Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler poses with students of the Smith College engineering program — one of the first ever all-women ABET-accredited engineering programs — during his visit to the school during 2025 STEM Week.
Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis
NORTHAMPTON — Students in Smith College’s engineering program — one of the first-ever all-women ABET-accredited engineering programs — received a visit on Oct. 22 from Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler as part of the state’s week-long celebrations for 2025 STEM Week.
The week was planned by the Healey-Driscoll administration to celebrate 2025 STEM Week with events and announcements across the state to lift up and highlight the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and careers.
The theme for the week was “STEM Starts Now,” reinforcing the message that STEM learning can start at any age and plays a crucial role in shaping the future workforce of the state.
“STEM education is critical to our future. Massachusetts students are the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who will drive our economy forward,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “STEM Week is about inspiring young learners to see themselves in these fields and to understand the skills they’re building today open doors to opportunities tomorrow.”
Tutwiler visited with the Smith engineering class and discussed their thoughts on STEM education as well as the future prospects in the fields that make up the area.
“‘STEM Starts Now’ is a reminder that STEM learning isn’t just for high school or college. It’s about embracing curiosity, innovation and opportunity at any age,” said Tutwiler. “From early childhood classrooms to university labs, we’re nurturing the next generation of thinkers who will tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”
Tutwiler attended more than a dozen STEM Week events across the state during the week, joined throughout by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw, Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez and Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega.
“Regardless of which career a student is pursuing, Massachusetts’ colleges and universities are central to our state’s future professionals and community leaders developing the STEM skills and knowledge that are essential in our evolving economy,” said Ortega, who joined Tutwiler on the visit to Smith College. “Massachusetts has made public higher education more affordable, growing opportunities for students and supporting our STEM workforce.”
Smith College President Sarah Willie-LeBreton told Reminder Publishing the visit from Tutwiler was moving as it was a nice highlight of what the college has going on in regard to STEM education.
“It really shows what Smith is doing in terms of STEM, but we really admire the work that he [Tutwiler] and his colleagues are doing, so we’re thrilled,” said Willie-LeBreton. “We send so many women, a disproportionate number to graduate school and industry, and that’s one of the things that a women’s college can offer people.”
Tutwiler added that he thought the meeting was a success.
“We are here for STEM Week, and the theme is ‘STEM Starts Now,’ which is a universal statement around the multitude of entry points for STEM for everybody, and we are here at Smith College today to hear about their incredible work in inspiring women to go into STEM careers,” said Tutwiler. “You can see in that classroom just how they begin to lay that foundation and inspire them, it’s really wonderful.”
Tutwiler added his takeaway from the conversations with students was focused on how educators can better recruit students into a STEM career with the number of positions and jobs available in the workforce.
“There are many, many entry points, but how are we hooking students in? How are we helping them see themselves in these incredible roles? And I think they’re doing an exceptional job with that on this campus,” Tutwiler said.
