Massasoit Community College Signs first MOU for Future of Work Institute
Massasoit’s new institute, based in Downtown Brockton, to focus on workforce development and economic growth initiatives.
BROCKTON, Mass (Nov. 15, 2024) – Massasoit Community College entered into a collaborative relationship with the Massachusetts Probation Service at an Open House in Downtown Brockton on Nov. 15. The relationship is one of the first initiatives for the Massasoit Community College Future of Work Institute (FWI), a new workforce-focused division at the College.
The MOU establishes a collaborative relationship between the Probation Service and Massasoit to train and upskill Probation Service employees. The relationship will further provide education and career development opportunities to support the successful re-entry of formerly incarcerated or justice involved individuals into the community to ensure the best possible outcomes for the target population and to contribute to local workforce development and community-building.
“As the economic needs of our region changes, we need thoughtful solutions to ensure that there is a trained, educated, and capable workforce ready to make an impact,” said Interim President Bill Mitchell, Massasoit Community College. “Community colleges like Massasoit have been at the forefront of workforce development preparing the next generation of workers through not just the trades, but arts, sciences, healthcare, and more.”
The MOU was signed by Interim President Mitchell and Commissioner of Probation Pamerson O. Ifill, a 1989 graduate of Massasoit, at an Open House at Massasoit’s Downtown Brockton Location. The state-of-the-art office, classroom, and engagement space – located in a new Department of Unemployment Assistance building – positions the College and the FWI in the heart of Brockton – an important economic hub of the South Shore and MetroSouth regions of Greater Boston. The Open House included information sessions on the FWI programs and initiatives and remarks from Interim President Mitchell, Commissioner Ifill, Labor and Workforce Development Undersecretary Josh Cutler, and Carine Sauvignon, Ed.D, Associate Vice President for the Future of Work Institute.
“On behalf of the Massachusetts Trial Court and the Massachusetts Probation Service, we are committed to creating and building collaborative partnerships which not only enhance the skill sets of our employees, but also ones that provide the kinds of educational experiences and opportunities for individuals on probation who benefit from all that Massasoit Community College has to offer,” said Commissioner Ifill. “Together, as two state entities, we have the capacity and the wherewithal to protect and build safer, healthier, stronger communities through partnerships like ours.”
The upcoming work with the Massachusetts Probation Service is one of several initiatives the FWI is tackling in 2024-25. Among them are climate technology work in construction and trades, Massasoit’s highly recognized Correctional Education & Returning Citizens Program (CERC), and professional development for employees of Eversource and Brockton Area Transit. The CERC program – which works with justice-involved individuals at several facilities – helps prepare these individuals for productive lives outside of incarceration. CERC programs include College in Prison, Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, and credit-bearing academic programs in liberal arts and alternative fuels and emissions.
“The Massasoit Community College Future of Work Institute will help employers, policymakers, and educators to bridge the workforce gap and ensure that we are equipping students and employees with the skills they need to find professional success,” said Associate Vice President Sauvignon.
Founded in 1966, Massasoit Community College offers students from southeastern Massachusetts and beyond access to more than 60 associate degree and certificate programs across arts, sciences, applied sciences, healthcare, and technology at locations in Brockton, Canton, Middleborough, and online. More than 8,000 students enroll for credit at Massasoit each year; another 1,500 students annually enroll in non-credit community education or workforce development courses. Typically, more than 800 students graduate from Massasoit with an associate degree or certificate each year. Massasoit students are given access to wraparound services provided on campus to support their success inside and outside the classroom.