Grants to prepare students for Boston jobs

Posted on February 28, 2018

A new round of grants is going towards preparing students for Boston jobs.

The Baker-Polito Administration awarded $2.3 million in Skills Capital Grants to seven high schools that will use the funds to purchase new industry-standard equipment, in a variety of fields, so students are better prepared for college and careers.

The goal of the Skills Capital Grants is to help high schools, colleges and other educational institutions invest in the most up-to-date training equipment to give their students an advantage when they continue in their chosen field or particular area of study. The Skills Capital Grants cover a broad array of fields, from construction and engineering to healthcare and hospitality.

With the announcement, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded more than $38.2 million to 124 different programs.

“Skills Capital Grants make an enormous difference in the education and training students receive at schools across the Commonwealth,” Governor Charlie Baker said. “These grants will have a lasting impact by ensuring more residents are able to move into rewarding careers and more companies have the skilled employees they need to grow.”

“Skills Capital Grants impact students’ education and influence programs to meet the needs of employers across the Commonwealth seeking skilled employees,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said. “We are encouraged every time we visit a school that was awarded one of these grants and hear students talk about the difference the new equipment makes in their educational experience.”

The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with local businesses, as well as align curriculum and credentials with industry demand, in order to maximize hiring opportunities in each region of the state.  The Economic Development legislation, proposed by the Administration and passed by the Legislature, authorized $45 million in funding to award over three years.