SciTech expands Chapter 74 programs; district and school leaders outline recruiting, licensing and transport plans

Leaders for the High School of Science and Technology (SciTech) told the Springfield School Committee they have expanded Chapter 74 vocational offerings — adding day programs, licensing new shops and continuing an “After Dark” two‑year model for juniors and seniors.

Shelby Zayas, SciTech’s vocational lead, said the school now operates three daytime Chapter 74 programs that will receive state funding and listed after‑school programs that already operate under Chapter 74. “Nine of the 11 shops that we offer are directly rooted in science and technology,” she said, describing new daytime programs such as business technology, early education and medical assisting and after‑dark additions like advanced manufacturing and cosmetology.

Why it matters: SciTech’s expansion is intended to increase vocational options across the district and to offer pathways for students unable to secure a seat at Putnam. Staff said the “After Dark” model allows juniors and seniors to complete the state‑required hours (900 for most Chapter 74 programs; cosmetology requires 1,000) while still meeting graduation requirements.

Program and enrollment details: Presenters said After Dark is in its fifth year and SciTech’s day programs have been running for about three years. Staff cited about 58 students enrolled across five day programs at the time of the presentation and discussed a broader headcount (staff later cited approximately 225 students across the campus vocational programs) when the committee asked for total figures. Zayas said the day program’s medical assisting track is new to the district.

Licensing, staffing and certification: Officials discussed the state licensing process and the challenge of recruiting licensed vocational teachers. Zayas and other staff explained that each Chapter 74 program requires specific teacher qualifications (for example, a registered nurse for health assisting) and that vocational teachers must complete subject tests, performance exams and additional coursework to become and remain licensed. Committee members and staff discussed recruiting barriers, noting industry pay can exceed teacher pay and that many prospective instructors must pursue additional credentials and examinations.

Community partners and hands‑on experience: SciTech presenters listed local partners that host student clinicals and co‑ops, including the Springfield Police Department, Springfield Public Works, Springfield Fire Department, Life Care Center (Wilbraham), East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing and regional colleges and employers such as Springfield Technical Community College and Western New England University. Staff described recruiting road shows, school visits and an exploratory rotation model that gives ninth graders short experiences across multiple shops before they select a program.

Ending: Staff told committee members they are building a public website and data dashboards to track program outcomes and will provide program‑level attendance and graduation data as cohorts complete Chapter 74 requirements.