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Seeking to capitalize on Framingham State’s emergence as a leader in STEM education, Marlborough Public Schools has partnered with the University to launch its new College High School Program.
“We are excited about the opportunity to merge Marlborough Public School’s strategic goals of offering a world class education, with our new partner, Framingham State University,” said Marlborough Superintendent of Schools Anthony Pope. “Through this partnership of developing a STEM Early College High School, our students will experience and learn from quality Framingham State professors while taking part in college life.”
The effort will provide STEM (Science, Technology, Mathematics, Engineering) focused dual enrollment and acceleration opportunities directed to first-generation students taking college preparatory schoolwork.
Marlborough Public Schools recently received $40,000 in Race to the Top Federal Funding to develop the STEM Academy. The district will provide funds for high school students to enroll in FSU courses and facilitate communications with students, families, faculty, staff, and administration. Framingham State will provide course enrollment, faculty, space (including laboratory facilities), access to FSU’s online course system, dual credit for college courses, and transcripts.
The University has established a strong reputation for STEM education in hosting the MetroWest STEM Education Network (MSEN) and McAuliffe Challenger Space Center, as well as pioneering a STEM Master’s Program in Education for teachers and a STEM Certificate for teachers.
This year construction is expected to get underway on a $63 million project to build new state-of-the-art laboratories at the University.
Marlborough Public Schools worked in partnership with Framingham State to apply for the federal funding, which could total $120,000 over a four-year period. Marlborough is the only district in the MetroWest area to receive the grant, which was distributed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The partnership between Marlborough Public Schools and FSU is guided by a steering committee.
Framingham State Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education Scott Greenberg said the committee provides an opportunity to better align the STEM curriculum between high school and college. He also said the partnership should get more high school students thinking about STEM majors when they get to college.“Right now we’re finding that many students who excel in STEM-related classes in high school, aren’t choosing STEM majors when they get to college,” Greenberg said. “I think exposing them to college-level STEM courses earlier on will increase the likelihood of them choosing a STEM major.”
Marlborough STEM Academy students will accumulate at least 16 credits by taking two FSU courses as juniors and two as seniors. While they are in grades 9 and 10, students will choose academic and career pathways that reflect both traditional and emerging STEM fields, such as engineering, biotechnology, nanotechnology, sustainable energy, environmental studies and medicine. Most courses are available online, however, students will also enroll in hybrid courses that will allow them access to the college campus experience.
