麻州政府宣佈增加9個大學先修班

 The Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Nine New Early College Programs Across the Commonwealth

New Programs Include First Early College Partnerships with UMass
Total Number of High Schools with Early College Now Nearly 60
 

BOSTON –– Yesterday afternoon, the Early College Joint Committee under the Healey-Driscoll administration unanimously voted to expand the Massachusetts Early College program, adding nine additional Early College partnerships and increasing the number of participating high schools to nearly 60 high schools across the Commonwealth. Among the new programs are three partnerships with Boston Public Schools and UMass Boston, the first Early College programs with UMass. The additional Early College programs also scale up partnerships in Gateway Communities as well as in rural communities. 

With these additional programs, nearly 7,800 Massachusetts students are projected to be enrolled in Early College programs by the upcoming school year. Following the Joint Committee’s vote, there are now 48 designated Early College program partnerships across 58 high schools and 27 higher education institutions across the Commonwealth. Over 70% of the programs will now be in high schools within Gateway cities or Boston, and all are reaching students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. 

The Healey-Driscoll administration is committed to continuing to expand the Early College program and other workforce and higher education pathways that ensure Massachusetts students have the opportunities they deserve when they graduate high school. Governor Maura Healey’s and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll’s FY24 budget proposal includes nearly $47 million for Early College and Innovation Pathways, a $14.4 million increase from FY23. 

“I am thrilled to see our Early College program expanding to nearly 60 high schools in the Commonwealth. Early College gives students, particularly those who have been historically underrepresented in higher education, the option to try out college courses at no cost—creating a more competitive and equitable Massachusetts as more of those students continue their higher education,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why our FY24 budget proposal makes targeted investments to expand pathways to success and build our skilled workforce, including increases to Early College.” 

“As the Mayor of Salem, I saw firsthand the invaluable advantage for students participating in Early College programs and the benefits the programs could bring to partnership universities like Salem State. These nine new Early College programs are a win for the high schools and their students and families, the higher education institutions, and the future workforce in these communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Governor Healey and I have proposed funding increases to opportunities like Early College, Innovation Pathways, and even apprenticeships, because every student, no matter their zip code, deserves access to a successful future.” 

“It is wonderful to see nine new Early College programs established for students across Massachusetts. In my previous role as Superintendent in Lynn, I oversaw the creation of the Commonwealth’s second largest Early College program, because Early College programs can make all the difference in the futures of our students,” said Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. “Early career pathways, like those provided by Early College and Innovation Pathways programs, are how we start to reimagine and transform high school — empowering students with opportunities for success.” 

“UMass is excited to receive our first official Early College designation from the Healey-Driscoll administration,” said UMASS President Marty Meehan. “With our colleagues at UMass Boston, we look forward to working with our partner high schools to open these brand new Early College programs and create new higher education opportunities for their students.” 

The Massachusetts Early College program gives students the opportunity to take college courses and earn credits at no cost before they graduate high school. Early College allows students to get a head start on their higher education and contributes to significantly higher college enrollment and completion rates, particularly for low-income, minority and first-generation college students. In 2019, approximately 76 percent of Early College students enrolled in college after graduation compared to 55 percent of their peers who did not participate in Early College. Data shows that the benefits from Early College make the biggest difference for students who are English learners, but those benefits are still significant for students of color and students from lower economic backgrounds. 

In addition to the three new programs announced with UMass Boston, The University of Massachusetts system is currently piloting the Commonwealth Collegiate Academy early college program with eight partner high schools, UMass Lowell, and UMass Dartmouth. The initiative is funded by a state incubator grant. 

The Early College Joint Committee is charged with designing, developing and coordinating the administration of Massachusetts’ statewide Early College program. The members of the Joint Committee include Secretary Tutwiler, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey C. Riley, Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) Chair Katherine Craven, Board of Higher Education (BHE) Chair Chris Gabrieli, BESE member Matt Hills, and BHE member Paul Toner.  

