WALPOLE, MA – Norfolk County Agricultural High School will receive a $3.5 million state grant – the largest in its history. The grant will support a $2.45 million renovation and expansion on the current campus, increasing space and providing much-needed building and systems upgrades. Laboratory space will be expanded, allowing about 100 additional students to pursue careers in Plant Science and Environmental Science.

Another $550,000 will go toward the purchase of new, modern greenhouses, with the latest in agricultural technology. Also, $350,000 will be spent to create multipurpose classrooms and modular computer labs that will be used by both daytime students and those in state-approved After Dark/CTI adult training on nights and weekends.

These improvements will give students the tools and experiential learning they need to obtain high-paying jobs after graduation, as well as create additional opportunities for dual enrollment at Massasoit and Bristol Community College.

Expanded lab and greenhouse capacity will allow Norfolk Aggie to expand after-school and weekend programming to an additional 60-80 high school students annually from surrounding communities. Another 30-40 incumbent workers and adult learners will be able to earn industry-recognized credentials through Commonwealth Corporation (CTI) training partnerships.

In total, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded more than $70 million in capital grants to 28 high schools and career technical schools on Thursday, April 30.