May 20, 2025 |Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Education, News, Resources

Massachusetts Establishes New Career Technical Education Policies to Improve Access for Students

Share

• F
• T
• L

Changes will take effect for ninth grade class entering in fall 2026

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted today to change both the processes by which middle school students become aware of career technical education (CTE) and the admissions processes at CTE programs in order to provide all students with more opportunities for admission into those schools and programs. 

“While we continue to increase the number of seats in career technical education schools, we know that there are still more applicants than openings at many of the schools,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Today’s vote will help give all eighth graders more knowledge of their options and a better chance at being admitted to these schools.” 

“While we build career-connected learning in a variety of ways, we also want all students to know they have a fair shot at being admitted to a career technical education school if they are interested in attending one,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Today’s Board vote spreads that message.”  

With today’s vote, CTE programs that have more applicants than available seats will move to a lottery system starting with the ninth graders who will enter in fall 2026. If they choose, schools can require that students demonstrate their awareness of CTE on their application. Applicants can do this by attending an open house or an in-person or online tour, or by completing an online video module. 

Career technical education programs where there are more applicants than available seats also have the option to either implement a blind lottery or include weights in that lottery for attendance, discipline and/or interest in CTE as part of a weighted lottery. A weighted lottery is one in which all students are entered, and students who meet additional criteria are given an extra weight per criterion met. The approach is designed to acknowledge students’ positive attendance, discipline records and motivation while keeping the pathway to admission open to all who apply.  

Additionally, the updated regulations establish that all school districts will develop and share a Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy that supports all middle school students in the exploration of secondary school options available to them to pursue their career interests and aspirations, including CTE schools and programs.

“We believe all students can be successful at a CTE school. This change is designed to give more students more information and access to the valuable education career technical schools provide.”

Education Secretary Patrick A. Tutwiler

More detailed information is available in the Board documents from today’s meeting. Previously, districts were allowed to use selective criteria for admissions. The approved proposal came after three special Board meetings, three CTE Committee meetings, and in-person and written comments from superintendents, parents, students, school committee representatives, principals, school counselors, elected officials and community advocates representing CTE schools and sending school communities. 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has been expanding access to career-connected education in a variety of ways through their Reimagining High School initiative. In January, Governor Healey filed a supplemental budget that included $75 million for Career Technical Education School grants that will add an additional 3,000 new CTE seats over three years. Also, Governor Healey’s BRIGHT Act includes $100 million for Skills Capital grants that support high schools, colleges and educational institutions to upgrade technology and instructional lab spaces, expand career programs, and increase capacity in workforce training programs. These efforts further build on expansions the administration have made to Early College programs and Innovation Career Pathways.

Statements of Support: 

Attorney General Andrea Campbell: 

“Thank you to the advocates whose years of work fighting to ensure all students can access high-quality vocational education opportunities made today possible. I’m pleased to see the Board act with urgency and vote for this much-needed progress —especially at a time when our young people need real pathways to develop the skills that will serve them in today’s economy and in the years ahead. Massachusetts must keep working to expand access to educational opportunities that reflect students’ talents and future goals.” 

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell: 

“The challenges some middle school students face through no fault of their own should not disqualify them from the careers of their choosing. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Healey-Driscoll Administration sees it the same way, and they now have removed some of the most unfair and daunting admissions barriers to students who could benefit from a vocational education. As a result, the Commonwealth’s regional economies will have more competitive workforces, and more students will have an opportunity to thrive as adults.” 

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan: 

“Career and technical education schools offer great opportunities for Fall River students to get the skills and training they need to succeed in a career of their choosing. I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their efforts to increase access to these schools for all students.” 

Senator John Cronin (D-Fitchburg): 

“For too long, too many Massachusetts students haven’t been able to access the benefits that come from attending a career and technical education school. I’ve long supported fixing unfair admissions processes for CTE schools, and today’s vote is a positive step. I’m grateful to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for their leadership as we work together to increase access to vocational education and grow our workforce.” 

ACLU of Massachusetts Racial Justice Director Traci Griffith:  

“We deeply appreciate the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts to remove barriers to career technical education programs. Replacing exclusionary admissions requirements with a lottery-based system will help to ensure all children have a fair and equal opportunity to benefit from the well-documented advantages of hands-on career training. Ultimately, this will make a significant difference in the lives of countless Massachusetts students.” 

Latinos for Education CEO and Founder Amanda Fernandez:  

“We are pleased by the Board’s decision to pass these important admissions reforms. Today’s vote marks a critical step toward expanding access for all students — especially those who have historically faced barriers to gaining admission into our state’s regional vocational-technical schools. With this decision, we’re opening doors to life-changing career pathways that don’t require a traditional four-year degree, which is especially important for Latino students seeking economic mobility. At Latinos for Education, we are committed to working in partnership with DESE and vocational schools to ensure Latino communities are fully informed about the admissions process and have equitable access under the new system.” 

IBEW 103 Business Manager and Financial Secretary Louis J. Antonellis: 
“Career and technical education schools provide a critical foundation for students to learn the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce. I’m glad that the Healey-Driscoll Administration is increasing access to these valuable educational experiences for young people across the state.”  

The above press release was submitted to us by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education