The Nine New Early College Designations Include: 

• Athol High School (Athol Royalston Regional School District) and Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State University  
• Boston Community Leadership Academy (Boston Public Schools) and University of Massachusetts Boston  
• Brighton High School (Boston Public Schools) and Bunker Hill Community College  
• Drury High School (North Adams Public Schools) and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts  
• Fenway High School (Boston Public Schools) and University of Massachusetts Boston 
• Malden High School (Malden Public Schools) and Bunker Hill Community College  
• New Mission High School (Boston Public Schools) and University of Massachusetts Boston  
• Revere High School (Revere Public Schools) and North Shore Community College  

Veritas Prep Charter School and Springfield Technical Community College and Worcester State University 

波士頓市撥款1870萬元 青少年暑期工作機會增至7000

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF 2023 CITY OF BOSTON SUCCESSLINK SUMMER YOUTH JOBS PROGRAM  7,000 summer jobs available for Boston youth, applications are now available

 

BOSTON - Thursday, March 16, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity (YEO) today announced the expansion of the SuccessLink Summer Youth Employment program for 2023. The program is now accepting applications. Boston youth ages 14-18 can apply for in-person and hybrid summer job opportunities at nonprofits, community-based organizations, and City agencies. This year, the City made an unprecedented $18.7M investment in youth jobs, the largest in Boston’s history. This funding will support 5,000 youth jobs in partnership with local nonprofits and community organizations and 2,000 City based youth jobs, making the City the largest employer for youth summer jobs in Boston. The program’s expansion is part of a larger effort to incentivize both nonprofit and corporate employers’ commitment to reach pre-COVID summer job levels.   “Ensuring that every young person across our city has access to job opportunities is critical in our work to lay a foundation for Boston’s youth to grow and thrive,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The City’s youth summer jobs program is critical in empowering our youth and connecting them with opportunity. This year, we are expanding the number of youth jobs available and deepening our partnerships which will allow our young people explore careers and develop their skills. I’m grateful to all of our partners and employers for their commitment to our young people and encourage every teenager and young adult to apply for a summer job.”  “As a city, choosing to invest in young people will always be the right decision. Youth jobs are essential to giving young people a space to develop themselves into young professionals; exposure to various industries and occupations; explore where their interest can intersect with the impact they desire to have in the world; to build relationships with trusted advisors and develop skills to be prepared for future career and educational opportunities,” said Rashad Cope, Deputy Chief of the Worker Empowerment Cabinet and the Office of Youth Employment & Opportunity. “We know how critical it is to ensure every young person has access to job opportunities, and collectively we are committed to this, alongside our incredible partners and employers who make these employment experiences possible for Boston youth.”  Led by the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, SuccessLink is designed to not only recruit and hire youth, but also to ensure that their employment experience is engaging, meaningful, and advances their professional and personal development. Last fall, Mayor Wu established the Worker Empowerment Cabinet to advance the wellbeing of Boston workers, led by Chief Trinh Nguyen. Expanding economic opportunities for youth through access to quality jobs, skills training, and career pipelines is a key priority of the cabinet. The Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, formerly the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment (DYEE), was moved to the Worker Empowerment Cabinet to lead this work.  “Getting a summer job can be life-changing for young people in terms of gaining work readiness skills, identifying career interests, obtaining a mentor, and in many instances, getting that first, memorable paycheck,” said Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment. “The City of Boston is grateful to the many community partners coming together to provide these opportunities for our young people. We look forward to working with all of them to help build for the future.”  Each year, YEO partners with a wide range of nonprofit organizations, City agencies, and lead youth employment providers, including Action for Boston Community Development, the Boston Private Industry Council, Artists for Humanity, John Hancock MLK Scholars, and the Boys and Girls Club of Boston to create youth summer jobs. Youth have the opportunity to get connected to various industries that provide inspiration for long-term careers such as the arts, health care, STEM, sports and recreation, education, and public administration.  “SuccessLink is the foundation for the entire Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program.  It is the one source for summer youth employment that is open to all Boston teenagers, regardless of neighborhood or high school,” said Neil Sullivan, Executive Director of the Boston Private Industry Council. “The young people who connect with private sector opportunities through the PIC often credit their prior SuccessLink job as preparing them for a summer internship in healthcare, finance, life sciences, architecture, or other profession.”  “ABCD is pleased to partner with the City of Boston to ensure that young people of Boston have an abundance of summer employment options,” said Sharon Scott-Chandler, President & CEO of ABCD, Inc. “As a longstanding provider of access to youth employment and career development services through our SummerWorks program (and other programs), ABCD understands very well that these initiatives build a foundation to support academic achievement and future employment successes.”  “Artists For Humanity is excited to grow our partnership with the City of Boston's Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity this summer by providing hundreds of teen jobs with meaningful summer learning experiences for our City's young people,” said Anna Yu, Executive Director of Artists For Humanity. “With the ambitious vision of YEO, and hundreds of amazing partner organizations, Summer 2023 is on track to be the best and biggest year ever for creative teen employment in Boston! We are honored to play a part in helping to make this possible."   This year, YEO has expanded its youth jobs grantmaking efforts to provide more funding directly to nonprofit organizations to design job experiences, remove barriers to enrollment and transfer administrative responsibilities to allow for a more streamlined process. These expanded efforts will encourage greater collaboration, coalition building, and learn and earn models among higher education institutions and job providers in the youth employment space.  To ensure that all youth have equitable access to these opportunities, the City will continue to support organizations that focus on proven at-risk youth populations (e.g. justice-involved youth, foster care, youth experiencing homelessness, etc.) YEO will work to ensure that disadvantaged youth get access to employment opportunities through the Massachusetts Commonwealth Corporation YouthWorks partnership. Additionally, the department will again work with the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) to provide immigrant youth with hands-on leadership and skills training, regardless of immigration status.  “People don’t realize how quickly your status can change and how much it can limit your opportunities. As a former Dreamer, I know what it’s like to feel frustrated by that because I had so much to offer to the world,” said Monique Tú Nguyen, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement. “Through opportunities like this, we can ensure that this generation of youth has opportunities that I didn’t have, and the world can benefit from their full potential.”  The SuccessLink webpage has been updated to make it easier for young people to navigate the application process. Youth can view job postings, see a list of required documents, and apply directly to the organizations. The Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity also offers application assistance. Youth can visit the office in person, Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1483 Tremont Street in Roxbury, or call 617-635-4202 to get help.   The Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity will also be hosting a Youth Job and Resource Fair at the Reggie Lewis Center on Saturday, April 22, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Youth will have the opportunity to connect with 100+ summer employers, access youth resources, receive job application assistance, and win prizes. Refreshments will be provided. Parents and/or guardians are welcome to attend with their youth.  Applying for a summer position with SuccessLink does not guarantee a job but the goal is to place as many youth as possible. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Youth are encouraged to get their applications in early. For more information on the 2023 SuccessLink Summer Youth Employment program, visit boston.gov/summer-jobs.

