Norfolk County Agricultural High School will receive a $3.5 million state grant – the largest in its history – to significantly increase learning and career opportunities for hundreds of additional students in the county and beyond.

“Norfolk Aggie” is a public high school that currently enrolls more than 600 students from the 28 towns of Norfolk County, as well as more than 40 out-of-county towns. The school offers specialty training to students who are interested in the career pathways of Animal and Marine Science, Agricultural and Diesel Mechanics, Environmental Science, and Horticultural Science.

 The grant will support a $2.45 million renovation and expansion on the current Walpole campus, increasing space and providing much-needed building and systems upgrades. Laboratory space will be expanded, allowing about 100 additional students to pursue careers in Plant Science and Environmental Science.

 Another $550,000 will go toward the purchase of new, modern greenhouses. The structures will include the latest in agricultural technology. Also, $350,000 will be spent to create multipurpose classrooms and modular computer labs that will be used by both daytime students and those in state-approved After Dark/CTI adult training on nights and weekends.

 These improvements will give students the tools and experiential learning they need to obtain high-paying jobs after graduation, as well as create additional opportunities for dual enrollment at Massasoit and Bristol Community College.

 Expanded lab and greenhouse capacity will allow Norfolk Aggie to expand after-school and weekend programming to an additional 60-80 high school students annually from surrounding communities. Another 30-40 incumbent workers and adult learners will be able to earn industry-recognized credentials through Commonwealth Corporation (CTI) training partnerships.

 “We are incredibly grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for this grant, and for its strong support of career technical education,” Superintendent-Director Jeremy Guay said. “This grant allows Norfolk Aggie to grow and help our graduates connect with high-paying, high-demand jobs.”

 In total, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded more than $70 million in capital grants to 28 high schools and career technical schools in April. Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, and education administrators made the announcement at Assabet Valley Vocational High School in Marlborough.

 “Across Massachusetts, we’re hearing from students and families who want access to career technical education. That’s why we’re making a $70 million investment to expand programs, create new seats and modernize training facilities so more students can get the skills they need and step into strong, in-demand careers,” said Gov. Healey. “This investment will expand capacity, create new opportunities and ensure more students can gain the skills they need to succeed, while strengthening our workforce and supporting employers across the state.” 

Submitted by Norfolk County Agricultural High School