第128屆波士頓馬拉松賽訂9月11至15日接受報名

          (Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓體育會 (BAA) 宣佈，由美國銀行贊助的第 128 屆波士頓馬拉松賽，訂2024 年 4 月 15 日 (週一)舉行，並於2023年的9月11至15日間，在www.baa.org 官網上接受報名，預定名額3萬。

波士頓體育會執行長Jack Fleming表示，美國銀行和該會已簽訂從2024年起合作10年的協議。

            符合資格者，可在2023年9 月 11 日，美東時間的上午 10點 開始，直至 9 月 15 日下午 5:點，提交表格，報名參賽。登記手續將和B.A.A.的 2021 年、2022 年和 2023 年一樣，任何達到目前的波士頓馬拉松賽有效合格時間標準者，均可報名。

                     如果在登記週之後，還有空為，將於9月17日再重啟接受報名平台。

                    曾連續參加並完成10次或以上波士頓馬拉松賽者，將有機會在8月28日至9月1日間提前報名，

                    第128屆波士頓馬拉松賽的合格時間，視年齡及性別區分，從3小時到5小時20分不等。

                  美國銀行數位長和行銷長David Tyrie 說，“作為我們與波士頓體育會全年合作的一部分，我們期待在參賽者們走向 2024 年波士頓馬拉松賽之際，支持他們踏出這重要一步，並承諾藉由該行在波士頓，以及遍及全美的將近100個市場，擴大這比賽的影響。

                    第129屆波士頓馬拉松賽預定於2025年4月21日舉行，參賽的合格時間，會從2023年9月1日起開始計算。報名細節會在2024波士頓馬拉松賽之後公佈。

                      波士頓體育會的下一場活動是由布里根婦女醫院 (Brigham and Women’s Hospital)贊助，訂6月25日舉行的10K賽。跑者可上網登記參加。

Gummings基金會訂10年撥款60萬元資助「科技進家門」擴大服務

Tech Goes Home Receives Long-Term Grant from Cummings Foundation to Expand Programming Capacity in Suffolk, Middlesex, and Essex Counties 

 BOSTON, June 5, 2023 -- Today, Tech Goes Home (TGH), a leading nonprofit working to advance digital equity across Massachusetts, announced it has received a 10 year, $600,000 grant from Cummings Foundation to expand its programming capacity, specifically in Suffolk, Middlesex and Essex Counties. 

In partnership with community-based organizations and a dynamic network of trusted instructors, TGH provides individuals and families with free digital devices (laptops or tablets), reliable internet access for up to a year at no cost, and 15 hours of culturally responsive digital skills training. TGH’s ultimate goal is to reach all residents in Massachusetts who face systemic barriers to the digital world and the opportunities it offers for education, economic mobility, health, civic participation, and community connection. 

“Tech Goes Home is grateful for the long-term support of Cummings Foundation and excited about what it means for our programing over the next decade,” said Dan Noyes, CEO of Tech Goes Home. “Access to reliable internet service, a digital device (not just a cell phone), and the skills to use those tools safely and efficiently have become increasingly critical to overcoming persistent barriers to economic mobility, health care, education, and more. This support from Cummings Foundation will enable us to sustainably and strategically expand our programming and provide even more people in Massachusetts with access to the resources and opportunities afforded by the digital world.” 

“Massachusetts is fortunate to have organizations like Tech Goes Home, with a proven model and dedicated staff who are leading the way on ensuring digital access for all,” said Cummings Foundation Executive Director Joyce Vyriotes. “TGH’s work has benefited tens of thousands of people across Boston’s MetroNorth and has the potential to benefit thousands more. Cummings Foundation is delighted to reinvest the resources generated by its commercial real estate portfolio back into the communities where its staff and leasing clients live and work.”

Among other priorities, funding from Cummings Foundation will help increase TGH’s organizational capacity — including staff time, data management, and overhead expenses — and cover costs associated with “learner technology bundles” that include a Chromebook or iPad for each participating household, along with a protective case, mouse for the computers, headset, and, if needed, 12 months of internet access. For young children and their families who receive iPads, this includes vetted educational iPad Apps that are purchased and loaded onto the devices.

