MassDevelopment to Issue Grant to Massachusetts Bay Community College

Through the AMP it up! campaign that promotes advanced manufacturing as an attractive career path, MassDevelopment will for a second straight year issue matching grants to partnerships across the Commonwealth, including to Massachusetts Bay Community College.  

Massachusetts Bay Community College will receive $9,000. Working with the MetroWest STEM Education Network, the college will use the grant to build on the success of its MetroWest Tinkershop for students, parents and guidance counselors. Participants will have access to design tools such as CAD/CAM software and 3D rapid prototyping machines and will experience engineering, design and manufacturing.

In this second grant round, MassDevelopment will provide $108,950 in matching grants to 11 partnerships that consist of workforce investment boards, community colleges and industry associations who will use funds to develop community-based programs and activities that educate students and the adults in their lives about career options in advanced manufacturing.

"Massachusetts is on the cutting-edge in terms of what states are doing to grow 21st-century manufacturing,” said Assistant Secretary for Innovation Eric Nakajima. “By collaborating with industry leaders and academia, we can help ensure we have a new generation of manufacturers who are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for challenging and satisfying careers in advanced manufacturing.”

Projects range from regional robotics competitions and design workshops for Massachusetts youth to manufacturing externships for teachers, who will share their experiences with students. 

“We’re thrilled to provide AMP it up! grants to these 11 organizations, which have developed compelling and creative programs to help dispel misconceptions about manufacturing in Massachusetts and add skilled workers to the sector,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “MassDevelopment looks forward to seeing these organizations build on the first year of the campaign’s success.” 

A map of the recipients’ locations along with contacts for the recipients can be found here.  A press release detailing the first round of awards can be found here.