FY2027: Connecting Activities
FY2027: Connecting Activities funds research-driven efforts to expand career immersion and work-based learning for Massachusetts high school students through regional partnerships and employer engagement.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Full application/proposal deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $6.3 million total; individual awards range from ~$200,000 to $1.5 million for each eligible Workforce Board; 12-month project period.
Summary: Supports Massachusetts high schools in expanding career immersion and work-based learning for students through regional partnerships and employer engagement.
Key Information: Only the 16 MassHire Workforce Boards are eligible to apply.
Description
This grant program aims to enhance regional systems that support high schools and students in Massachusetts in accessing immersive career learning experiences. The initiative is designed to help districts expose students to a wide range of career opportunities informed by labor market data, develop targeted workforce and career skills, and facilitate participation in experiential and work-based learning (WBL). The program emphasizes collaboration between schools and employers—particularly in high-wage, high-demand sectors—and seeks to improve equity and access for underserved student populations. Key components include integrating employer-engaged learning into curricula, implementing personalized career planning (MyCAP), and sharing best practices and workforce data through regional convenings.
