Framingham State receives $5M to upgrade STEM facility

Photo | Courtesy Framingham State University The Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning at Framingham State University

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By Timothy Doyle

The Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning at Framingham State University will be redesigned and transformed thanks in part to $5 million in funding included in the Massachusetts state budget.

“In our redesigned space, we will seek to serve K-16 audiences with cradle-to-career learning
opportunities aligned with the needs of Massachusetts employers, increase services to underserved and underrepresented high school and college students and contribute to the formation of a diverse STEM workforce,” said Irene Porro, FSU director of the McAuliffe Center in a Thursday press release.

The project will provide new learning labs with current technology and upgrade the center’s planetarium and popular Challenger Learning Center which provides space mission simulations.

“Particular emphasis will be placed on climate education and training the workforce necessary for the development of innovative green technologies that improve environmental protection, and contribute to the Commonwealth’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” Porro said.

The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2023 and cost $8 million. FSU has received $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding and $250,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council Facilities Fund.

Founded in 1986 the Christa McAuliffe Center was named for the Concord (N.H.) High School teacher and FSU alumna who was chosen to be the first teacher in space. She died when the space shuttle Challenger exploded after liftoff on Jan. 28, 1986.