ETEF – Essex Tech Education Foundation
Investing in Skills. Inspiring Futures.
Mission
The Essex Tech Education Foundation (ETEF) is dedicated to enriching educational opportunities for students at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School by providing resources, partnerships, and financial support that enhance career and technical education, foster innovation, and prepare students for meaningful careers, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.
Purpose
The purpose of the Essex Tech Education Foundation is to support and advance career, technical, and agricultural education by:
- Expanding access to high-quality career and technical learning experiences
- Supporting student achievement through scholarships, grants, and enrichment programs
- Strengthening connections between education, industry, and the community
- Promoting innovation, sustainability, and workforce readiness across all career pathways
- Enhancing facilities, equipment, and programs beyond traditional public funding
Through these efforts, ETEF ensures that all students have the tools, opportunities, and support needed to succeed in an evolving workforce and global economy.
Give
Invest in Skills. Inspire Futures.
Your support of the Essex Tech Education Foundation (ETEF) directly strengthens career, technical, and agricultural education at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School. By giving to ETEF, you help ensure students graduate with real-world skills, industry-recognized credentials, and meaningful career opportunities—beyond what public funding alone can provide.
The ETEF is a registered 501(c)3 organization. All charitable donations are tax dediuctable.
Why Give?
Career and technical education is essential to Massachusetts’ workforce and economic future. While public funding provides a strong foundation, it cannot fully keep pace with evolving industry standards, technology, and workforce demands.
ETEF bridges this gap by investing in:
- Industry-recognized credentials and certification exams
- Modern equipment, tools, and instructional technology
- Work-based learning, internships, and apprenticeships
- Scholarships, emergency assistance, and student supports
- Innovative programs aligned to Chapter 74 and Perkins V priorities
Your gift translates directly into opportunity.
Meet the ETEF Board
Contact information
The best way to contact the ETEF board is via email at [etef@essextech.net]
Roger Bourgeios
Board Member
Superintendent-Director, Retired
Elaine Chirichello
Board Member
Culinary Arts Teacher at Essex Tech
Wesley Leavitt
Board Member
General Manager at the Essex County Co- Op
Ryan Monks
Board Member
Director of Facilities, Farm, and Grounds at Essex Tech
Heidi T. Riccio, Ed.D.
Board Member
Superintendent-Director at Essex Tech
Michael Sabatini
Board Member
Owner at the Bradstreet Farm
Joseph St. Pierre
Board Member
Manager at the Salem Marine Terminal
Mark Strout
Board Member
School Committee Representative at Essex Tech
Jonathan Wood, Jr.
Board Member
Wood Trucking
Marie Znamierowski
Board Member
Director of Business Operations at Essex Tech
Freqently Asked Questions
How is ETEF different from the school district?
ETEF is a separate nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the school district. While public funding supports core educational operations, ETEF provides targeted investments that go beyond traditional funding—such as industry credentials, modern equipment, scholarships, and work-based learning opportunities.
What types of programs and initiatives does ETEF support?
ETEF supports initiatives that advance career readiness and workforce alignment, including:
- Educator professional development aligned to industry standards
- Industry-recognized credentials and certifications
- Work-based learning, internships, co-ops, and apprenticeships
- Program modernization, equipment, and instructional innovation
- Student scholarships, tools, PPE, and emergency assistance
Who benefits from ETEF funding?
ETEF funding directly benefits students enrolled in career, technical, and agricultural programs. Educators, industry partners, and the broader regional workforce also benefit through stronger pipelines, updated training environments, and job-ready graduates.
How does ETEF support workforce readiness?
ETEF aligns its investments with Massachusetts Chapter 74 standards, Perkins V priorities, and regional labor market needs. By funding credentials, real-world learning experiences, and industry-aligned equipment, ETEF helps ensure students graduate career-ready, college-ready, and credentialed.