FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Massachusetts Vocational Technical Coalition Urges Legislators to Pause Admissions Lottery; Expand Voc-Tech Funding
Public Forum Co-Hosted by Pioneer Institute and Worcester Regional Chamber will Focus on Ramifications of Admissions Lottery, Highlight Need for Increased Investment
WORCESTER, Mass. (June 12, 2025) – The Massachusetts Vocational Technical Coalition, Pioneer Institute, and Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced that they will hold a public forum to discuss the ramifications of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s decision to impose a lottery-based admissions system on vocational-technical schools.
The event will be held on Tuesday, June 24 at noon at the Chamber offices at 311 Main Street in Worcester and it will feature Jamie Gass, Director of the Center for School Reform at the Boston-based Pioneer Institute, a public policy research organization. The forum will raise awareness about the voc-tech admissions regulatory change, address the impact of an admissions lottery on student access to voc-tech schools, and review alternative approaches.
“This discussion will elevate the voices of local leaders who are already seeing how an admissions lottery will have an adverse impact on our students and communities,” said Timothy P. Murray, former Lt. Gov. and current President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. “BESE’s vote last month will unnecessarily weaken the admissions standards – like grades, attendance and behavior – that make our voc-techs so highly regarded. These schools and programs need, first and foremost, new investment so that they can expand capacity.”
A panel discussion will feature representatives from regional voc-tech school committees, workforce leaders, educators, parents, and students.
“Massachusetts has long been a leader in career and technical education, and we should not make changes that risk destabilizing the system and limiting opportunities for students,” said Gass, a leading expert on academic standards, school choice, and school accountability. “Our pressing need as a commonwealth is a voc-tech system that ensures that all qualified students have access to high-quality technical education, to meet the needs of students and employers.”
This event is part of the Coalition’s broader advocacy effort to support legislation (H. 4001, Section 65, pg. 335-336 and S.2514, Line Item 1596-2513) that recognizes, respectively, the need to: examine more closely the approved admissions lottery system; and broaden funding to expand access to voc-tech programs.
Over the next month, the local impacts of the newly-adopted admissions regulations will be discussed at regional voc-tech school committee meetings across Massachusetts, along with the need for increased funding to expand access and build capacity in voc-tech schools and programs.
As these processes move forward, the Coalition urges Massachusetts residents to contact their legislators, voice opposition to the lottery plan, and support an investment in greater capacity for voc-tech schools and programs. To learn more and take action, visit: https://www.mavoctechcoalition.org/take-action-gov.
“Employers across Massachusetts need a steady stream of well-prepared voc-tech graduates to fill the jobs of tomorrow,” said Murray. “BESE’s actions move us further away from this goal. The forum we are co-hosting will illuminate the pathway to better meeting our needs.”
About the Massachusetts Vocational Technical Coalition
The Massachusetts Vocational Technical Coalition is a diverse coalition committed to protecting and expanding access to high-quality vocational-technical education. This united front stems from a shared concern that a lottery-based admissions system will negatively impact the established success and accessibility of vocational and agricultural education within the state. The Coalition advocates for policies that it believes will strengthen Chapter 74 programs, preserve rigorous admissions standards and address the growing demand for career and technical education across the Commonwealth. For more information, visit: https://www.mavoctechcoalition.org/.
About Pioneer Institute
Pioneer Institute empowers Americans with choices and opportunities to live freely and thrive. Working with state policymakers, we use expert research, educational initiatives, legal action and coalition-building to advance human potential in four critical areas: K-12 Education, Health, Economic Opportunity, and American Civic Values. For more information, visit: https://pioneerinstitute.org/.
About The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce is the largest chamber in New England representing over 2,000 members from all industries and of all sizes located in a service area of over 40 cities and towns and other communities in Central Mass. and beyond. The organization serves the region’s business community through public policy advocacy, educational and networking events, and economic development efforts. For more info, visit: https://www.worcesterchamber.org.
Contact:
Izzy Nickel, Ball Consulting Group, LLC
Phone: 617-243-9950; Email: izzy@ballcg.com