LYNN— Lynn Vocational Technical Institute High School has secured official state approval to continue its new biotechnology program.
The physical construction of the LVTI biotechnology program began in 2024, with the school opening a freshman exploratory class as part of the process to prepare for additional funding.
As of Tuesday, August 19, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has designated the necessary Career Technical Education (CTE) Chapter 74 funding to LVTI’s biotechnology program specifically.
Mayor Jared Nicholson addressed how LVTI’s biotechnology program is important to the future needs of the city.
“We are incredibly proud to have added this shop to LVTI, which has been a major step forward in our efforts to connect Lynn to the innovation economy and prepare our students to succeed in these fields,” he said.
“This new shop has allowed us to expand seats in the school, while also creating a direct pathway to access high-demand, high-wage jobs in a thriving sector that already exists in our region,” he added.
The first freshman exploratory class will now become sophomores, and the CTE Chapter 74 funding requires approximately 1000 hours of training per student.
“We’re just scratching the surface, and we’re looking forward to growing this program. The students will come out well trained and ready for jobs within the field,” said LVTI Principal Fred Gallo.
According to the Mayor’s office, this initiative was made possible due Lynn Public School’s efforts to relocate the TEAMS program to Virginia Barton Educational Center at Briarcliff, and by securing funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief. This solution also addresses the significant waitlist at LVTI, which helps alleviate overcrowding at Lynn English Highschool and Lynn Classical Highschool.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the CTE funding in a press release.
“Career technical education programs give students a head start on their careers and create powerful pipelines for our local employers. These new programs will open doors for hundreds more students each year to explore industries like aviation, biotechnology, and construction, while gaining hands-on experience and earning industry-recognized credentials. It’s a win for our students, our schools, and our communities,” she wrote.
