Connecting Activities &
Partnered School Program
Creating a Talent Pipeline
What is Connecting Activities?
"There is a direct correlation to YouthWorks and the work being done
through Connecting Activities. MassHire sees a great benefit to the students
and schools that our area serves to have a team working seamlessly on both initiatives.
We encourage schools to continue to work with Connecting Activities through the Blackstone Valley Hub
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- Jeffrey T. Turgeon
Executive Director
340 Main St, Suite 400
Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 799-1509
We are excited to share news of the recent awarding of the Blackstone Valley region’s Connecting Activities grant subcontract to the Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development!
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The Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development works directly with Central MassHire and DESE to support career awareness, exploration, and work based experiences.
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Connecting Activities (CA) grant, is a statewide network led by DESE and organized through sixteen MassHire Workforce Boards, charged with supporting work-based learning and other career development education activities for students. Through the network, educators can exchange ideas and practices by accessing a wide range of tools, resources, and experiences that support students. Also, employers and community partners can find channels to connect with schools in order to promote career awareness and the career growth of local students.
- Kerry Akashian
Career Development Education Lead
MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
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On behalf of the BV Hub, we are excited to offer enhanced and customized district services through our School Partnership Program as well as serving regional schools through the state-funded Connecting Activities Grant.
Services Available Include:
Please email us to find out more about our Connecting Activities and School Partnership Programs!
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Industry Speakers and Career Day Bookings
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Innovation Pathway Application Consultation*
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Innovation Pathway Sustainability Support
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Field Trip related to WBL and Career Trajectory
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Regional Resource Networking Groups for L&D and Best Practices
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ICY (Internship, Co-op, YouthWorks) ​Collaborative
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RRC (Regional Resource Community)
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BV Hub Full Services Individual District Advisory*
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Steering Meetings*
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Virtual Reality Career Awareness & ICP workshops
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Custom VR playlists to district priorities & curriculum*
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DoBot Workshops*
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In-District* and Virtual Employability Workshops
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Regional Career Awareness & Exploration Workshops
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One-contact for CA & YouthWorks students (in-house case management)
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Grant Assistance and Advisement*
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Inclusion in BV Hub Grants & Pilot Programs*
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Legislative Advocacy*
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Professional Development
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Funding for Transportation Grants for WBL & Career trajectory enhancing field trips
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Free access to Resource Library & Video Events (launch Jan. 2024)
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Free access to NextGen Talent: Central MA Labor Market & Search Engine (through 2024)
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Free admission to applicable BVCC events:
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September 27: Education Breakfast with Patrick Tutwiler, Ph.D., Secretary of Education​
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October: Ignite! Professional Development Conference
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WSN’S Ladies On The Lake*
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"Love Your Legislator" Breakfast
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Special events that connect education with the workforce
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Post-Secondary Pick-Up (Senior Scoop) at Polar Park​ 4/23
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Spring Mini-Summit on 5/1 9am-12pm
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Internship Network Nights
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Connecting Activities and Partnered School Services 2023-2024
YouthWorks Integration
As an existing YouthWorks and workforce training provider, the BV Hub looks forward to furthering DESE’s goals of collaboration, coordination and ease of access to families, students, and educators between these incredibly important programs. We look forward to onboarding our new team of Connecting Activities dedicated staff members and innovating the way these programs work together to better serve you.
Please let us know if you have any questions about our expansion. The BV Hub strives for continuing input and discussion with our school district and business partners. We invite you to be a part of our ongoing program development so we can better serve.
Service Descriptions
Connecting Activities services are offered to all BV Hub regional and partnered schools.
The unique nature of each district and school allows them to customize which service options and events work to enrich and enhance their educational offerings. The BV Hub Team strives to understand the needs of each district and custom tailor our Partnered School Program service option to align with district priorities and goals. This includes individual consultation, district specific program development, business outreach and grant writing not included under the standard CA services. Regional resource groups, programs, and events are free to all districts.