波士頓體育協會今年邀Point32健康為醫療保險提供者

 Point32Health Named Presenting Sponsor of the B.A.A. 5K & Official Health Insurance Provider of the B.A.A. 

BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today that Point32Health has been named the official health insurance provider of the B.A.A., as well as Presenting Sponsor of the B.A.A. 5K. The Massachusetts-based health care organization will be an official sponsor of B.A.A. events throughout the year, including at the Boston Marathon, June’s B.A.A. 10K, and November’s B.A.A. Half Marathon.  

 “The B.A.A. and Point32Health share a common bond in prioritizing and focusing on the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Jack Fleming, President and Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A. “As two organizations with deep local roots, we look forward to expanding the positive impact that wellness can have, no matter if you’re an experienced runner or new to the sport.” 

Point32Health is a leading, nonprofit health and wellbeing organization, delivering a better health care experience to its members and the communities they serve. One of the top twenty health plans in the United States, Point32Health builds on the quality of its founding organizations, Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. They offer a diverse range of health plans that help improve the health and wellness of the 2.2 million members they serve.  Every day, they work to deliver on their purpose of guiding and empowering healthier lives for everyone. 

“Point32Health is thrilled to support the B.A.A. and athletes from across the world in their quest for athletic achievement,” said Cain A. Hayes, president and CEO of Point32Health. “We look forward to playing an important role in these inspiring events and celebrating with the entire city of Boston, each runner’s unique journey from the start to the finish line.” 

