Healey-Driscoll Administration Brings MassMakes Innovation Challenge to 250 Students During Massachusetts STEM Week

Healey-Driscoll Administration Brings MassMakes Innovation Challenge to 250 Students During Massachusetts STEM Week

Students from eight Western and Central Massachusetts school districts use emerging technology to tackle real-world challenges across high demand industries

SPRINGFIELD — The Healey-Driscoll Administration joined approximately 250 students from eight Western and Central Massachusetts school districts at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield for the MassMakes Innovation Challenge, where students used artificial intelligence (AI) to develop creative solutions to real-world problems. Held during Massachusetts STEM Week, the event gave students opportunities to explore emerging technology, collaborate with their peers and put their STEM skills into practice. 

The MassMakes Innovation Challenge, organized through a partnership with the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), is the first in a series of four applied learning events sponsored by the Executive Office of Education through a $100,000 investment. Building on previous challenges focused on advanced manufacturing, this year's event expands to explore how emerging technology can be used can be used across industries, including health care, education, environmental science and manufacturing, while introducing students to new career opportunities. 

During the challenge, students worked in teams to design and build AI-powered applications using an emerging approach known as "vibe coding," which allows users to create applications by describing what they want to build using natural language. Working in a safe, secure environment, students developed solutions addressing issues such as mental health and wellness, education, accessibility, climate action, public safety and creativity. Students also had opportunities to share their projects with industry and academic professionals for feedback. Participating students represented eight school districts: Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical School District, Westfield, Monson, West Springfield, Springfield, Agawam, South Hadley and Sutton. 

"Students learn by doing, and experiences like this give them the opportunity to take what they're learning in school and put it into practice," said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. "Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life, and we want students to understand how to use these tools thoughtfully, safely, responsibly and creatively. What's exciting about this challenge is that students aren't just learning about AI. They're using it to explore issues they care about, solve problems and build skills that will prepare them for college, careers and beyond." 

The event also reflects the Healey-Driscoll Administration's efforts to strengthen digital literacy in Massachusetts schools. Earlier this year, the administration released recommendations from the K-12 Statewide Graduation Council that include AI and digital literacy as part of proposed statewide high school graduation requirements. The recommendations call for students to develop foundational knowledge of emerging technologies,  how to use them responsibly and how they are shaping education, work and everyday life. 

“This challenge helps students see that their curiosity and creativity have real value in our economy,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “Giving young people opportunities to explore these tools today helps Massachusetts develop the talent and entrepreneurs who will build our next generation of businesses.” 

The MassMakes Innovation Challenge and the broader series of applied learning events support the Massachusetts STEM Council's priorities to expand applied STEM learning opportunities for all students, strengthen pathways to college and careers, and connect STEM education with the state’s workforce and economic development needs. 

“It’s important for us to create opportunities for students to demonstrate key skills such as leveraging artificial intelligence,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “As we prepare students for success post-graduation, we want them to have knowledge and skills they need to be part of the Commonwealth’s innovation economy.” 

“It is critical for the next generation of innovation and tech-sector leaders to learn about careers in advanced manufacturing, AI and more, early in their education,” said MassTech CEO Carolyn Kirk. “The MassMakes Innovation Challenge gives students this opportunity as well as some hands-on experience with simulated real-world challenges." 

The administration also marked the third day of Massachusetts STEM Week with events highlighting hands-on STEM learning and student innovation across the state. At the Massachusetts State House in Boston, Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez joined students participating in Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair State House Day, celebrating student research and scientific discovery. Education Secretary Zrike also visited science classrooms at John T. Reid Middle School in Pittsfield and later announce a STEM Design Challenge grant at the Greater Holyoke YMCA. 

Taking place October 19–23, Massachusetts STEM Week is a statewide celebration organized by the Executive Office of Education and the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council in partnership with the state's nine Regional STEM Networks. This year's theme, "STEM Starts Now," emphasizes that STEM learning can begin at any age and helps students develop skills, explore their interests and discover pathways to future careers. 

Learn more about Massachusetts STEM Week at Mass.gov/STEMWeek.