STCC Receives $137,966 State Grant to Expand CNA Training
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) received a $137,966 grant from the Healey-Driscoll administration to support and expand its certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program.
The funding, part of the state’s $1.5 million Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) grant initiative, is aimed at preparing more than 500 unemployed and underemployed Massachusetts residents for careers in high-demand industries.
The TRAIN grant supports community colleges across the Commonwealth in offering skills-based training and wraparound services to help adult learners successfully transition into the workforce. STCC’s award will enable the college to provide CNA training to more participants, bolstering the pipeline of skilled professionals entering the healthcare field.
The CNA program at STCC has experienced steady growth in recent years. In FY 2022, 39 students completed the program. That number nearly doubled in FY 2023 with 72 completers and rose to 131 in FY 2024, reflecting increasing demand for training and a growing interest in healthcare careers among adult learners.
“This investment allows us to expand our workforce training programs and offer vital opportunities to adult learners in our community,” Assistant Vice President of Workforce Development Gladys Franco said. “Certified nursing assistants are essential in the healthcare system, and this funding helps ensure that more individuals can access training for a stable, meaningful career path.”
Franco expressed gratitude to the Healey-Driscoll administration for supporting the CNA program at STCC. “With this funding, STCC is poised to continue delivering on its mission to provide affordable, high-quality education and workforce development that supports both students and the broader regional economy.”
The CNA program at STCC prepares students for entry-level roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health settings. In addition to technical instruction, the program incorporates career readiness and support services that help students persist through training and transition into employment.
The Healey-Driscoll administration announced the TRAIN grants during a statewide rollout that highlighted community colleges’ vital role in workforce development. The CNA program is one of several healthcare-focused training opportunities being funded as the state works to meet growing demand in the sector.
“Community colleges are at the heart of workforce development in Massachusetts,” Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said. “Through this investment, we are creating pathways for adult learners to thrive — both in the classroom and in high-demand careers.”
Gov. Maura Healey echoed the importance of accessible training, noting that “these TRAIN grants will connect hundreds of community college students to the skills, support, and opportunities they need to succeed in growing industries and help ensure our economy works for everyone.”