Framingham State, MetroWest Nonprofit Network launch partnership

Photo/Google Framingham State University and the MetroWest Nonprofit Network have formed a partnership that is is expected to include a new degree, continuing education or professional development options for nonprofit workers.

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Framingham State University and the MetroWest Nonprofit Network are forming a partnership to help train a next generation of nonprofit workers in the area.

Nearly 6,000 registered nonprofits are based in MetroWest, including more than 1,300 who work with the MetroWest Nonprofit Network, who announced the new partnership Monday with Framingham State.

MetroWest Nonprofit Network Executive Director Anna Cross said many nonprofit executives are retiring, leaving succession and leadership gaps the partnership hopes to address.

The partnership is expected to include a new degree, continuing education or professional development options for nonprofit workers. Goals for the partnership include establishing a feeder system for Framingham State students and graduates to enter the nonprofit industry, including as volunteers and board members, and to increase opportunities for students to access nonprofits for service-learning and project-based learning projects.

A survey of more than 100 MetroWest nonprofit leaders, staff and board members in February said 70 percent reported a need for career ladder programs for entry-level and mid-level staff.