波士頓移民辦公室慶祝移民傳統月 撥款16萬元資助14組織辦活動

波士頓市政府移民辦公室（MOIA）新聞稿

波士頓市長移民發展服務辦事處向全市各社區的心理健康和活動計畫組織撥款160,000美元

波士頓-Michelle Wu 市長與波士頓市長移民發展服務辦事處 )將於今年六月在波士頓各地宣傳健康和多元文化社區建設，以此慶祝移民傳統月。MOIA 正在向社區組織提供撥款資金,用於心理健康計畫和免費活動計畫，為居民和家庭創造建設社區的機會。想要獲取撥款接受者和活動的完整名單，請造訪 boston.gov/we-are-boston。

「作為移民的女兒,我知道移民家庭和社區對於提高我們城市的舒適性、適應力和快樂感扮演著至關重要的角色，」Michelle Wu 市長表示。「本月是慶祝波士頓移民社區節日的日子,也是居民和家庭團聚的日子。當我們努力為大家建設波士頓時,我們專注於促進健康,建設社區,並在波士頓的各個社區打造歡樂的場所。」

為了慶祝移民傳統月，MOIA 與 14 個不同的組織合作，在整個月為居民和家庭舉辦活動。

活動包括文化慶典、美食和電影節、表演、體育錦標賽、街區派對、講故事活動、心理健康介紹會和社區論壇。MOIA 向每個組織提供1,500至2,500美元的撥款，支持這些向民眾免費開放的活動。

「我們很高興收到波士頓市長移民發展服務辦事處的這筆撥款,在東波士頓舉辦美食節,」經濟適用住房社區執行主任 Phil Giffee 表示。「東波士頓到處都是新移民,他們將自己的技能、激情和文化帶到了我們日新月異的社區。我們很驕傲能在移民傳統月與大家一同讚頌其天賦和才華。」

此外,MOIA 正在向 18 個社區組織提供 5,000 至 10,000 美元不等的撥款,支持移民社區未來六個月的健康計畫。這項撥款計畫將透過非臨床和具有文化敏感性的活動, 改善波士頓移民的幸福和心理健康。計畫包括健康研討會、自我探索藝術和康復圈。任何有興趣參與的人都可以直接聯絡這些組織。

「心理健康問題不斷出現在移民社區的會議上,」市長移民發展服務辦事處執行主任 Monique Tú Nguyen 表示。「隨著我們逐漸擺脫疫情,很明顯我們需要將心理健康放在首 要位置。許多人現在正在受到傷害, 我們需要以對我們服務的人員有意義的方式立即解決 這個問題,不要汙名化。」

「我們很驕傲能攜手波士頓的移民社區,共同向孩子們提供最好的人生起點,」麻塞諸塞州 家庭培育中心 (Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts) 執行主任 Emma Tobin 表示。「這筆撥款使我們能夠支持父母和照顧者作為孩子的第一個培育者和老師。感謝 Wu 市長和波士頓市長移民發展服務辦事處作為優秀的合作夥伴, 支持我們針對Allston-Brighton 的年幼子女亞裔美國家庭以及 Dorchester 的 Bowdoin-Geneva 社區的維德角父母和祖父母拓展服務。」

這是 MOIA 第二年為心理健康計畫提供專項資金。2022 年,MOIA 向七個組織提供了70,000 美元。今年, 這一金額透過 We Are Boston(波士頓一家)基金,增至 129,650 美元。We Are Boston 是 MOIA 年度招待會,旨在表彰移民對我們城市的貢獻。企業贊助作為撥款向移民服務非營利組織發放。2023 年 We Are Boston 招待會於 5 月 19 日在 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts 的波士頓總部舉行,也是移民傳統月的正式啟動儀式。在招待會上,Wu 市長和 MOIA 表彰了 Driving Families Forward Coalition(推動家庭發展聯盟)、東波士頓 Melodias Restaurant 和 Clare Louise Okalany 在為波士頓多樣化社區的繁榮創造機會方面取得的成就和始終如一的承諾。