As the first presenting sponsor of the B.A.A. 5K, Point32Health will field a team of 400 athletes for this year’s race on April 15. The B.A.A. 5K annually kicks off Boston Marathon weekend, with nearly 10,000 athletes running through Back Bay and across the Boston Marathon finish line before completing the 3.1-mile race at Boston Common. The B.A.A. 5K presented by Point32Health is recognized as one of the fastest and most competitive 5K races in the world. The Official Fundraising Partner of the B.A.A. 5K, Special Olympics Massachusetts, raised more than $75,000 through last year’s race and will welcome 100 athletes to Boston this April to support an inclusive environment for athletes with intellectual disabilities. 

“I am delighted that Point32Health is the official health insurance provider of the B.A.A. as well as the Presenting Sponsor of the B.A.A. 5K,” said Joan Benoit Samuelson, 1984 Olympic gold medalist, two-time Boston Marathon winner, and Beach2Beacon 10K founder. “Having worked with Point32Health, and as a long time Harvard Pilgrim member, I know first-hand their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their members and communities, and I am pleased to see them extend this commitment to the running community that comes from around the world to Boston to fulfill dreams.”   

Participants and spectators will also find Point32Health at the Boston Marathon Expo and Fan Fest on race weekend, and on Patriots’ Day leading a special cheer zone along the course. Year round, Point32Health and the B.A.A. will collaborate to promote a healthy lifestyle through digital campaigns and messaging. The new partnership will also support the B.A.A.’s ongoing community events and initiatives. 

波士頓指數新報告稱居家護理及托兒照顧員工存在系統性不公平

Care Work and the Racial Wealth Gap Care work has forever been critical to the health and basic functioning of our society. However, as we detailed in our September 2022 report, Care Work in Massachusetts: A Call for Racial and Economic Justice for a Neglected Sector, long histories of racial prejudice and gender discrimination have led to a systematic devaluation of these jobs. Poor working conditions and low wages for care workers have profound consequences not just on employee retention or the immediate economic security of care workers, but also the long-term wealth accumulation for care workers and their families. So, in partnership with SkillWorks, today we are releasing this new research brief, Care Work and the Racial Wealth Gap, to look more closely at how our undervaluation of care work makes it harder for these workers to accumulate assets over time and contributes to the racial wealth gap. On top of receiving low wages, for instance, care workers are also less likely to receive basic employment benefits like affordable health insurance or retirement plans. In Massachusetts, care workers are far less likely to receive employer-provided health insurance, leaving them more reliant on MassHealth (the state’s Medicaid program), as shown in the graph below.

Additionally, at the national level just 10.2 percent of child-care workers and 12.6 percent of home care workers have a pension or other retirement plan, compared to 35 percent of the total workforce. Having a strong retirement plan can serve both as a form of wealth itself—since retirement benefits have direct financial value—and as something that enables greater wealth accumulation during one’s working life—since retirement security frees people up to use income from work on other investments, including wealth-boosting ones like education or real estate. Read Care Work and the Racial Wealth Gap for more detail.

麻州州長要求增加7億3400萬元預算

 Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll File  

$734 Million Supplemental Budget  

Bill proposes funding for universal school meals, clean energy, MBTA hiring and other one-time priorities, as well as makes preparations for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency  

BOSTON – Today, the Healey-Driscoll administration filed a $734 million supplemental budget to provide additional funding for core programs and services, such as COVID-era workforce and public health programs, and to make other one-time priority investments.   

The funding proposed in this bill builds on the investments made in Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll’s proposed budget recommendation for Fiscal Year 2024, with additional support for the state’s universal school meals pilot program, clean energy and technology, and additional resources for the MBTA to better recruit and retain employees.  

“In our Supplemental Budget, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and I are proposing additional investments that will move us forward on our goals of increasing affordability, competitiveness and equity in Massachusetts,” said Governor Healey. “The universal school meals program has proven to be a success in expanding access to nutritious meals for all students, and it’s essential that we keep it running and evaluate our options for the future. We also know that workforce shortages are fueling the serious service issues at the MBTA, which is why we are proposing dedicated funding for hiring and retention. And this funding will play a key role in supporting our efforts to tackle the climate crisis and make Massachusetts a global leader in the clean energy economy.”  

