Massachusetts Gaming Commission Invests in Local Workforce Development

This funding was approved during a public meeting held on April 11, 2024, under the guidance of the Community Mitigation Fund (CMF), which was established by the Expanded Gaming Act.

Enhancing Skills and Opportunities

The grants, each amounting to $750,000, were awarded to the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board and Holyoke Community College’s Adult Education and Workforce Development Program.

These funds are earmarked for comprehensive training programs that are poised to significantly enhance the skill set of the local workforce.

The initiatives include a variety of training modules, from occupational training in the hospitality sector to digital literacy courses, all aimed at increasing employability in the region.

Impact and Collaboration

The funding initiatives have already shown positive outcomes, as evidenced by Holyoke Community College’s success in training individuals for critical roles such as Line Cooks at MGM Resorts Springfield, among other regional employers.

This collaboration with Springfield Technical Community College and Springfield Public Schools has also facilitated high school equivalency and job readiness skills, vital for the local culinary-hospitality workforce.

Chris Albrizio-Lee, President and CEO of MassHire Metro North Workforce Board, highlighted the importance of continued partnership with the Mass Gaming Commission and local businesses like Encore Boston Harbor. “MassHire Metro North Workforce Board (MHMNWB) and its partners are thrilled to be able to continue the important work of the Metro Boston Regional Gaming and Hospitality Consortium (MBRGHC) through this grant. We are appreciative of the Mass Gaming Commission and Encore Boston Harbor for their continued partnership, and we look forward to helping residents across the Metro Boston region connect with and prepare for high quality gaming and hospitality careers.”

Since its inception in 2015, the MGC’s Community Mitigation Fund has dispersed approximately $48 million. These funds have supported a wide range of projects across transportation, community planning, workforce development, and public safety, all designed to mitigate casino-related impacts and promote sustainable growth within local communities across Massachusetts.