「移民和難民是波士頓經濟、文化和社區的主要貢獻者,」Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts 總裁兼 CEO Sarah Iselin」表示,Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts 是場館主辦方和實物贊助商。「他們是我們的鄰居、朋友和同事,對我們的城市有著重要而積極的影響。我們必須共同努力,消除系統性的不平等,確保包容性,並讓他們感受到賓至如歸。」

二十二家企業贊助商資助了今年的 We Are Boston 2023:Visionary Courage(2023 年 We Are Boston:遠見卓識的勇氣)。他們的贊助總額超過 122,500 美元將作為明年移民服務 非營利組織的撥款。今年的頭等贊助商是 Arbella Insurance Foundation、Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts、Klarman Family Foundation 和 State Street Corporation，而 Eastern Bank Foundation 是遠見贊助商。去年的 We Are Boston 為今 年移民傳統月期間的健康和多元文化社區建設提供了 160,000 美元的撥款。

MAYOR WU AND THE CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATE IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH   Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement grants $160,000 to organizations for mental health and event programming throughout the City’s neighborhoods

 

BOSTON – Monday, June 5, 2022 – Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) are celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month this June by promoting wellness and multicultural community building across Boston. MOIA is providing grant funding to neighborhood organizations for mental health programming and free event programming to create opportunities for residents and families to build community. For a full list of grant recipients and events, please visit boston.gov/we-are-boston.  “As the daughter of immigrants, I know the vital role that our immigrant families and communities play in making our cities more welcoming, more resilient and more joyful,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This month is a time to celebrate Boston’s immigrant communities and for residents and families to be in community with each other. As we work to build a Boston for everyone, we are focused on promoting wellness, building community and creating space for joy across Boston’s neighborhoods.”  "As we celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month in June, we must recognize the challenges our immigrant communities have to navigate every day that can take a toll on their mental health in the longer term," said Council President Ed Flynn. "Through these grants and the important partnership of our immigrant-centered nonprofits, we can better support the mental health needs of our immigrant families, facilitate new connections, and build healthier communities."  “It is crucial that as a city, we are continuing to think intentionally and creatively about how we are providing our immigrant communities with the tools they need to not only survive, but to thrive,” said Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune. “Mental health resources are such a vital part of that toolkit, and I am encouraged by this initiative and MOIA’s commitment to this programming.”  To celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month, MOIA is partnering with 14 diverse organizations to host events for residents and families throughout the month. Events include cultural celebrations, food and film festivals, performances, sports tournaments, block parties, storytelling events, mental health fairs, and community forums. MOIA is providing each organization $1,500 to $2,500 in grants to support these events, which are free and open to the public.   “We are so pleased to receive this grant from the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement to host a food festival in East Boston,” said Phil Giffee, Executive Director of Neighborhood of Affordable Housing. “East Boston is full of new arrivals who bring their skills, passions, and cultures to our rapidly changing community. We are proud to celebrate their gifts and talents with everyone for Immigrant Heritage Month.”  In addition, MOIA is providing 18 community organizations with grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to support wellness initiatives in immigrant communities over the next six months. This grant program will enhance the well-being and mental health of immigrants in Boston through non-clinical and culturally sensitive practices. Programming includes wellness workshops, art for self-exploration, and healing circles. Anyone interested in participating can contact the organizations directly.  “Mental health kept coming up in meetings with immigrant communities,” said Monique Tú Nguyen, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement. “As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s clear we need to prioritize mental health. Many people are hurting right now, and we need to address it immediately, without stigma, in ways that make sense to the people we serve.”  "We are proud to stand with Boston's immigrant communities in giving children the best possible start in life,” said Emma Tobin, Executive Director of Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts. “This grant allows us to support parents and caregivers as their child's first nurturer and teacher. Thank you to Mayor Wu and the Office for Immigrant Advancement for being an incredible partner and supporting us to expand services for Asian American families with young children in Allston-Brighton and Cape Verdean parents and grandparents in the Bowdoin-Geneva neighborhood of Dorchester.”  This is the second year MOIA dedicated funding for mental health programming. In 2022, MOIA gave $70,000 to seven organizations. This year, it expanded to $129,650 through funds from We Are Boston.   We Are Boston is MOIA’s annual reception that honors the contributions immigrants have made to our City. Corporate sponsorships are given out as grants to immigrant-serving nonprofits. The 2023 We Are Boston reception was held on May 19 at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts’ headquarters in Boston and also served as the official launch for Immigrant Heritage Month. During the reception, Mayor Wu and MOIA recognized the Driving Families Forward Coalition, Melodias Restaurant in East Boston, and Clare Louise Okalany for their accomplishments and consistent commitment in creating opportunities for Boston’s diverse communities to thrive.   “Immigrants and refugees are key contributors to Boston’s economy, culture, and community,” said Sarah Iselin, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, venue host and in-kind sponsor. “They are our neighbors, friends, and colleagues who have an important and positive impact on our city. We must work together to eliminate systemic inequities, ensure inclusivity, and make them feel welcome.”  Twenty-two corporate sponsors funded this year’s We Are Boston 2023: Visionary Courage. Their sponsorships totaling more than $122,500 dollars will go towards grants for immigrant-serving nonprofits next year. This year’s Champion Sponsors are Arbella Insurance Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Klarman Family Foundation, and State Street Corporation; and the Visionary Sponsor is Eastern Bank Foundation. Last year’s We Are Boston is funding this year’s $160,000 in grants for wellness and multicultural community building during Immigrant Heritage Month.