“This supplemental budget will provide the funding needed to make sure critical programs that Massachusetts residents rely on are continued and expanded,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We look forward to working with our partners in the Legislature to advance universal school meals, clean energy and technology, and hiring at the MBTA, as well as ensure we are adequately supporting our health care workforce as the COVID-19 public health emergency comes to an end.”  

This bill fulfills Governor Healey’s commitment to triple the operating budget of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center with an additional $35 million for the agency to keep Massachusetts on the cutting edge of clean technology and decarbonization efforts and to forge new partnerships with public higher education institutions and trades to grow the clean energy industry. This funding would be in addition to the new money proposed for MassCEC in the administration’s House 1 budget recommendation, and MassCEC would be authorized by this bill to establish the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal to further the creation of new green jobs.  

This legislation requests an additional $171 million to extend state-funded universal free school meals through the 2023-2024 school year. It also directs the Executive Office of Education to report by early next year on options to reform, modify or extend this program in a way that promotes equity, maximizes federal revenue and improves predictability and sustainability of funding into the future. The Healey-Driscoll Administration previously requested additional funding to continue the program through the end of the 2022-2023 school year.  

The bill proposes $20 million to enable the MBTA to better recruit and retain employees to meet its needs and deliver safe, reliable service across the system. This includes money that would be used to increase and expand hiring and retention bonuses, boost entry-level pay for bus operators, and develop a robust marketing campaign to support hiring efforts.  

The bill also directs $200 million toward a Critical Health and Human Services and Workforce Reserve to cover projected deficiencies in Fiscal Year 2023 and expenses in early Fiscal Year 2024 for the continuation of COVID-19 response and mitigation efforts. This includes temporary staffing relied upon to respond to health crises in our nursing homes, group care settings, state hospitals, and Soldiers’ Homes.  

The bill’s workforce funding is necessary to ensure there are enough health professionals, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs), to meet the needs of vulnerable residents under state care while we transition beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency.   

The Healey-Driscoll administration is also proposing $10 million to create a new LPN career ladder program to support nursing facilities and home- and community-based services providers in their efforts to retain direct care staff and upskill them to LPNs. The program would fund no-interest loans and grants to support the cost of attending an LPN certification program, as well as living expenses while attending.  

“We are pleased to have the resources necessary to continue to support critical health services for our most vulnerable residents, to build new pipelines for residents to start and advance their careers, and to make record investments in areas like clean energy that will ensure the Massachusetts economy is well positioned to grow and thrive,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz  

Other key investments recommended in this bill include:   

• $75 million for Chapter 766 rate relief to assist school districts in managing extraordinary increases in tuition prices for approved special education placement programs 
• $60 million to support caseworkers and staff at the Department of Transitional Assistance 
• $20 million for a bridge to stabilize critical victim service programs throughout the Commonwealth and ensure continued access to trauma-informed services in light of decreased federal funding through the Victims of Crime Act 
• $10 million to double the Cultural Facilities Fund for the Massachusetts Cultural Council 

• $5 million for the Martin Richard Field House  
• $3.5 million to support the redetermination process at MassHealth 
• $2 million for the celebration of the 250^th Anniversary of the American Revolution 
• $100 million supplemental transfer to the pension fund, as agreed to with the House and Senate as part of the consensus revenue process to fully pay down pension liabilities attributable to the 2015 Early Retirement Incentive Program ahead of schedule.  

Additionally, several outside sections would make recommended adjustments to municipal finance laws and governance. One of these changes would give municipalities more flexibility in how they spend opioid settlement money – making it easier for cities and towns to quickly use these resources for treatment and recovery services. They will also simplify accounting and fiscal rules regarding revolving funds, insurance proceeds and mitigation agreements. A separate section would also provide raises for sheriffs.  

Finally, the administration is proposing to extend three Public Health Orders issued in connection with the COVID-19 public health emergency beyond the end of the emergency declaration on May 11. This legislation would permanently extend staffing flexibilities for advanced life support ambulances; temporarily extend staffing flexibilities for freestanding dialysis providers, and temporarily extend flexibilities for the administration of prescription medications to clients of state agencies who reside in community settings.  

