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Taconic Awarded $4M Capital Grant

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BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration has awarded more than $70 million in Career Technical Education (CTE) program capital grants to 28 high schools and career technical schools across Massachusetts. 
 
In Berkshire County, Taconic was awarded $4,000,000 
 
This multi-year investment expands access to hands-on learning opportunities and help meet the growing demand for career-connected education statewide. 
 
The funding will create up to 2,500 new CTE seats by expanding 23 career tech programs, launching 27 new CTE programs and upgrading equipment, technology and lab spaces across participating schools. 
 
"Across Massachusetts, we’re hearing from students and families who want access to career technical education. 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," said Gov. Maura Healey. "This investment will expand capacity, create new opportunities and ensure more students can gain the skills they need to succeed, while strengthening our workforce and supporting employers across the state." 
 
As part of the administration's "Reimagining High School" initiative, CTE programs equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market through development of innovative, applied learning opportunities that align with current industry needs and provide students with high quality learning experiences that enable them to see and understand cleared pathways to careers and continued education.  
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Parks Commission OKs Lessons at Pittsfield Pickleball Facility

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's pickleball culture is ramping up with classes at the Benedict Road courts.  

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission approved Michael Latini's request to offer pickleball lessons at the facility, which opened a couple of years ago

Certified instructor Michael Latini plans to offer one-hour lessons to beginner-to-advanced level players from August to November on Tuesdays.  

Latini has been a member of Berkshire Mountain Pickleball for eight years and was on the committee that helped erect the courts. He has seen the organization grow from around 100 people to about 400 people, and lives nearby, playing up to five times a week. 

"So I'm very passionate about pickleball," he explained. 

He traveled to Nashville, Tenn., to become a certified pickleball teacher, and is Berkshire County's USA Pickleball ambassador, which entails getting pickleball to grow and teaching people how to play. 

The sport has also positively impacted his health. 

"One of the benefits that I've had out of pickleball is I'm a Type 2 diabetic, and through pickleball, I've been able to get off insulin, which my doctor was thrilled about," Latini said. 

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