BCC Receives $85K Skills Capital Grant

08:09AM / Tuesday, July 09, 2024Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) has received an $85,000 award as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration's Skills Capital Grants. The funding, which totals nearly $15 million statewide, supports 65 high schools, colleges and educational institutions to upgrade technology and instructional lab spaces, expand career programs for young people and adults, and increase capacity in workforce training programs.

"We want to ensure that what students learn in school helps them get where they want to go, while also meeting our workforce needs," said Governor Maura Healey. "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."

Skills Capital Grants are awarded by the state's Workforce Skills Cabinet, which brings together the Secretaries of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Health and Human Services. The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with local businesses, as well as align curriculum and credentials with industry demand to maximize hiring opportunities.

The grants have improved learning experiences across several high-demand fields. For example, in the automotive industry, Skills Capital Grants have provided for the purchase of training equipment aligned with current industry-standard technology and workforce demands. The funds have also been used to modernize and expand instructional lab spaces to increase enrollment in HVAC programs, and to provide specialized training for careers in offshore wind projects, green technologies and energy efficiency. In addition, some organizations have used the funding to purchase virtual reality equipment to help students with disabilities earn credentials that lead to professions in the health services industry, including certified nursing assistants.

"Skills Capital Grants provide students with the modern and immersive spaces and tools to prepare them for them for the workforce and successful careers," said Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. "These are the spaces, resources, and experiences that they deserve."

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

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