MetroWest STEM Education Network (MSEN) is one of nine Massachusetts Regional STEM Networks that play a key role in cultivating interest and engagement in STEM activities in their regions, particularly among business, community, and school leaders. Through their work, the Regional Networks support the priorities identified by the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council: Ensure that all students develop foundational skills in STEM subjects throughout their PK-12 experience; Increase awareness and interest in STEM careers among students and parents, and develop high-quality, integrated STEM pathways from secondary school to college; Deepen partnerships among employers, vocational-technical schools, community colleges, universities, and adult education providers to promote career opportunities in STEM fields.

The MetroWest STEM Education Network (MSEN) was established in 2007, and it comprises K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, industry, non-government advocacy groups, and a variety of non-profit organizations from more than 40 MetroWest cities and towns. Since its inception, MSEN has maintained its hub at Framingham State University and is currently hosted at the McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning, managed by the McAuliffe Center’s Director.

In 2018, MSEN was awarded membership in the national STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice (SLECoP) and restructured its governance to include a group of Collaborating Partners and an Advisory Committee. MSEN Community Partners are a group of dynamic providers and supporters of STEM learning dedicated to support MSEN’s role as a regional and state-wide catalyst for STEM initiatives.

Our current Community Partners are a team of dedicated stakeholders representing the diversity of the organizations that foster STEM learning in our MetroWest region. They include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/MetroWest, Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning, Framingham Public Schools, Framingham State University, MassBay Community College, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair, MassHire Metro South/West Workforce Board, MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, Milford Public Schools, New England Section of the Optical Society of America, and Synopsys.

MSEN focuses on developing collaborations based on the sharing of resources, expertise, and common goals to support member organizations in empowering local students with the confidence and perseverance to pursue STEM-enabled career pathways. MSEN also promotes efforts to value youth’s voices and agency in their communities. This is a critical element to address important issues in our communities, such as environmental sustainability and social justice, that are becoming increasingly complex and interdependent.

Explore this website to learn about the Initiatives designed, funded, and implemented directly by MSEN in collaboration with regional partners, and find out ways your organization may get involved. Learn more about MSEN Partnerships, which are initiatives that MSEN was formally asked to join and whose missions MSEN supports by contributing expertise and visibility.