New $930,000 Grant from Commonwealth Ensures Program Continuation into 2026
Today, Whittier Tech graduated 90 adult students from its Summer 2025 Career Technical Initiative (CTI) program. The program, which launched on June 23, provides participants with hands-on training and career development opportunities in high-demand technical fields.
CTI is a state-funded initiative from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts aimed at helping unemployed and underemployed residents gain the skills necessary to enter the workforce in productive, meaningful careers, especially in fields experiencing labor shortages.
Whittier Tech was one of the first schools in Massachusetts to participate in the CTI initiative. Since 2020, the school has helped over 300 Massachusetts residents gain industry-recognized credentials and job-ready skills through the CTI program.This year’s CTI cohort included students from across our region, including Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen, Lowell, Newburyport, North Andover, Amesbury, Newbury, Boxford, Merrimac, and Groveland.
“We recognize the critical need for a skilled workforce and are committed to providing accessible, career-focused education that meets that demand,” said Maureen Lynch, Whittier Tech Superintendent. “We are incredibly proud of these 90 graduates who have taken a significant step toward a brighter, more stable future through their hard work and dedication.”
Anayah Cortes of Haverhill, a CTI graduate from Auto Collision Repair, shared the impact the program had on their life, noting, “This program changed the direction of my life. I gained hands-on experience I never thought I’d have access to, and the instructors were incredibly supportive. I’m leaving with real skills and a clear path forward. I’m so grateful.”
At Whittier Tech, CTI is a seven-week summer program that delivers 200 hours of intensive, hands-on instruction in one of eight technical areas: Advanced Manufacturing, Auto Body, Carpentry, Construction, Culinary, Electrical, Plumbing, and Welding. Students graduate with real-world, employable skills and industry credentials including OSHA-10, Hot Works, ServSafe, and a full set of tools used during training.
Through strong industry partnerships, Whittier Tech has worked with over 60 companies across 9 industries to help place CTI students in jobs and support workforce needs throughout the region.
Commonwealth Announces $930K Grant to Support 2026 CTI Program
This week, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts announced it will award Whittier Tech $930,000 to continue the Career Technical Initiative in the 2025–2026 academic year. The funding will ensure that Whittier Tech can maintain and expand its adult technical education offerings in the year ahead.
As part of the announcement, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor Lauren Jones visited Whittier Tech to tour the summer CTI program and formally announce the funding. Her visit highlighted the state's commitment to career technical education and the impact programs like Whittier’s are having on local workforce development.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work,” said Lynch. “This investment from the Commonwealth allows us to keep delivering life-changing education and career opportunities to adults in our community.”
For more information about the Career Technical Initiative at Whittier Tech, visit https://www.whittiertech.org/