By Theresa Knapp 

This summer, Milford High School students Sami Ettahiri, grade 10, and Jon Majkut, grade 12, participated in the “2025 PROJECT VISION” internship through the Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning at Framingham State University. 

The purpose of the program was to create a “15-minute city,” wherein essential urban services are within a 15-minute walk or bike ride, in the Shoppers World open-air shopping center in Framingham. 

Top row, L to R: Sami Ettahiri, Ollie deHollan, Joao Carlos Monteiro, Sameera Patnala, Jon Majkut. Bottom row, L to R: Brynlee Barrette, Sanvi Venkayala, Risha Patel, Nayva Mittal, Nhien Nguyen, Noah Menendez. Source: Milford High School

Students worked together to create a “100% clean energy, self-sufficient 15-minute urban community to replace the existing Shoppers World... This initiative comes at a crucial time, as Urban Edge, the new owners of Shoppers World, have already proposed converting portions of the mall into mixed-use development,” according to a press release from MHS.

"We believe that young people bring fresh perspectives and innovative thinking to urban planning challenges," said an unnamed McAuliffe Center representative in the press release. "Through PROJECT VISION, we're ensuring that the voices of MetroWest's next generation are heard in this important redevelopment process."

At the end of the program, the team of 11 students made a presentation to developers - including the new owners of the shopping center and city officials - that focused on integrating three key climate solutions: geothermal networks, photovoltaic systems, and passive building design. They made a second presentation to family members. 

"2025 Project Vision" summer interns worked together to create a conceptual '15-minute city' for Shoppers World in Framingham. Photo source: Jonathan Majkut

 Ettahiri said, “This was presented in front of representatives of companies from HEET, GDA, Select Energy, Urban Edge, Linnean Solutions, and the City of Framingham... The next step in our project is to be able to take action on the project and initiate our vision.” 

He continued, “I think that converting Shoppers World into a ‘self-sufficient 15-minute urban community’ has many benefits. It will provide housing to address housing issues in Framingham, and it will improve the quality of life for these residents in a way that they will have most of their needs within proximity.” 

Majkut says the shopping center needs modernizing, and thinks the idea of a 15-minute city is “amazing.” “Right now, the mall is lackluster and focuses on cars. We plan to build a community, with real interaction and entertainment, made for people.” 

He described the format of the internship. “The presentation was the result of four weeks of prep. The first few weeks we collected data. The final week we practiced and practiced. It was stressful, and I’m sure everyone participating was shaking as they approached their part, but it was worth it in the end! There were 11 kids, and they were split into four groups. Each kid presented part of their groups findings.” 

Both students enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend the internship to others. 

“The internship was great a way to make connections and learn about real world experiences, said Majkut. “Would recommend to others.” 

Ettahiri said, “People should know the value of internships like these. For the younger generation, it will give an amazing idea of how a real job environment plays out and the responsibilities that come with it, including the skills that are needed for something like a real job. I was able to practice and learn throughout the entirety of this internship, while also working on a project that will positively affect the environment.”

Milford High introduces new Clean Energy Innovations Career Pathway 

Milford High School students Sami Ettahiri, grade 10, and Jon Majkut, grade 12, are part of MHS’snewly-designated Clean Energy Innovations Career Pathway. 

MHS officials said in a press release “The participation of these Milford High Schoolstudents aligns perfectly with the school's commitment to providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom.

This real-world application of STEM concepts and community engagement reflects Milford High's dedication to preparing students for meaningful careers in sustainability, engineering, and urban planning.”

Ettahiri said he is interested in the pathway “because it not only provides students with opportunities to be exposed to real-world job-like environments but also involves being part of solutions to climate change.” 

Majkut said, “I’ve always been interested in energy and how it can work and it’s an important issue as global warming becomes a more and more prominent issue. After taking my Physics class with Mr. Sherman and Markers and Creators with Mr. Knapp, I wanted to pursue engineering and energy even further. And so, I joined the program.”