麻州政府撥款100萬元給6個非牟利機構保護土地

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $1 Million for Land Protection Projects 

Funding Will Help Six Grantees Protect Open Spaces 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $980,965 in grant awards for open space acquisitions to six Massachusetts non-profit organizations. The grants, administered through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Division of Conservation Services’ Conservation Partnership Grant Program, will help land trusts protect land for future generations for natural resource conservation and passive outdoor recreation purposes.  

 

The Conservation Partnership Grant Program provides funding to assist not-for-profit corporations in acquiring interests in lands suitable for conservation or recreation purposes. The Program is part of the Administration’s efforts to provide outdoor recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources and open space, and address climate change.  

 

“We’re continuing to experience the impacts of the climate crisis, and this program plays an important role in ensuring our communities and the habitat surrounding them are more easily adaptable to changing weather,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Investing in these important open space projects will help preserve Massachusetts’ natural resources while helping address the needs of our residents.” 

 

The Conservation Partnership Grant Program reimburses 50 percent of the project’s total cost up to a maximum grant award of $175,000. In selecting proposals, EEA chose projects that conserve larger land areas, promote landscape connectivity, protect habitat important for climate change resiliency, and provide specific public recreational opportunities, such as for people with disabilities. 

 

“I’m delighted that The Rochester Land Trust is receiving this grant, which will enable the Trust to continue to preserve and enhance Rochester’s unique rural character. These protected lands will allow the vulnerable Eastern Box turtle to thrive in a natural protected environment,” said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport).

 

“I continue to be a supporter of state funding for conservation programs, especially programs such as this one that leverage local and private contributions, and I want to thank the volunteers who support our land trusts and local conservation efforts and the Healey administration and Secretary Tepper for their work in bringing these projects to fruition,” said State Representative Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett).

 

The following not-for-profit organizations were awarded grants: 

 

FY23 Round 2 Conservation Partnership Grant Program Awardees 

GRANTEE	PROJECT NAME	PROJECT DESCRIPTION	GRANT AWARD
Buzzards Bay Coalition, Inc.	Tripps Mill Brook Conservation Project	The project will permanently protect 57 acres of important forested wetlands, associated buffering uplands and a significant length of a watercourse	$175,000.00
Essex County Greenbelt Association	Elmlea Woods	The project will protect 41.8 acres of land designated as important for drinking water supply, natural resilience, inland flood mitigation, habitat, and public recreation	$175,000.00
Essex County Greenbelt Association	Crystal Lake Watershed Conservation Project	The project will permanently preserve 18.61 acres of land for passive recreation, wildlife habitat, and watershed protection purposes and is a part of a larger 88 acre protected area	$162,500.00
Harwich Conservation Trust	Herring River Marsh View and Coastal Resilience Land Preservation Project	The project will protect 2.3 acres of a highly sensitive and ecologically important area with its significant stretch of shoreline that can allow gradual salt marsh migration over time	$175,000.00
Rochester Land Trust, Inc.	Long Plain Forest Conservation Project	The project will protect 61 acres of land designated as Critical Natural Landscape, Core Habitat, and Priority Habitat for Eastern Box turtle	$157,500.00
The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, Inc.	Stony Brook Road Land Acquisition	The project will protect 4.7 acres of habitat for rare and native species, is within a major area of protected open space, and will protect an entire half-acre freshwater wetland and most of its 100-foot upland buffer	$135,965.00

