September 23, 2026 – Holyoke, Massachusetts – The Hampden District Attorney’s Office and Holyoke Public Schools have partnered to launch a new educational initiative that provides forfeited vehicles to students for hands-on learning at William J. Dean Technical High School.

The program, created by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office and known as FUEL — Forfeiture Used for Educational Learning — allows vehicles forfeited through criminal proceedings and no longer needed for law enforcement purposes to be transferred to educational partners. Dean Tech is the program’s first partner, and the District Attorney’s Office has provided 13 vehicles to the school for the 2026-2027 school year.

Through the initiative, students in Dean Tech’s auto collision program will gain real-world experience inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles as part of their vocational education. Working with vehicles in varying conditions will give students exposure to different automotive systems and repair needs while helping them develop the technical and problem-solving skills required in the industry.

Under the agreement, the Hampden District Attorney’s Office will identify eligible forfeited vehicles and transfer ownership to Holyoke Public Schools once each vehicle has been cleared by law enforcement. Holyoke Public Schools will then use the vehicles as instructional tools, helping students build practical skills while preparing for careers in the automotive industry.

“These vehicles have had long lives, including use in criminal enterprise, but through FUEL, they can now serve an entirely new purpose – and positive – purpose,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “Students at Dean Tech will be able to work on actual vehicles, solve real problems and develop skills they can carry directly into the workforce. That is a meaningful second life for these assets and a tremendous opportunity for students.”

FUEL originated with Detective Lieutenant Liam Jones of the Hampden District Attorney’s Office State Police Detective Unit, who recognized that eligible forfeited vehicles could become valuable training tools for vocational students.

“One of the most important investments we can make in the future of our communities is ensuring that young people have the skills, confidence, and practical experience necessary to graduate prepared to enter the workforce and pursue meaningful careers. The Massachusetts State Police are proud to see vehicles forfeited as a result of criminal investigations conducted by our Troopers repurposed to support a valuable program that creates opportunities for young people and reinvests these resources in the communities we serve,” said Colonel Geoffrey Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police.

Interstate Towing has supported the launch of FUEL by providing towing services at no cost to transport all 13 vehicles from the storage lot to Dean Tech. Its contribution helped ensure the vehicles could be delivered directly to the school and placed into the hands of students without creating an additional transportation expense for the program.

“A central part of my office’s mission is finding ways to support young people and give them opportunities to succeed,” said Gulluni. “FUEL allows us to take something that came out of the criminal justice system and turn it into something positive: a resource that helps students learn, grow, and prepare for their futures. That is exactly the kind of investment in our community that we should be making.”

Holyoke Public Schools will oversee the use of the vehicles within Dean Tech’s vocational programs and ensure all necessary safety protocols are followed before students begin working with them. Vehicles may also be sold by the school at a later date, with proceeds reinvested directly into supporting and sustaining the school’s automotive programs.

Holyoke Public Schools Superintendent Jackie Glasheen said, “Community partnerships are foundational to the success of our educational programs at Holyoke High School’s Dean Tech Campus. Our partners provide hands-on training opportunities that make the learning real. We thank the Hampden District Attorney’s Office for this opportunity that will allow our students to practice skills they need for employment in this industry.”

Dean Technical High School senior David Collins spoke about what the program means to students who will have the opportunity to work on the donated vehicles.

“It means a lot to know there’s people in our community thinking about us,” Collins said.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to education, workforce development, and innovative community collaboration. The agreement will remain in effect for five years, with additional vehicles transferred on a rolling basis as eligible vehicles become available.