The Centers at Framingham State College

Three of the four centers at Framingham State College offer programs for graduate credit and PDPs for area educators. Information about these programs can be obtained by calling the centers, visiting their Web sites or by calling (508) 626-4550 and asking for a copy of the FSC Advance.

McAuliffe/Challenger Learning Center
The Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Center for Education and Teaching Excellence was established by Framingham State College, Christa's alma mater, to honor her commitment to teaching. In creating the McAuliffe Center, the College was determined to address the increasingly critical issues of the attraction, retention and education of the "best and brightest" as future teachers by honoring the vision, values and ideas of Teacher-Astronaut, Christa Corrigan McAuliffe. The mission of the McAuliffe Center is to carry out educational activities that will offer students goals and incentives to enhance their development, strengthen community support for education, support teachers in their work, and improve educational practice. The programs implemented by the McAuliffe Center, including the Learning Center, focus on the professional development needs of Massachusetts' teachers, including pre-service teachers, and students in grades 3 to 12. for more information call (508) 626-4050 or visit the McAuliffe/Challenger Learning Center Web site.

MetroWest Economic Research Center (MERC)
The MetroWest Economic Research Center (MERC) at Framingham State College, established in 1991, collects and analyzes data related to economic conditions in the MetroWest, South Shore and Tri-Center Cohesive Commercial Statistical Areas (CCSA). MERC provides information and commentary on economic issues of vital interest to these regions. Faculty and interns from the Department of Economics and Business Administration produce MERC presentations and publications including award-winning economic profiles and labor force studies. MERC analysis has proven critical for regional and town planning as well as retention and recruitment of businesses. for more information call (508) 626-4033 Fax: (508) 626-4040 e-mail:mdunne@frc.mass.edu or visit the MERC Web site

John C. Stalker Institute for Food and Nutrition
The John Stalker Institute provides programs on nutrition, food, and school food services using an interdisciplinary, collaborative team approach. The Institute offers hands-on workshops and a lending library for teachers, school food service personnel, health educators, child nutrition professionals, and other members of the school community. Programs are offered in four general areas: nutrition education, culinary training, school food service management and computer technology. Teachers can earn graduate credit and PDPs by taking online courses nutrition. School Food Service Directors and those on a career path to becoming directors can participate in the Certificate in Excellence in Child Nutrition. The Institute is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Program brochures are available for Fall and Spring Courses. For more information call (508) 626-4756 Fax: (508) 626-4018 or visit the Stalker Institute for Food and Nutrition Web site.

Center for Global Education

The Framingham State College Center for Global Education provides support to K-12 educators in the Commonwealth who wish to enhance global and multicultural perspectives in their classrooms. The Center provides the following services: professional development workshops and courses; a resource library; a speakers' bureau; and curriculum consultations. The Center works in collaboration with the Department of Education and local school districts to provide content institutes in Massachusetts Curriculum Framework topics related to global and multicultural education. For more information email:Dr. Sue Dargan, phone: (508) 626-4037, fax: (508) 626-4018 or visit the Global Education Web site.