Large Grant To Add 160 Seats, New Programs At Marlborough Vocational School

MARLBOROUGH — A school in Marlborough was awarded a large grant to develop two new programs.

Assabet Valley Vocational High School will receieve $3.75 million, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced on Thursday. The funding is part of more than $70 million in Career Technical Education program grants to 28 schools across the state.

Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Secretary of Education Steve Zrike and Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez made the announcement at the school in Marlborough on Thursday.

At Assabet Valley, the funding will go toward two new CTE programs in public safety and veterinary science.

The state says the public safety program will prepare students for essential roles in community protectiona nd emergency response. That will be through access to a mock dispatch center and forensics lab and partnerships with municipal fire and EMS departments for internships and work-based learning.

The school will also work with community colleges, leading to public safety degrees and certifications

“Across Massachusetts, we’re hearing from students and families who want access to career technical education," said Gov. Healey. "That’s why we’re making a $70 million investment to expand programs, create new seats and modernize training facilities so more students can get the skills they need and step into strong, in-demand careers.”

The veterinary science program will prepare students for entry-level roles in animal care and veterinary services. That is through access to examination tables, grooming tools, and certifications for Veterinary CPR and Approved Veterinary Assistant, according to the state.

According to the state, the CTE program equips students with the skills they need to succeed in today's job market. The programs are offered during the regular school day at dedicated CTE schools and at some traditional high schools, and some CTE programs happen "after dark" outside of the traditional school day.

"Here at Assabet and amongst CTE Schools across the Commonwealth, we see every day how rigorous academics, paired with high-quality career and technical education, prepare students not just for graduation but also for more than 1,800 hours of experiential learning geared toward achieving meaningful careers and lifelong success," said Assabet Superintendent-Director Ernest Houle. "This $3.75M grant will allow Assabet to add 160 additional seats over the next five years and two new technical programs, including veterinary science and public safety."

See Also:

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• Marlborough Fire Safety Programs Get Boost From State Grants
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