The Healey-Driscoll administration has awarded a $250,000 Skills Capital Grant to Veterans Memorial High School, according to a press release from the administration.
The allocation is part of nearly $15 million in Skills Capital Grants directed toward 65 high schools, colleges, and educational institutions across the Commonwealth.
The grants will enable schools and institutions to “upgrade technology and instructional lab spaces, expand career programs for young people and adults, and increase capacity in workforce-training programs,” according to the release.
“We want to ensure that what students learn in school helps them get where they want to go, while also meeting our workforce needs,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “These Skills Capital Grants will ensure our students and adult learners have access to innovative technology, equipment, and spaces to gain the skills they need to prepare them for successful careers in high-demand industries.”
The funding for Veterans Memorial will go to the school’s Electronics and Engineering Lab, Career and Technical Education Director Shannon Spinosa said.
The lab is part of the school’s CTE programs and supports the school’s robotics and fiber-optics certification programs.
Spinosa said the school plans to spend the money by expanding the Fiber Optic Training program and adding 3-D Printing scanners, Laser Cutters, and PCB CNC.
Also, equipment will be purchased to support the Fiber Optic Training for students, such as an OTDR (optical time domain reflectometer) and oscilloscopes, Spinosa said.
Peabody Veterans Memorial High School Principal Brooke Randall said this grant will enhance resources and opportunities for students in the Electronics Engineering program.
“We are thrilled to receive this latest grant award from the Healey-Driscoll administration,” she said. “The award will bolster a program that already stands alone as the only one of its kind nationwide that is certified to train students in fiber optics technology.”
“We are extremely grateful to the Healey administration for awarding Peabody Veterans Memorial High School a Capital Skills Grant of $250,000,” Peabody Public Schools Superintendent Josh Vadala said. “Hands-on learning is critical to preparing students for college and careers. This grant will continue to make learning engaging and relevant for our students.”
