July 2, 1999

"My dream has always been to go to college. But it isn't a dream anymore — it is a reality," said Luis Martinez, of the MGH Office of Research Affairs. He spoke about his experience with the MGH Support Service Grant Program at a press conference held June 25 at the MGH. The press conference announced a grant from the US Department of Labor to the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) for training programs similar to the one that helped Martinez continue his education at Bunker Hill Community College.

From left, Sen. Kennedy, Luis Martinez and Mayor Menino.

The grant of nearly $1 million will allow the PIC to train 400 entry-level health care workers for career advancement. The MGH, BWH and Partners are part of an 11-member consortium, which includes health care employers and colleges. The consortium will work with the PIC to provide employees access to GED and English as a Second Language programs, academic preparation for community college courses and specific training for higher level positions. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy and Mayor Thomas Menino were guest speakers at the press conference, along with James J. Mongan, MD, president of the MGH, and representatives from the PIC and other health care institutions.