Worcester Business Journal

14 Worcester Business Journal | July 24, 2023 | wbjournal.com Combatting the Effects of Climate Change: Framingham State's Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning is working with four communities in the region – Framingham, Ashland, Natick and Holliston – to measure, identify, and map Urban Heat Islands (UHI), or areas that are more vulnerable to extreme heat. As the effects of Climate Change worsen, these communities have identified extreme heat as a top hazard to vulnerable residents in their communities. This work will help generate policy recommendations to promote long-term, equitable solutions. Framingham State University (FSU) has been serving the public good for nearly 200 years, since our founding by education reformer Horace Mann as the nation's first public college dedicated to the education of teachers. FSU is committed to meeting the needs of our surrounding communities, providing everything from important research at our centers and institutes, such as the MetroWest Economic Research Center, and the Stalker Institute of Food and Nutrition, to outstanding cultural opportunities at our Danforth Art Museum and School. Most importantly, we provide access to an outstanding education to every qualified student, including those first, second, and third generation strivers, those new to the United States, and those who have been told too many times that they "aren't college material." It's our students who choose to remain in the Commonwealth after they graduate, growing their families, engaging in their local communities, and providing the motivated and highly educated workforce that businesses and civic organizations need to thrive. Addressing the Region's Mental Health Crisis: Framingham State is also at the forefront of addressing the region's mental health crisis by creating new pathways to educate mental health counselors. The University recently received $1.39 million from the Massachusetts Office of Health and Human Services (HHS) to diversify and expand the state's pipeline of behavioral health specialists. The money will help place 300 employees at local community health organizations into FSU's master's degree program in Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis on recruiting and retaining BIPOC, bilingual, and culturally responsive employees. Below are a few examples of how FSU continues to live up to its public purpose today: Providing Unique Programs that Meet the Needs of the Commonwealth: • Framingham State offers the only bachelor's degree in American Sign Language (ASL) within the State University System. There is a nationwide shortage of trained ASL interpreters according to the National Deaf Center. • FSU has accelerated 4+1 programs for several majors, including Biology/Biotechnology - serving the region's thriving life sciences sector - and the Food and Nutrition Coordinated Program in Dietetics. A 4+1 program enables students to earn both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in five years, saving time and money. • FSU continues to educate the region's best teachers and school administrators through our bachelors and masters of education programs. We are also working directly with our local communities to recruit and retain more bilingual and diverse teachers, who are underrepresented in the Commonwealth's classrooms. PROUDLY PUBLIC. TRULY TRANSFORMATIVE. Explore your future at framingham.edu Special Sponsor Section

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