Framingham State University has received the final piece of funding needed to complete a large-scale renovation and addition to Hemenway Hall that will transform the University’s STEM programs.

The $3 million grant was announced by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) during a press conference at FSU on February 25 and will go toward upgrading existing infrastructure inside Hemenway Hall. The effort is part of an overall $84 million addition and renovation that is currently underway and will provide students with access to 16 new state-of-the-art laboratory spaces.

“We know that Massachusetts companies are in need of highly educated science and math graduates,” said interim FSU President Robert Martin. “The Hemenway Hall expansion and renovation project will have a transformative impact on the University’s STEM programs by providing our students and faculty with access to state-of-the-art science classrooms and laboratories. This generous grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is the final piece of the puzzle that will allow us to complete the project as we envisioned it several years ago.”

FSU intends to utilize the lab expansion and renovation to provide additional biology and chemistry teaching and research laboratories and to enhance the University’s capacity to support STEM academic programs and meet workforce readiness goals.

This aligns directly with the goals of MLSC, which is investing $1 billion over 10 years in the growth of the state’s life sciences ecosystem.

“Supporting innovation propels our economy forward and prepares our workers for the 21st century global marketplace,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “Our innovation economy relies on a well-educated, well-skilled workforce, and these grants will expand opportunity and grow jobs in the MetroWest region."