The spending recommended in this bill would be covered by a mix of available General Fund revenue and one-time resources.   

Read the Governor’s supplemental budget filing letter here and the bill here.  

麻州各地商會合作成立政策團

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Announces the Massachusetts Chambers of Commerce Policy Network

Network Convenes to Strategize Necessary Policy Solutions for People & Businesses  

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce announces the launch of the statewide policy network, the Massachusetts Chambers of Commerce Policy Network (the “Chambers Policy Network”). The Chambers Policy Network, led by the Presidents and Chief Executive Officers of large regional chambers of commerce, plans to use its collective statewide voice to advocate for policy and business issues that will strengthen the quality of life and economy in the Commonwealth. The Chambers Policy Network is designed to leverage the existing impact and on-the-ground local knowledge of these local Chambers to provide solutions to policy challenges that hinder the success and legacy of residents, employees, and businesses.  Our goal is a growing statewide economy that works for all and strengthens our ability to retain talent and businesses in Massachusetts. 

The Chambers Policy Network will focus on the issues that directly tie to the region’s future: statewide competitiveness, taxes and revenue, transportation, broadband access, talent development and retention, housing, climate change, higher education, and the ease of doing business. Through this transformative and collaborative network, the immense value of businesses, their employees, and their Chambers are leveraged to advance statewide equity and economic opportunity. 

“The launch of the Chambers Policy Network is the region’s first formal policy advocacy network of Chambers dedicated to solving the complex issues that our cities and entire state face. By unlocking the unique strengths of Chambers, we will be able to strategize and advance solutions to policy challenges. From housing to transportation, taxes, and business climate and more – all of these are interconnected and statewide issues that can help make Massachusetts a place where workers and businesses can succeed,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. 

The Chamber Policy Network will initially consist of ten of the largest Chambers from across the entire state as founding members with plans to expand to include other Chambers in 2024. 

  MA Chambers Policy Network Founding Members 

James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Tim Murray, President & CEO, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

Diana Szynal, President, Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce

Rick Sullivan, President & CEO, Western MA Economic Development Council

Paul Niedzwiecki, CEO, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce

Peter Forman, President & CEO, South Shore Chamber of Commerce

Karen Andreas, President & CEO, North Shore Chamber of Commerce

Greg Reibman, President Charles River Regional Chamber

Rick Kidder, Co-CEO, Michael O’Sullivan Co-CEO, One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce

Jonathan Butler, President & CEO, 1Berkshire 

Included in its plans are annual sharing of regional chamber policy priorities and yearly Chamber Policy Network visits to Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill to promote its agenda. 

“Local chambers are the most effective tools to activate effective solutions to our most persistent challenges. The day to day, complex challenges are heard first by local Chambers – we’re the best resource to know and understand the people and businesses that build our economy,” said Tim Murray, President & CEO, of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

“Chambers are always champions for local businesses and the people that power those businesses. This Network will advance our collective efforts and allow us to reach across Massachusetts, which is important as we elevate the voices of business leaders and build the future of the Commonwealth,” said Diana Szynal, President, Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC to support Community-Based groups through $250,000 grant from Google.org

 Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC to support

Community-Based groups through $250,000 grant from Google.org

 

Washington, D.C. – March 15, 2023 — Today, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC) is excited to announce a grant from Google.org to distribute $50,000 each to five community-based organizations for the purpose of providing digital skills and job readiness training in their communities. The organizations selected represent communities across the United States ⁠from Seattle, Washington to New York City, New York, and they were chosen for their history of providing successful digital skills and workforce development programs in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

 

As internet access becomes even more essential for communities to thrive, Advancing Justice – AAJC, a national nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., that advocates for the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and underserved allied communities, and Google.org know that digital skills and job readiness remain a challenge for many underserved AAPI communities.

 

“Advancing Justice – AAJC is proud to work with Google.org in support of local AAPI-serving organizations who are working to help bridge the gap in digital skills within their communities,” said John C. Yang, president and executive director at Advancing Justice – AAJC. “Local organizations with deep trust from their communities are most attuned to the needs on the ground, and with the right resources, can address current challenges with solutions that enable their communities to thrive. Digital skills are essential in today’s professional environment, and we will continue our work to address the digital divide and ensure that our communities are set up for success.”