麻州長 Healey 在BIO 會上宣佈 2 培養人才計畫

麻州州長Maura Healey在BIO麻州館再次說明將推出2計畫培養生物科技人才。
(周菊子攝)

                (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 今 (6) 日在生物科技國際會議 (BIO)開幕式中宣佈，推出一條龍式「麻州人才 (Mass Talent)」，以及「拓路者 (Pathmaker)」計畫，為企業培養不同領域人才，延續麻州在生物科技產業上的優先地位。

麻州經濟發展廳廳長郝伊平 (Yvonne Hao, 右一) 與州長同調，重視團隊合作。
(周菊子攝)

               奚莉州長在開幕致詞後，特地邀同經濟發展廳廳長郝伊平 (Yvonne Hao)，勞工及人力發展廳廳長 Laura Jones等人到BIO年會的麻州館，再做進一步說明。她以自己在哈佛大學打籃球校隊時擔任控球後衛的經驗指出，她的政府強調團隊合作。

               名為「麻州人才 (Mass Talent)」的這計畫，經由人力競爭力信託基金斥資5000萬元，資助教育界和生命科學企業間的合作，要為學生，有高中學歷的成人，設立免費的8到10週培訓。

               奚莉指出，麻州並不滿足於在生物科技業已戴上桂冠，還要加強競爭力，因此在「麻州人才」計畫之外，還和麻州生命科學中心合作，推出「拓路者」計畫，要讓麻州在生命科學，’先進製造，醫療護理及清潔能源上都保持領先地位。

               「拓路者」計畫將在今年夏天定案，預定以200萬元從今秋至2024年第一季，在生物製造 (PathmakerBIO)、先進醫療科技製造 (PathmakerTECH)，以及品質保證及控制(PathmakerREG).這3個領域培訓150到200名學生。

               在致詞時，奚莉州長還重申麻州對生命科學計畫的承諾。她說，15年前麻州破紀錄的設立了一個公私兩界的合作模式，麻州生命科學計畫，如今這計畫將於2025年到期，麻州政府刻正和企業領袖合作，組成聯盟，研究法案，以新投資創造一個新的成功時代。

MAYOR WU AND SUPERINTENDENT SKIPPER ANNOUNCE VISION FOR BOSTON HIGH SCHOOLS AND STUDENT SUCCESS WITH ACADEMICALLY RIGOROUS COURSEWORK AND PROGRAMS, PARTNERSHIPS, AND COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS IN STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES

 

MAYOR WU AND SUPERINTENDENT SKIPPER ANNOUNCE VISION FOR BOSTON HIGH SCHOOLS AND STUDENT SUCCESS WITH ACADEMICALLY RIGOROUS COURSEWORK AND PROGRAMS, PARTNERSHIPS, AND COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS IN STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES

