LYNN — As Lynn Vocational Technical Institute continues to expand offerings to meet increased demand for career technical education, the state of Massachusetts is providing valuable assistance.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that Lynn Tech has been awarded a $2 million grant, setting the stage for the future launch of a new Environmental Science and Technology program that will open in 2027. 

That program will become the 20th shop at Lynn Tech, which added Biotechnology last year and Construction Craft Laborers (CCL) this year. 

“We are expanding to meet the high demand for CTE seats in schools across the state,” said Tech Principal Fred Gallo. “We try to offer a variety of programs to meet the different needs statewide.”

Lynn Tech was one of 28 schools to receive a total of $70 million in CTE capital grants, which will result in up to 2,500 new seats across the state. The Environmental Science program will be one of 27 new programs to go along with the expansion of 23 existing programs statewide.

“We appreciate the ongoing partnership with the state as LVTI expands its offerings,” Superintendent Molly Cohen said. “The demand for technical education has never been higher, and we want to continue to provide as many opportunities as possible.”

The grant proposal was written by Shannon Gardner, Lynn Public Schools Executive Director of Innovation and Grants Management. She said the funding will be used for construction costs to renovate existing space, labs, supplies, equipment, and teacher salaries for the first two years of the program.

“We’re excited,” Gardner said. “We have a long waiting list, and this will add slots in the school. Every time we add a shop, we add seats.”

Tech had 500 applicants for its eighth-grade program this year and 785 for Grade 9, the highest ever for the high school, Gallo said, adding that total enrollment this year is 1,566. 

“We are only able to accept about half the applicants we get,” said Gallo. “When we add a shop, we add 18 students per year so in four years that’s 72 more seats.”

The Environmental Science program will prepare students for careers in one of the region’s fastest-growing economic sectors. Graduates will be qualified for postsecondary education and careers in environmental technology, clean energy, and resource management. 

“The expansion deepens LVTI’s commitment to equitable access to high-demand STEM pathways,” Gardner said. 

With the Atlantic Ocean, salt marshes, lakes, and Lynn Woods Reservation in proximity, students will use the city itself as a living lab — conducting water quality tests, monitoring habitats, and completing sustainability projects rooted in real-world local environments.

“The expansion of LVTI and the addition of these new shops represent a major leap forward for our students, and we are incredibly proud of this growth,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “We appreciate the state’s support in fueling our mission to provide high-quality vocational education and training that empowers our students with immediate skills in some of the region’s fastest-growing industries.” 

“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  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.” 

“This investment is about meeting students where they are and preparing them for where the economy is going,” said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike. “By making this investment, we’re creating more seats, modernizing equipment and facilities, and ensuring more students can access high-quality, career-connected learning.” 

Tech added the Construction Craft Laborers program this year, and it has quickly become one of the most in-demand shops at the school, Gallo said. The 18 students in Grade 9 who are enrolled had a chance to visit the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) regional training center in Hopkinton, where they signed on to become part of LIUNA’s pre-apprentice program. 

Students were given a tour of the facility and got to see where they would receive some of their training while in high school and potentially after graduation as union apprentices. Tech is partnering with Building Wreckers Union Local 1421 and Select Demolition on this new arrangement.

“These partnerships and programs are poised to open many opportunities for these students,” said Gallo, who noted the CCL curriculum was developed in partnership with the union. “They will be learning many aspects of the construction trade and will receive a number of industry-rated credentials.”

Cohen and Mayor Jared Nicholson recently toured the CCL program at Lynn Tech, where they spoke with ninth-graders enrolled in the CCL course and heard from students and teachers, who shared several of the projects they are working on. The mayor expressed strong interest in workforce development, internships, and innovative ways to collaborate with co-op partners.  

The mayor and superintendent also visited the Biotechnology lab, where they met with students and teacher, Kelley Pagura, who led them on a tour of the lab.  The lab utilizes several state-of-the-art pieces of equipment, including an AirClean 600 PCR Workstation, which is primarily used for molecular biology experiments.  Students shared their goals and passion for biotechnology.