Mayor Sarno along with state officials and members of the Regional Employment Board announced the $1.3 million coming to Springfield aimed at reducing poverty and enhancing the competitiveness of the workforce.

"We are identifying opportunities to bring workers and address the skills gap we have across the Commonwealth and specifically here in Springfield," said State Secretary of Workforce and Labor Development, Suzanne Bump.

Officials outlined four goals:
Establish a universal pre-kindergarten program and support family literacy. Institute extended learning time and career and college programs to improve high school graduation rates. Close the literacy and skills gap by investing in adult education and language training. And target training and education toward filling jobs in key industries.

"There are 1,300 health care jobs going begging, so if we are able to skill up the workforce to take those jobs, not only does it drive this career sector, but adds more economic prosperity out here," said Bump.

$475,000 will go to expanding the skilled workforce at Baystate and Mercy Hospitals. The grant will finance the recruitment and training of 55 acute-care certified nursing assistants. An additional $475,000 will go toward the Hampden County Regional Employment Board to help education and training in early childhood education.