BOSTON - Tuesday, June 6, 2023 - Today, joined by educators, school leaders, and business, union, higher education, and community leaders with deep ties to the Boston Public Schools, Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Mary Skipper shared their vision for BPS high schools, rooted in challenging coursework and academic support for all students. They also unveiled a set of major facilities and programmatic commitments that represent the most significant and ambitious agenda for Boston’s public high schools in decades.     The four principles of the high school vision are: 1) Academic rigor: All schools will have coursework and programs that challenge students and provide the support they need to excel academically, including through expanding APs and STEM programs, dual language instruction, inclusive education, and rigorous vocational and technical education.  2) Partnerships to support schools: High schools will draw on the wealth of opportunities across our City, leveraging partnerships with private industry, higher education, health care and arts and cultural institutions, athletic and community-based organizations to expand opportunities for students in the classroom and beyond. This includes alignment with employers around college and career pathways, career and technical education, and expansion of Community Hub Schools and integrated supports.  3) College and career pathways for all: BPS will give all high school students access to college-level coursework, building off the recent expansion of early college pathways in six high schools. Through early college and dual enrollment opportunities at Boston’s colleges and universities, students gain access to college-level courses while earning free credits towards a college degree. 4) State-of-the-art facilities: Through an unprecedented investment in facilities, Mayor Wu and BPS will build and renovate high schools with the scale and size to meet our students’ aspirations, continuing the shift toward 7-12 high schools, and allowing for expanded advanced and specialty coursework, academic supports, sports, arts, early college, student clubs, and other before- and after-school programming.  Mayor Wu and Superintendent Skipper made the announcement at the Malcolm X Boulevard campus in Roxbury which currently houses both the Madison Park Technical Vocational High School and the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. “Boston has everything we need to offer our high school students an education that prepares them to achieve their dreams,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are laying a foundation grounded in rigorous academics, partnerships with Boston's world class institutions and employers, and state-of-the-art facilities that prepare our students for college and careers in every sector of our economy. We welcome the partnership of families and community groups, businesses, unions, colleges, hospitals, and proud BPS alumni in this shared vision for our students’ success.” “Today’s announcement furthers our commitment to creating a quality high school education experience for our students and families,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “These four components of academic rigor, community hub strategy with connections to Boston’s world-class institutions, access to college and career pathways, and new facilities create innovative opportunities. The vision we have outlined with the Mayor will help students and families thrive for years to come. I am excited for the O’Bryant and Madison Park communities and am grateful to the village for those who have already given community input and support. We look forward to continuing the conversation through an engagement process that brings together all of the voices of our constituents and partners in this work.” Mayor Wu and Superintendent Skipper also announced a commitment to rebuild and expand the Madison Park Technical Vocational High School into a nation-leading and fully modernized vocational-technical school across the entire Malcolm X Boulevard campus in the heart of Roxbury. A design process to reimagine the campus will begin this summer, building on a visioning study that engaged Madison Park students, families, educators, staff, and partners over the last school year. The expansion will more than double the student population to 2,200 students in grades 7-12 (up from 1,000 today), and become a hub for workforce development in the heart of Roxbury – serving Boston’s young people and adult learners alike. The Mayor has proposed an initial $45 million in the FY24-28 Capital Plan for school design, with additional funds for construction planned for next year. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2025, with a phased construction process to allow students to continue learning on-site.  Mayor Wu and Superintendent Skipper also announced the formation of a new Madison Park Steering Committee (a general Advisory Committee under ch. 74) to evaluate opportunities for new career and technical education (CTE) programs that align with Boston’s growth sectors, strengthen existing CTE programs, and rebuild Madison Park’s career pathways and partnerships with Boston-area employers and labor unions. The three new co-chairs of the Steering Committee are Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce President and CEO James E. Rooney, Friends of Madison Park member Louis Elisa, and IBEW Local 103 member and Madison Park alumna Renee Dozier. Early stakeholder conversations through the visioning study have proposed new CTE programs in environmental science and technology, biotechnology, early childhood education, robotics, and aviation technology. In an early commitment from the business company, the City announced that JetBlue has pledged to support a new aviation technology pathway. “This announcement reflects decades of work, commitment, and advocacy by the Friends of Madison Park for our children, our community, and the City of Boston,” said longtime Madison Park educator and basketball coach Dennis Wilson, member of the Friends of