The YouthWorks Grant aims to enhance educational opportunities for adults seeking CNA certification, aligning with the school’s broader commitment to vocational education and community engagement. The funds will help provide necessary resources and training, paving the way for adult learners to gain credentials in the healthcare field. The committee members expressed approval for the initiative, highlighting its importance in expanding educational pathways.

Further, the committee acknowledged a donation from Lowell General Hospital staff, which will be used to purchase uniform supplies and cover testing fees for students pursuing CNA and CMA certifications. The acceptance of this donation underscores the school’s ongoing relationship with local healthcare providers and its dedication to supporting students in need of financial assistance.

The meeting also covered updates on the school’s Cooperative Education Program, which showed promising participation rates. As of the end of January, 256 seniors were engaged in cooperative education, representing 45% of the senior class. Additionally, 13 junior students have already begun their co-op experiences. This program is vital for providing students with practical, hands-on work experience in their fields of study.

The school’s wrestling program was another focal point, with plans to send up to four wrestlers and two coaches to the New England Scholastic Wrestling Championships in Providence, Rhode Island. The committee approved a budget of $1,280 to cover the costs associated with the event.

In terms of student admissions, the committee received an update on the number of applications for the ninth and tenth grades. As of the February deadline, 1,218 applications had been submitted for ninth grade, slightly below the previous year’s total. The school continues to enhance its recruitment efforts, particularly targeting historically underserved communities. A diverse team of educators and liaisons has been promoting the school’s programs and assisting with the application process in multiple languages.