Plymouth South Earns $1.4 Million Grant for Graphic Arts Program

Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray Wednesday joined Secretary of Administration and Finance Glen Shor and Secretary of Education Matthew Malone to announce the 25 recipients of $1.1 million in Vocational School Equipment grants to benefit Massachusetts vocational schools. This program provides grant funding to qualifying institutions to purchase necessary equipment to prepare their students for the modern workforce.   The 25 recipients of FY 2013 Vocational School Equipment grants include 184 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The recipients reflect geographic diversity across the Commonwealth, including several Gateway Cities.  

“Massachusetts vocational programs are a recipe for academic and career success,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray. “It’s been a rewarding opportunity to visit these programs throughout the state. Through this grant program and in partnership with many private sector matches, we will help improve the tools and resources that are valuable to the students’ learning experience and preparedness in gaining 21st century job skills.”  

During his time in office, Lieutenant Governor Murray has visited all 64 vocational technical programs in Massachusetts representing more than 44,000 students. These schools offer hands-on learning in a number of innovative educational programs to support a range of career fields, especially growing workforce sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy and information technology. Many regional school districts and programs also partner with area businesses and community colleges to prepare the next generation of skilled workers.  

“The Vocational School Equipment grant program is one of the many ways in which the Patrick-Murray Administration is working to prepare the Commonwealth’s students for the 21st Century economy,” said Secretary Shor. “I am excited that these grants enable Vocational Schools to purchase equipment for programs that provide the knowledge and skills needed for these students to succeed in the workplace.”  

The grants provide over $1,149,997 in funding, benefiting 1,671 students in 184 municipalities across the Commonwealth. Approximately $1,925,553 in matching funds and in-kind donations will be leveraged to support these programs, a $1.67 match for every $1 dollar investment. Funded programs represent 9 of 10 occupational clusters as identified by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), with the largest investments going to manufacturing, engineering and technology.  

“In today's economy it is critical that our students have access to hands-on training and learning that will allow them to gain industry-relevant skills,” said Secretary Malone. “These grants afford our vocational school students an opportunity to keep a competitive edge in the job market.”  

Published in October 2012, the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Five-Year Capital Investment Plan includes $5 million in funding for a competitive grant program to benefit Massachusetts vocational schools. The Vocational School Equipment Program provides grant funding to qualifying institutions to purchase necessary equipment at their facilities. One hundred and sixty-five applications were received for the inaugural grants, with requests totaling more than $4.7 million. One hundred percent of regional vocational school districts applied for grant funding, as did 82 percent of all schools in Massachusetts with Chapter 74-approved vocational programs.  

"The grant awards will provide state-of-the-art equipment for our students to learn the skills necessary for today's innovation economy,” said Executive Director of Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) David Ferreira. “We are most appreciative for the Patrick-Murray Administration’s leadership in securing this funding."  

"This grant will provide vocational schools with an opportunity to enhance students’ learning experiences, preparing students as they enter into the workforce," said Representative Alice Peisch. "I applaud the Administration’s commitment to ensuring our students are equipped with the skills and abilities to succeed in today’s competitive workplace.”

Release from Lt. Gov. Tim Murray's office