ATTLEBORO — Superintendent David Sawyer, Principal Kate Campbell and Associate Principal for Career and Technical Education Jeremy Guay are pleased to share that Attleboro Technical Institute has been awarded a $59,540 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development to train 104 participants in heat pump technology.
“Receiving a clean energy grant will enhance Attleboro Public Schools’ HVAC program by providing funding for energy-efficient equipment, cutting-edge training, and sustainable technology integration,” said Associate Principal Guay. “This support will enable students to gain hands-on experience with green HVAC systems, preparing them for high-demand careers in energy-efficient heating and cooling. Additionally, it will help reduce operational costs while promoting environmentally friendly practices in the industry.”
The Healey-Driscoll Administration, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Corporation Foundation, has announced more than $440,000 in grant funding to four Career and Technical Education schools with existing Career Technical Initiative (CTI) programs, including the Attleboro Technical Institute.
The grants will help more than 680 Massachusetts students and adult learners during the 2025-26 academic year by providing hands-on clean energy training equipment and related professional development while positively impacting the schools’ ability to meet the Commonwealth’s projected workforce needs in the clean energy sector.
“Massachusetts is a global leader in clean energy, and we know we need thousands of skilled workers to support this burgeoning industry now and in the future,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “This public-private partnership with the business community to support schools through modernized equipment will provide students with the skills needed to succeed in these good-paying careers and help meet the needs of our employers.”
In Attleboro, this grant will impact education by adding three new Clean Energy Methodologies to the curriculum:
- Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems: Hands-on training in the design, installation, and maintenance of geothermal heat pumps, a highly sustainable HVAC solution.
- Solar Thermal Heating: Introduction to solar water heating systems and their integration into residential and commercial HVAC designs.
- Sustainability Practices: Emphasis on reducing carbon footprints and supporting net-zero energy building initiatives.
“In Massachusetts, we know that the clean energy sector provides an incredible opportunity to create hundreds of new, good-paying jobs,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “Working together with our business community, we are supporting Massachusetts’ students, schools, employers and local communities.”
The funding will help to equip schools with state-of-the-art equipment and innovative curriculum tailored to green technology.
Attleboro Public Schools will also purchase new HVAC training equipment with the grant funding, including an Amatrol Heat Pump Trainer and an iConnect Heat Pump Trainer.
“Massachusetts is leading the way in preparing our students and adult learners for high-growth industries and the jobs of tomorrow,” said Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. “By expanding access to high-quality career technical education, we’re giving students the tools they need to succeed while helping the Commonwealth meet its climate and workforce goals.”
The CTI schools receiving awards successfully demonstrated their capacity to manage CTI programs and, with these new awards, will integrate solar, wind and/or heat pump technologies into HVAC and electrical programs. During the application process, these schools have made commitments for instructors and other staff to participate in a quarterly community of practice to be convened by the Commonwealth Corporation Foundation. The grant funding will upgrade technology and instructional lab spaces for schools and institutions in the CTI program focused on skills training in solar, wind, or heat pump installation and maintenance.
“We are thankful to the Commonwealth Corporation Foundation for funding and awarding this initiative,” said Associate Principal for Career and Technical Education Guay.
“The Attleboro Public Schools are working hard to give our students the best options possible for their future careers,” said Superintendent Sawyer. “This funding will help us accomplish our mission to prepare our students for employment in lucrative and high-demand industries. Attleboro High School’s Career and Technical Education program offerings are growing, and funding is necessary to continue this expansion of our training offerings.”
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