Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School has secured $650,000 in state grants to expand its automotive technology program with electric and hybrid vehicle training for students and adult learners.
The funding comes from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment and Infrastructure Grants Program, according to a community announcement.
The grants will support the integration of electric and hybrid vehicle training into the school’s Chapter 74 Automotive Technology program, both for juniors and seniors during the day and for adult learners in the evening.
Two grants awarded
The district received two grants under the initiative: a $150,000 Strand A award to expand curriculum and pilot new training pathways, and a $500,000 Strand C award to purchase specialized high-voltage and hybrid vehicle training equipment, support facility modifications for safety and align instruction with evolving industry needs.
“This grant represents more than just an investment in equipment — it’s an investment in our students, our community and our future,” Superintendent Bill Runey said in the announcement. “By expanding access to clean energy career pathways, we are empowering the next generation of technicians to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. It also reinforces our commitment to equity, as these opportunities will extend to adult learners and underserved populations.”
Building on a legacy of hands-on technical education
The initiative will build on the district’s legacy of hands-on technical education, according to Michael Strojny, director of career and technical education.
“This funding allows us to take our automotive program to the next level,” Strojny said. “We’re excited to equip our students — both high schoolers and adults — with the skills necessary to meet the demands of a green economy. The integration of EV and hybrid vehicle training into our curriculum will position our learners for meaningful careers in clean energy while building strong partnerships with employers across the region.”
Principal Dustin Demers highlighted the impact on students and the broader school community.
“Our students are stepping into a world where clean energy and advanced automotive technology are no longer the future — they’re the present,” Demers said. “This grant ensures that DRRHS remains at the forefront of shaping learners for careers that truly matter.”
Preparing students for climate-critical careers
The expanded programming will serve both high school students and adult learners, creating new pipelines to high-wage, high-demand employment in the clean energy sector. The grants will also support the school in expanding its current employer network beyond commercial dealerships, bolstering post-graduate job placement efforts.
Over the next two years, the school will support a pilot cohort of 13 students through the training initiative.
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center has expressed enthusiasm for working alongside the school to build climate-resilient career pathways and to serve underrepresented communities and environmental justice populations across the state.
The district looks forward to finalizing the grant agreement and launching the next phase of implementation in collaboration with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center in the coming months.
This story was created by Dave DeMille, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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