BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted to fund two Workforce Development Grants, which aim to give career training opportunities to people living near Encore Harbor Boston and MGM Springfield.

The MGC awarded the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board and Holyoke Community College’s Adult Education and Workforce Development Program $750,000 each for their projects.

"The grants that have been awarded from the Community Mitigation Fund to these important workforce development initiatives will empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue rewarding career opportunities," said Interim MGC Chair Jordan Maynard in a press release on Thursday.

“The Community Mitigation Fund serves a vital role at the MGC and throughout the Commonwealth, providing robust, tangible impacts for citizens and communities across Massachusetts.” 

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The Community Mitigation Fund was created under the Expanded Gaming Act, which is legislation that aims to create new jobs, generate new revenue for the Commonwealth, and help local economies grow.

The Fund was also established to support “communities and governmental entities in offsetting impacts related to the operation of gaming facilities,” explained the press release.

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“We are appreciative of the Mass Gaming Commission and Encore Boston Harbor for their continued partnership, and we look forward to helping residents across the Metro Boston region connect with and prepare for high quality gaming and hospitality careers,” said MassHire Metro North Workforce Board President and CEO Chris Albrizio-Lee.

The assistant vice president of Adult Education and Workforce Development at Holyoke Community College, Kermit Dunkelberg, also expressed the school's gratitude to the MGC.

"The support of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, through the Community Mitigation Fund, has enabled Holyoke Community College to provide training for critical Line Cook positions at MGM Resorts Springfield and other regional employers."

Dunkelberg shared more details about Holyoke's job programs. “Through our partnerships with Springfield Technical Community College and Springfield Public Schools, we also help adults attain high school equivalency, digital literacy and job readiness skills leading to employment. As a result of this support, we have provided opportunities to hundreds of adult job seekers since 2017, addressing the needs of the culinary-hospitality workforce in Hampden County, including MGM." 

The MGC has granted around $48 million in funding for initiatives in workforce development, as well as transportation, community planning, and public safety for communities near Massachusetts casinos since 2015.

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