enables EV batteries to both draw power from and return power to the grid or to buildings. This functionality enables EVs, including electric buses and trucks, to provide backup power during outages and alleviate pressure on the grid during peak energy demand. These bi-directional chargers will enable EVs to act as mobile energy storage assets, with the program expected to deliver over one megawatt of power back to the grid during a demand response event—enough to offset the electricity use of 300 average American homes for an hour.

“Virtual Power Plants are the future of our electrical grid, and I couldn’t be more excited to see this program take off. We’re putting the power of innovation directly in the hands of Massachusetts residents,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Bi-directional charging unlocks new ways to protect communities from outages and lower costs for families and public fleets.”

“The Vehicle-to-Everything Demonstration program shows how Massachusetts is leading the way in practical, scalable technological innovation that creates economic opportunities,” said MassCEC Interim CEO Dr. Jennifer Le Blond. “By enabling EVs to serve as energy resources, we’re helping families and schools take control of their energy. This is a real-world step toward a more reliable and affordable clean energy future.”

All bidirectional charging stations are expected to be installed and operational in the summer of 2026, with data collection continuing throughout the year. MassCEC will publish a comprehensive V2X Guidebook in late 2026, offering practical insights on cost, system design, charging management, and overcoming technical and regulatory barriers, giving stakeholders the tools they need to replicate and scale V2X deployments across Massachusetts and beyond.

This program addresses a critical gap in V2X adoption by providing and installing innovative infrastructure at no cost to participants across socioeconomic levels. Additionally, the program will help participants enroll in existing utility programs that offer compensation to EV owners who supply power back to the grid during peak times, helping participants further lower their electricity costs. By leveraging distributed energy resources and reducing grid strain, this program positions Massachusetts as a national leader in clean energy innovation.

The participants include:

• 5 school districts:

• Acton-Boxborough Regional School District

• Arlington Public Schools

• Boston Public Schools

• Concord Public Schools

• Lincoln Public Schools

• 4 municipal projects:
• Sterling Municipal Light Department
• Town of Needham
• Town of Plymouth
• Town of Warwick
• 30 residents across the state. More than a third of the program's funding will support participants residing in environmental justice communities across the state.

For more information about the Vehicle-to-Everything Demonstration program, visit https://www.masscec.com/masscec-focus/clean-transportation/electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure/vehicle-to-everything-demonstration.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council (EVICC)

Funding for this program was provided by the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council (EVICC), as part of the award of $50 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to support EV charging initiatives across the Commonwealth.

EVICC is tasked with developing and implementing comprehensive electric vehicle charging infrastructure deployment strategies for the Commonwealth. EVICC identifies these strategies and related analysis through biennial Assessments; the most recent Assessment was released in August 2025.