# Massachusetts Awards STEM Week Design Grants

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts awarded nearly **$465,000** in grants on September 18, 2026, to seven nonprofit organizations supporting STEM Week 2026 Design Challenges. These grants aim to engage over 10,000 PK–12 students statewide in hands-on STEM learning and career exploration, with a particular focus on historically underrepresented groups. The initiative is led by the Executive Office of Education in partnership with the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council and other state entities, aligning with workforce development priorities and fostering collaboration among schools, afterschool programs, employers, and community partners.

- The grants support nonprofit organizations such as the Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development, Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, and the Museum of Science, positioning them as key partners in statewide STEM education efforts.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on inclusive STEM engagement and workforce alignment, which may influence future grant opportunities and program requirements.
- Organizations interested in educational outreach and workforce development in Massachusetts can leverage this initiative to build partnerships and expand program offerings.
- The focus on hands-on, collaborative STEM experiences indicates a growing trend toward integrated education and industry involvement in state-funded programs.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 19, 2026

### Government Entities
- Executive Office of Education
- Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council
- Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC)
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- Office of the Governor of Massachusetts

### Vendors
- Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development (grant recipient)
- Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (grant recipient)
- Museum of Science (grant recipient)
- The Space Consortium, Inc. (grant recipient)
- Wade Institute for Science Education at Manomet Conservation Sciences (grant recipient)

### Key Quotes
> These Design Challenges are especially focused on reaching students who have historically been underrepresented in STEM and giving them opportunities to build skills and confidence.
> — Steve Zrike, Education Secretary

> These Design Challenges bring schools, afterschool programs, employers and community partners together to give young people meaningful, hands-on experiences.
> — Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor

> We want every student in Massachusetts to have the chance to get excited about STEM and see how it connects to the world around them.
> — Maura Healey, Governor

### Sources
- [Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards for STEM Week 2026 Design Challenges | Mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-awards-for-stem-week-2026-design-challenges) - MA