MWCC awarded $1.6M to prep students for higher ed

Photo | Courtesy Mount Wachusett Community College Mouth Wachusett Community College in Gardner

Write a Comment

By Timothy Doyle

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $1.6 million over five years to Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner to prepare high school students for postsecondary education that leads to careers in the fields of math and science.

The Upward Bound Math and Science program will serve 63 students from Gardner, Athol, and Winchendon, at no cost to the students, according to a Monday press release from the school.

Students are chosen from rising eighth graders, though students of other levels can be chosen depending on space in the program.

During the academic year, participating students receive tutoring, advice on choosing classes and alternative education programs, hands-on labs, career speakers, and field trips. Upperclassmen will have access to dual enrollment courses, SAT preparation, a college fair, college admission assistance, and course selection.

In the summer, students will complete four courses during a six-week residential academy hosted on a college campus. Graduating seniors will participate in college survival and matriculation workshops as well as be encouraged to enroll in college-level courses. Up to five graduating seniors may serve in a work study capacity as a student leader for UBMS.

“Upward Bound Math and Science programs have touched the lives of many students and their families in North Central Massachusetts. This funding ensures that we can continue our mission to support students, families and schools in providing access to STEM career exploration and higher education opportunities,” MWCC President James Vander Hooven said in the press release.

Upward Bound Math and Science is one of eight Federal TRIO Programs, designed to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds advance their education.