 

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the critical importance of internet access and digital skills. It is clear that today’s jobs increasingly require digital skills training and that many opportunities will remain online. Several Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations have piloted and expanded their job training programs to include digital skills as a critical first step, but a lack of adequate resources, including funding, proper software/hardware, and limited staff time can hinder the growth of these programs.

 

The following are the beneficiary organizations serving Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. 

 

Arab American Association of New York

 

Arab American Association of New York (AAANY), a nonprofit organization in Brooklyn, New York, supports and empowers the Arab American and Arab immigrant community by providing services to help them adjust to their new home and become active members of society. AAANY additionally offers a workforce development program that includes resume coaching, job interviewing workshops, career exploration, and digital skills training.

 

Asian Counseling and Referral Service

 

Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ARCS), a Seattle nonprofit organization grounded in social justice, provides services that advance the health, well-being, dignity and empowerment of Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and other communities experiencing disparities in health, human services and education. ACRS's digital skills classes provide participants with essential computer and internet skills, technical resources, and one-on-one coaching in a culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible environment.

 

Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote Michigan

 

Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote Michigan (APIA Vote MI), a nonprofit organization in Hamtramck, Michigan, is a pan-Asian American organization committed to justice and equity for the Asian American community through grassroots mobilization, civic engagement, leadership development, and coalition building. APIA Vote MI additionally offers a job placement program that includes in-language digital skills  classes covering basic computer skills, technical software training, and interviewing and workplace culture courses.

 

Boat People SOS – Houston  

 

Boat People SOS – Houston (BPSOS-Houston), a nonprofit organization in Houston, Texas, provides social and legal services to empower, organize, and equip immigrant communities in their pursuit of liberty and dignity. BPSOS-Houston additionally offers basic computer skills courses and job search workshops.

 

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging

 

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA), a nonprofit organization in Seattle, Washington, preserves and promotes the dignity, well-being, and quality of life of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAPNHPIs) as they age. NAPCA additionally offers courses in basic computer skills and professional development designed for the elderly community.

 

Together, these organizations offer services that focus on underserved and marginalized Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the United States, ensuring that these communities have equal opportunities to access professional opportunities online, improve their digital skills, and are able fully participate in today’s digital economy. 

紐英崙溯源公所迎兔年 八方宗親齊來賀

紐英崙遡源公所宗親與外埠到賀宗長在祭祖前合影。(周菊子攝)

紐英崙遡源公所本屆主席，左起雷展灝，鄺元傑，鄺炎彬
和上屆主席鄺國彬，聯袂招呼到賀的外部宗長。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙遡源公所3月12

紐英崙遡源公所3名現任主席，右起雷展灝，鄺元傑，
鄺炎彬在大埠總堂主席方錫光(後)陪同中切金豬。
(周菊子攝)

日在帝苑大酒樓慶祝癸卯兔年新春，包括遡源總堂，大埠原宗公所，紐約遡源，舍路遡源堂等，到賀宗親之多，創歷年紀錄，加上與會嘉賓，席開40桌，盛況空前。

左起，雷國輝，總堂副主席雷振澤，鄺炎彬，鄺元傑，總堂
主席方錫光，雷展灝，總堂副主席鄺耀榮齊點金豬，
藉以表示齊向祖先獻祭。(周菊子攝)

                       當天晚宴在全美遡源堂永遠顧問雷華欽出資的贊助三頭醒獅舞動，採青，雷如鏡全場指揮，雷華欽、方錫光、雷振澤、方偉俠、雷權杜，雷超雄、鄺元傑點睛的開場後，由本屆主席鄺元傑代表鄺炎彬，雷展灝等共同主席致歡迎詞，感謝各埠宗親，以及波士頓市議會議長愛德華費連 (Ed Flynn) ，代表波士頓市長的亞裔聯絡員黃楚嵐，波士頓經文處處長孫儉元，僑教中心主任潘昭榮，以及30多個僑團主席、會長等嘉賓的到賀。

