Training Ground
On Oct. 22, the Healey-Driscoll administration awarded approximately $1.5 million in Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) grants to provide essential training opportunities to more than 500 unemployed and underemployed people across Massachusetts.
These grants will be administered through 13 of the state’s public community colleges and are designed to equip adult workers with the skills necessary to thrive in key industry sectors, ensuring that the workforce is prepared with the skills for the opportunities of today and tomorrow.
“Everywhere I go, I see the difference our investments in education are making — people earning degrees and credentials, launching new careers, increasing their earnings, and strengthening their communities,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “Free community college has opened doors for thousands of students, and these TRAIN grants will open even more by helping adult learners gain the STEM and workforce skills that power our economy. That’s what STEM Week is all about — learning that leads to opportunity.”
John Cook
“By connecting skill development with industry-recognized credentials, STCC and our sister community colleges showcase our contributions to the economic vitality in every corner of the Commonwealth.”
Indeed, the grants were announced during the recent Massachusetts STEM Week, which promotes interest in science, technology, engineering, and math careers.
“At a time when employers across the state are looking for skilled workers, we’re making sure Massachusetts residents can get the training they need to fill those roles and build great careers,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “During STEM Week, we’re celebrating how hands-on learning — from the classroom to the lab to the workplace — helps people of all ages discover new pathways in science, technology, engineering, and math. These TRAIN grants strengthen that pipeline by connecting adult learners to the high-demand STEM careers driving our state’s innovation economy.”
The TRAIN grant program focuses on supporting long-term unemployed, underemployed, and new entrant adult workers by providing them with targeted industry skills and workforce readiness training. This funding supports 13 implementation programs that offer comprehensive training programs, which include not only the development of key skills, but also wraparound support services to guide participants through their learning journey and into new careers.
“We know that education doesn’t stop at high school graduation — it’s a lifelong pathway,” Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said. “Through programs like TRAIN, we’re connecting learning to purpose and helping adult learners develop the skills that Massachusetts employers need most. Announcing these grants during STEM Week is a powerful reminder that in our Commonwealth, STEM truly starts now — for students, workers, and communities alike.”
Sen. Jo Comerford
“These TRAIN grants demonstrate that our Commonwealth understands community colleges are not just classrooms — they are engines for equity, opportunity, and economic growth.”
Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega added that “these TRAIN grants are an important part of the Healey-Driscoll administration’s successful efforts to bring post-secondary opportunities to more residents, building their careers and strengthening our communities. During STEM week, TRAIN grants also serve as an example of the crucial role our community colleges play in building a skilled workforce to fuel our STEM industries.”
Local Impact
The announcement was made at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), which was selected to receive a $150,000 grant to train certified nursing assistants.
“As the community college in Massachusetts with two middle names, we are honored to help highlight investments in STEM and workforce,” STCC President John Cook said. “At STCC, we know there is a lot of STEM in healthcare, and our $150,000 in grant funds … will expand access to careers in a vital sector. By connecting skill development with industry-recognized credentials, STCC and our sister community colleges showcase our contributions to the economic vitality in every corner of the Commonwealth.”
Other TRAIN grant awardees include:
• Berkshire Community College, $132,825 for commercial driver’s license training;
• Bunker Hill Community College, $150,000 for dental assisting, EKG, phlebotomy, and IT training;
• Bristol Community College, $87,289 for a cybersecurity certificate program;
• Cape Cod Community College, $107,209 for addiction recovery and medical interpreter training;
• Greenfield Community College, $102,309 for certified nursing assistant and phlebotomy training;
• Holyoke Community College, $123,235 for paraeducator training;
• Massasoit Community College, $75,730 for EKG technician and phlebotomy training;
• Middlesex Community College, $124,870 for advanced manufacturing, pharmacy technician, and phlebotomy training;
• Mount Wachusett Community College, $99,282 for paraeducator training;
• Northern Essex Community College, $147,258 for certified nursing assistant and pharmacy technician training;
• North Shore Community College, $92,895 for dental assisting and central sterilization training; and
• Quinsigamond Community College, $106,183 for personal care aide training.
“As federal support for education declines, Massachusetts is charging forward, investing deeply in our community colleges and the students they uplift,” said state Sen. Jo Comerford, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “These TRAIN grants demonstrate that our Commonwealth understands community colleges are not just classrooms — they are engines for equity, opportunity, and economic growth.”
Added William Heineman, president of North Shore Community College and chair of the Community College Council of Presidents, “thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration and members of the Legislature for prioritizing TRAIN grants. These funds help the community colleges to support the Commonwealth’s workforce and strengthen the career pipeline.”
