FRAMINGHAM - The Healey-Driscoll Administration kicked off Mass STEM Week at Framingham State University on Monday by awarding over $13,500,000 to 66 high schools, colleges, and educational or workforce organizations to expand access to hands-on learning opportunities and state-of-the-art technology in schools and colleges across Massachusetts. These grants will fund the purchase and installation of modern equipment that supports career technical education and training aligned with high-demand industries, such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, health care, and biotechnology.

“Massachusetts leads the nation because we invest in ideas—through our schools, our colleges, and our people,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our success in innovation and education is no accident—it’s the result of strategic investments. To stay competitive, we need to keep building the best environments for learning and research, and that’s exactly what Skills Capital Grants are doing. They’re how we prepare our students to lead—and how we keep Massachusetts leading the world. That’s why our BRIGHT Act dedicates $100 million to Skills Capital Grants—to ensure that every community has access to the tools and training that drive opportunity and innovation.”

The announcement came following a tour of the McAuliffe Center with President Niemi and state officials including Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, Senate President Karen Spilka, Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw, Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez, and Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega.

“STEM starts now—in every classroom, lab, and after-school program where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore, and create,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “The McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University is a perfect example of what Skills Capital Grants make possible—modern, engaging spaces that inspire curiosity and discovery. These grants help provide the updated spaces and tools our students deserve, ensuring that every learner in Massachusetts has the opportunity to prepare for and succeed in our innovation-driven economy.”

Officials toured the state-of-the-art McAuliffe Center Planetarium and new Virtual Simulation Lab, and met with student interns at the facility, including Computer Science major Cesar Matos ’26.

“What makes FSU so special is it provides spaces like the McAuliffe Center, where learning becomes active, creative, and deeply connected to the community,” Matos said. “As a Computer Science major I didn’t often meet people who looked like me in this field. So being that representation for others was powerful.”

Framingham State University is among the recipients of this round of Skills Capital Grants. The university’s Nursing program was awarded $155,000 to purchase advanced patient simulator equipment that will expand applied learning opportunities and strengthen clinical preparation for students. FSU’s Nursing program maintains strong partnerships with leading health care providers across the region, including Newton-Wellesley Hospital, the Mass General Brigham and UMass systems, MetroWest Medical Center, Milford Regional Medical Center, Emerson Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital—ensuring that students gain hands-on experience in diverse, high-quality care settings.

“We are deeply grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and the entire administration for their continued investment in public higher education,” said Framingham State University President Nancy S. Niemi. “This Skills Capital Grant will allow us to expand hands-on learning opportunities for our Nursing students through advanced simulation technology—ensuring that they graduate ready to meet the Commonwealth’s critical healthcare needs. These funds strengthen our ability to prepare skilled, compassionate professionals who will make a lasting difference in their communities and across Massachusetts.”

Image Caption: From left: McAuliffe Center Director Irene Porro,  Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, FSU President Nancy Niemi, FSU student Cesar Matos '26, and Senate President Karen Spilka.