               12日中午，紐英崙遡源公所先在波士頓華埠哈佛街會址祭祖，請超武館舞獅，還上香，敬酒，獻金箔，切金豬，請宗長們致詞，並分享公所特色菜炒粉絲，禮數週全的沿襲傳統。

晚上的新春敬老聯歡宴，送敬老金給15位年逾80歲的宗親，發獎學金給15名學子之外，還有十分豐富的文娛表演節目，以及倡盛行東主阮偉昌送出的花旗蔘，宗親鄺國彬、雷洪活捐出的香港小食，温莎餅屋等禮券的抽獎環節。鄺元傑指出，今年的紐英崙遡源公所春宴真是冠蓋雲集，高朋滿座，宗親們濟濟一堂，場面之盛大，隆重，讓人衷心感謝。

到賀宗長們在遡源員工所會址內一一致詞。(周菊子攝)

               當天到賀的宗親及僑團首長有遡源總堂有主席方錫光，副主席鄺耀榮、雷振澤，全美遡源堂永遠顧問雷華欽、雷超雄，大埠原宗公所副主席雷超漢、鄺炳威，舍路遡源堂的主席雷權杜，全美遡源堂永遠顧問方偉俠，紐約遡源公所副主席雷錦權，紐約原宗別墅樹長雷瑞廉，以及美國洪門致公堂總理余麗媖，黃氏宗親會元老團主席黄國威，伍胥公所美東總長伍焕華，余風采堂美東總長余文博等人。

             創立於1970年代前後，一度中斷，1980年代中期，由雷權達、方創傑、方偉明、雷梓焜、鄺鐵夫、雷如鏡等6人復會的紐英崙遡源公所，會址門口掛著「遡初宗族開三姓，源衍子孫聚一堂」對聯。

遡源公所到賀宗長留影。 (周菊子攝)

                       已有7年沒到公所走動的雷如鏡，這天也在宗親力邀中再次回到公所。他感慨表示自己年紀已大，但是很高興看到公所年輕一輩，事業有成，仍熱心族務，尤其是甫卸任的上屆主席鄺國彬，不但經營有香港小食等餐廳，還將把天滿街上的卡拉OK店擴張成全麻州最大的一家。

紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝和紐英崙遡源公所共同
主席雷展灝是同在公所服務的父子檔。(周菊子攝)

                     紐英崙遡源公所復會創辦人之一鄺鐵夫的兒子鄺劍鋒，這天也和他的另一半，紐英崙至孝篤親公所主席陳文珊聯袂出席。他透露，第一個在紐英崙開辦武館的人就是他父親鄺鐵夫。曾任香港財政司司長，競選過香港特首的曾俊華，當年經常和他父親，以及他一起出外表演功夫。

紐英崙遡源公所今年祭祖時，還多了一名新宗親，紐英崙至德三德公所5名主席之一吳皓的夫人方柳君。她表示以前從沒想過，但年紀漸長後，覺得應該和宗親來往走動，有感於自己的本姓是遡源公所三姓之一，於是也開始參加遡源公所活動。

鄺劍鋒(右)的父親鄺鐵夫是紐英崙遡源公所復會
創辦人之一，嬌妻陳文珊(左)是紐英崙至校篤親
公所現任主席。 (周菊子攝)

                    近年來，紐英崙遡源公所人才輩出，既有雷國輝是紐英崙中華公所現任主席，以及華埠社區議會共同主席，鄺炎彬是麻州亞裔商會共同會長，也有鄺元傑甫卸任台山鄉親聯誼會會長，鄺國添曾任波士頓洪門致公堂主席，加上有宗親另一半是另一姓氏公所的主席，今年的遡源公所春宴，也成為僑團首長中最多自家人的一年。

雷如鏡是紐英崙遡源公所復會的6名創辦人之一。(周菊子攝)

               

鄺國添 (左起) 曾任波士頓洪門致公堂及紐英崙遡源公所主席，和現任
主席鄺元傑，鄺炎彬一起，在春宴前歡迎宗親到埠。 (周菊子攝)

波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn (右二) 頒表揚狀，紐英崙遡源公所
主席雷展灝 (右起)、鄺元傑、鄺炎彬代表接受。(遡源公所提供)