DANVERS, MA –June 18, 2024 – Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School District is excited to announce that it has received $350,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Skills Capital Grants program. This significant grant will enhance and expand career and technical education opportunities for Essex North Shore students from the North Shore and Cape Ann regions, specifically within the Biotechnology and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) programs.
The awarded funds will be used to improve the Biotechnology program by incorporating Biomanufacturing and to advance the HVACR program. The grant will allow for the purchase and installation of industry standard equipment that mirrors what students will encounter in the workplace, providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their careers.
“The award of this Skills Capital Grant is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality, hands-on education that meets the needs of our students and local industries,” said Essex North Shore Superintendent Dr. Heidi Riccio. “This funding will not only enhance our Biotechnology and HVACR programs but also ensure our students are well-prepared for the ever changing workforce. We are deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their support.”
This grant will benefit high school day students as well as participants in the NightHawks Adult Education Program, which serves many individuals with barriers to employment. The new equipment will offer additional opportunities for skill development and increase employability in high-demand fields.
The Skills Capital Grants are awarded by the state’s Workforce Skills Cabinet, which brings together the Secretariats of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Health and Human Services. This Cabinet works to align education, economic development, and workforce policies to meet employers’ demand for skilled workers in every region of Massachusetts. The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with local businesses and align curriculum and credentials with industry demand to maximize hiring opportunities.
About Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School
Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School (ENSATS) opened as a four-year Massachusetts public career technical and agricultural high school in September 2014. ENSATS admits students from 17 member communities to the district’s 26 career technical and agricultural programs. Member communities include Beverly, Boxford, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Lynnfield, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marblehead, Middleton, Nahant, Peabody, Rockport, Salem, Swampscott, Topsfield, and Wenham. Students from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are also eligible to earn admission to Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School’s seven animal science, agricultural, or natural resource programs.
ENSATS students are immersed in both their academic and career technical and agricultural (CTAE) programs throughout each year of their enrollment. Academic courses are available at the college preparatory, honors, and advanced placement levels. CTAE program placement is determined after participation in a Freshman Exploratory Program. Eligible students may also participate in the Cooperative Education Program, beginning midway through junior year.
Academic and CTAE Program coursework is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, Massachusetts Career Vocational Technical Education Frameworks, and Massachusetts High School Program of Studies (MassCore).
