The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester has launched a $10,000 micro-grant pilot program aimed at strengthening the college’s participation in the Worcester community.
For its first year of funding, Holy Cross awarded one-time grants between $250 to $1,000 to 10 projects including those partnering with the Worcester Public Library, the Worcester Native Plant Initiative, and UMass Chan Medical School, according to the institution’s Monday press release.
“These projects demonstrate the creativity and care our faculty and staff bring to deepening the ties between campus and community, and to ensuring that the college’s mission is lived out in partnership with our city,” Holy Cross President Vincent Rougeau said in the release.
The college selected recipients whose projects enhanced Holy Cross’ engagement with civic, business, and educational communities throughout the city; develop opportunities for college staff, students, and faculty, including internships, research, and community engagement; and nurture an inclusive campus environment for residents and community partners.
Funding for the grants will be released in 2026.
The new pilot initiative is part of the “In and Of Worcester” pillar of Holy Cross’ strategic plan. The pillar emphasizes the college’s commitment to enabling community members to learn by engaging with the city, including through student internships, research, and institutional collaborations, according to Holy Cross’ website.
“The Worcester Pillar Micro-Grant Program is a powerful expression of our commitment to being In and Of Worcester,” Rougeau said in the release.
The initiative’s first projects to receive micro-grant funding are below:
- Sustainability & Environmental Worcester Career Trek: A one-day immersive experience for Holy Cross students to explore sustainability and environmental justice efforts in the Worcester area.
- Telling Worcester’s Story: A Multimedia Book Project by First-Year Students: First-year Montserrat students will create a collaborative digital book connecting the city’s history and culture to Holy Cross.
- UMass Chan iCELS Mobile Simulation Lab: A medical simulation event affording Holy Cross students access to UMass Chan’s interprofessional Center for Experiential Learning and Simulation, allowing them to explore patient care, teamwork, and healthcare careers.
- Local Ecology with Worcester Public Library and Holy Cross Libraries: The Worcester Public Library will create an urban gardening program with a Holy Cross faculty ecology talk and a community gardening festival.
- Campus Visit with the Worcester Native Plant Initiative: Worcester Native Plant Initiative members will go to Holy Cross for a seminar or meet-and-greet, focused on native planting and climate resilience.
- First-Year Mystery Bus: The First Year Mystery Bus will offer students surprise trips to visit hidden gems and unique experiences throughout Worcester.
- Cyber Safe Worcester & Campus: Extending Digital Safety Training to the Community and Non-Technical Staff: A project offering community and campus training sessions on cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy.
- Shared Lens: Portraits Bridging Campus and Community: Holy Cross’ Cantor Art Gallery will partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters to create portraits and a mini-exhibition celebrating youth and community collaboration in Worcester.
- “Worcester Voices” Vodcast Series: Students will produce a vodcast series featuring interviews with Worcester residents while documenting local stories of art, activism, entrepreneurship, education, and community pride.
- Cantor as Classroom: Increasing Arts Access for Worcester Public Schools Through Community Engagement and Transportation: A project of collaborative art workshops in Worcester Public Schools.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
