Massachusetts Gaming Commission Delivers $1.5m in Workforce Development Grants

Article by : Erik Gibbs Apr 25, 2024

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The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) recently approved two workforce development grants totaling $1.5 million through the Community Mitigation Fund (CMF).

This funding, distributed to the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board and Holyoke Community College’s Adult Education and Workforce Development Programme, shows the MGC’s commitment to supporting communities affected by the presence of gaming establishments in the state.

The primary objective of these initiatives is clear: to provide comprehensive career-training opportunities to individuals residing near the Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield casinos.

Through a variety of programs funded by these grants, including occupational training, skill-building workshops, language courses and certification programs, residents will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue fulfilling career opportunities in the hospitality industry.

Jordan Maynard, interim chair of MGC, highlighted the significance of these grants in empowering individuals and communities.

By investing in workforce development, the MGC aims to address the socioeconomic impacts of gaming establishments and ensure that residents have access to training programs aligned with the industry’s evolving needs.

Kermit Dunkelberg, assistant vice president of adult education and workforce development at Holyoke Community College, emphasized the positive outcomes facilitated by the MGC’s support.

Dunkelberg mentioned specific training programs for critical positions at regional employers, demonstrating the tangible impacts of these initiatives on employment opportunities and community development.

The Community Mitigation Fund (CMF) serves as a crucial mechanism for supporting workforce development initiatives in affected communities. By funding programs that empower individuals with valuable skills and resources, the CMF contributes to economic growth and social development in the vicinity of Massachusetts casinos.

Since its inception, the MGC has allocated approximately $48 million in funding to address various needs in communities hosting gaming facilities. This funding is distributed across multiple sectors, including transportation, community planning, and public safety initiatives.

In March, the state of Massachusetts generated a total taxable gaming revenue of $157.3 million, evidencing the gaming industry’s significant economic impact on the state’s revenue stream.

Leading gaming establishments such as Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield continue to contribute to the state’s financial stability, further emphasizing the importance of supporting workforce development initiatives to ensure that communities benefit from gaming establishments’ presence.

Through strategic investments in workforce development and community initiatives, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission remains steadfast in its mission to empower individuals, foster economic growth, and promote social responsibility in communities across the state.