Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education to modernize its Machine and Tool Technology program, an investment that will enhance student learning while reducing costs for the district’s member towns.
Old Colony was one of 30 schools statewide selected for funding through the competitive initiative, which supports career technical education programs aligned with workforce needs.
The grant will fund the replacement of equipment that, in many cases, dates back to the school’s opening in 1975. The upgrades will bring the program in line with current industry standards and ensure students graduate with the skills and experience needed for careers in advanced manufacturing.
Superintendent-Director Aaron Polansky praised the collaborative effort behind the successful application and highlighted the financial impact of the award.
“The cost savings to our member towns will be significant. We are talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars saved for each of our five member communities,” Polansky said. “Just as important, these upgrades will bring our Machine and Tool Technology program into the present day and ensure students are learning on the same types of equipment used in industry.”
Massachusetts Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Jr. emphasized the broader value of expanding career technical opportunities for students.
“This investment, I want to be clear, is about listening to our students and delivering what they’re asking for, what they’re telling us,” Zrike said. “They want the chance to explore their passions and discover their interests. They want to see the full range of opportunities in front of them, and they want to feel like learning is relevant.”
Old Colony’s Machine and Tool Technology program prepares students for careers in advanced manufacturing, a sector that continues to grow across Massachusetts. With new equipment and updated technology, students will gain hands-on experience with modern tools and processes used throughout the industry.
The grant supports Old Colony’s ongoing effort to provide high-quality career technical education while remaining mindful of the financial impact on its member communities.