Media Contact:
Dan O'Brien, Chief Communications Officer
WPS Communications Office
Press Release:
Worcester Technical High School Receives $3.75M State Grant for HVAC, Plumbing Program Modernization
Through Governor Healey’s Career Technical Education Program Capital Grants
Photo caption: A student in the Plumbing program at Worcester Technical High School earlier this school year.
WORCESTER – Monday, May 4, 2026 – The Worcester Public Schools announces that Worcester Technical High School has received $3.75 million from a state career technical education (CTE) program capital grant to benefit the school’s Plumbing and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) programs.
Worcester’s allocation was among $70 million in grants to 28 schools with CTE programs across Massachusetts that were announced on Thursday, April 30 by Governor Maura Healey.
“The Worcester Public Schools is grateful for this significant investment by the state in our programs at Worcester Technical High School,” said WPS Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “This grant allows Worcester Tech to enhance its cutting-edge learning opportunities in these skilled trades that will benefit our students.”
The grant will benefit Worcester Technical High School in the following ways:
Modernize facilities and equipment through upgraded lab spaces for the Plumbing and HVAC programs with a focus on installing advanced, high-efficient systems and digital control technology.
Aligning curriculum with future needs to ensure students are trained in green energy skills, energy efficiency, and sustainable construction practices.
Increasing capacity to serve more high school and adult students to increase the supply of credentialed workers entering the local workforce.
Worcester Tech’s grant application was submitted in response to a critical, documented regional shortage in licensed, skilled-trades professionals in Central Massachusetts. In addition to benefitting students enrolled at Worcester Tech, the grant will benefit students in the afternoon Innovation Career Pathways program along with adults in the Night Life program.
“Across Massachusetts, we’re hearing from students and families who want access to career technical education,” said Governor Healey in a statement. “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. 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.”
“We are grateful for the Commonwealth’s investment and seeing the potential in our students,” said Drew Weymouth, Principal of Worcester Technical High School. “It’s important for our facilities and curriculums to continuously evolve so that future graduates have the necessary skills to meet the rapidly changing needs of industries. This support will help us immensely in these efforts.”
“This grant represents a transformative investment in our students and our region’s future,” said Dr. Patricia Suomala, Director of Career Technical Education for Worcester Technical High School. “By modernizing our shop areas and training our students on cutting edge systems, we are not only addressing workforce shortages but preparing the next generation of students with the skills necessary to succeed.”
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