Grant will support disadvantaged students and English Language Learners in high-demand fields like healthcare, behavioral health, and IT
MassBay Community College has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation to expand programs for English Language Learners (ELL) and disadvantaged students in career certificate pathways for high-demand fields including Behavioral Health Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Computer Support Specialists.
“We are deeply grateful to the Cummings Foundation for their continued support,” said MassBay Community College President David Podell. “Over the years this Foundation has made significant contributions to MassBay that have changed the trajectory of the lives of hundreds of individuals, and has made a substantial impact by strengthening our regional economy. This latest funding enables MassBay students who otherwise could not afford to accept an unpaid professional experience to develop their career-based skills on-the-job. The Cummings Foundation has once again generously invested in a program that will make a difference for worthy students and will have a lasting impact on our regional workforce.”
The Cummings Foundation grant will support MassBay students sharpen their English skills and transition into career-focused training programs that align with regional workforce needs. This initiative addresses critical workforce shortages in MetroWest by training people in roles that are urgently needed and have career stability including working with the aging population and people with mental health issues, as well as meet the constantly growing need for Information Technology and cybersecurity support.
“This generous grant from the Cummings Foundation allows us to equip English Language Learners and students in need with the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce,” said MassBay Executive Director of MassBay’s Corporate Partnerships, Workforce Development, and Community Education Colleen Coffey. “We are proud to help students transition into careers that are vital to our community’s health and economy.”
The Cummings Foundation, established by Bill and Joyce Cummings, is one of the largest private foundations in New England and focuses its philanthropy in the Greater Boston area. The grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations in a wide variety of causes, including human services, education, healthcare, and the environment. To date, the Cummings Foundation has awarded more than $600 million to local organizations and in 2025, MassBay was one of 150 nonprofits selected as recipients of the $30 million grant program.
For more information about MassBay’s Corporate Partnerships, Workforce Development and Community Education programs, visit www.massbay.edu/workforce.
MetroWest Medical Center