Pittsfield Public Schools Awarded Civics Teaching and Learning Grants

01:27PM / Wednesday, August 19, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that it is awarding nearly $890,000 in Civics Teaching and Learning Grants to 28 school districts to expand high-quality civics education for students across Massachusetts.

The funding will support educator professional development, strengthen civics curriculum, and give students more opportunities to put what they learn into action through student-led civics projects, local and statewide showcases, and other hands-on learning experiences.

"Civics education gives students the chance to learn about the issues that matter to them and understand how they can make a difference," said Governor Maura Healey. "These grants will help more students take what they learn in the classroom and put it into action by working together, hearing different perspectives and getting involved in their communities. Those are skills that will serve them throughout their lives."

In Berkshire County, Pittsfield Public Schools was awarded $26,000.

The Civics Teaching and Learning Grants are funded through the state's Civics Project Trust Fund and support high-quality civics education in schools across Massachusetts. The grants help schools strengthen civics instruction and provide students with opportunities to complete the student-led, nonpartisan civic action projects required under state law.

This summer, the administration announced Teaching for Civic Empowerment, a new professional learning initiative designed to strengthen civics instruction. The new statewide effort aims to provide free, high-quality professional learning opportunities to 6,000 educators over five years to increase educator confidence and expertise with civics instruction.

This also follows the administration's recent release of final recommendations for a statewide high school graduation framework designed to ensure every Massachusetts student graduates prepared for college, careers and civic life. The recommendations emphasize civic knowledge and skills through coursework and hands-on learning, including Civics Action Projects.

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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