Madison Park. “This has been long overdue and the Madison Park family is thrilled that this day has finally come.” “The Chamber knows and understands the significant potential of Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, and we advocated for investments in the students, curriculum, buildings, and infrastructure as keys to improving the lives and careers of students,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “With the leadership of Mayor Wu and Superintendent Skipper, this new chapter of transformation and realignment will be meaningful for students and the employers and workplaces that will be strengthened with their skills and life experiences. As the Co-Chair of the Madison Park Steering Committee, I will continue to partner with Madison Park and the entire BPS system to ensure that every student receives the educational investments and ties to the business community that will lead to a meaningful career.” Mayor Wu and Superintendent Skipper also announced plans to build a state-of-the-art STEM campus for the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science at the currently-vacant West Roxbury Education Complex. The renovated campus will support the O’Bryant in deepening its STEM programming in biomedical science, engineering, computer science, and other pathways, and allow O’Bryant students to benefit from expansive and modern athletic facilities, including multi-use fields; tennis and basketball courts; a running track with spectator stands; and a swimming pool. The proposal will enable the O’Bryant to grow from around 1,600 students to 2,000 students, adding 400 seats at the STEM-focused exam school. The Mayor has proposed an initial $18 million in the FY24-28 Capital Plan to begin demolition and school design, with additional funds for construction planned for next year to gut renovate the facility. Construction would begin in early 2025.  The City and BPS have begun mapping out a transportation plan that will allow students from all neighborhoods to fully participate in the O’Bryant community – not just for classes, but also for before-  and after-school programming. The plan will include dedicated shuttles from transit hubs across Boston, including the West Roxbury commuter rail station, to connect students with the campus. The West Roxbury commuter rail station is readily accessible to BPS students from South Station, Back Bay, Ruggles, or Forest Hills using their M7 Passes. Mayor Wu and Superintendent Skipper have asked Professor Richard O’Bryant, director of the John D. O’Bryant African American Institute at Northeastern University, O’Bryant School alumnus, and son of John D. O’Bryant, to chair an Alumni Steering Committee of Boston Technical High School and O’Bryant alumni to advise on the design, construction, and program of the renovated school. “I am in full support of and excited about what this opportunity represents for the O’Bryant, the school that I love, bears my father’s name, and where my son will be graduating next year. The O’Bryant will have the state-of-the-art STEM campus that it so richly deserves,” said Dr. Richard O’Bryant. “When my brothers and I toured the West Roxbury Education Complex with Mayor Wu and Superintendent Skipper, it was easy to see how a fully renovated facility there would fulfill the vision for the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. It will become the gold standard for STEM education in Boston. I am grateful to Mayor Wu and Superintendent Skipper for their commitment to this vision, their appreciation of our diverse, inclusive culture, and for their promise to build a school that will inspire the next generation of O’Bryant students.”  Mayor Wu and Superintendent Skipper announced that Charlestown High School (CHS) will become the district’s first open enrollment high school to offer early college and dual enrollment to every student through a greatly expanded partnership with its neighbor, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC). The expansion will draw on CHS’ existing early college pathways in business, health, and technology, but will consider new pathways and student support to serve greater numbers of students. BPS will place dedicated staff on the BHCC campus to support early college students, ensuring that all students, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners, have the support they need to excel in challenging coursework.  Charlestown High School will also launch BPS’ second Year 13 program, following the recently-announced program at Fenway High School, through which a cohort of CHS students will take an entire year of courses at BHCC, accelerating their pathway to a college degree. Many students in Year 13 will be close to or attain an Associate’s degree after their year, and will also have a clear pathway from their early college coursework to a Bachelor's degree and graduate studies.  “BHCC stands shoulder to shoulder with the City of Boston and BPS to deliver accessible, effective, and outstanding higher education programming to the students of Boston, and our own neighborhood high school in Charlestown,” said Pam Eddinger, President of Bunker Hill Community College. “This expanded commitment to early college and career pathways means more Charlestown High School students will finish high school, go to college, and have the opportunity to pursue a brighter future.” Mayor Wu and Superintendent Skipper also announced that the dual language Margarita Muñiz Academy in Jamaica Plain will expand to include the 7th and 8th grades, reflecting the district’s commitment to dual language instruction and continuing the shift toward 7-12 high schools.  Today’s announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s commitment to expanding opportunities for Boston’s youth including recent expansions of Early College and Innovation Pathways programming and the Summer Youth Jobs program and the launch of a partnership between the Public Works Department and Madison Park Technical Vocational High School to train high school students in electric vehicle maintenance.