The Nativity School of Worcester received a $200,000 gift from a California foundation run by the family of Worcester native J.D. Power III to establish a scholarship in his name, the school announced Monday.
The late James David Power III was born in Worcester, where he grew up and attended Saint Peter’s High School. From there, he attended the nearby College of the Holy Cross. He completed his education with an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1968, he helped found the marketing information firm J.D. Power and Associates. The $200,000 donation comes from his family’s Kenrose Kitchen Table Foundation.
The Nativity School of Worcester is a Jesuit, independent, middle school for boys with backgrounds in all faiths. It is the single school in Central Massachusetts without tuition, aiming to educate under-resourced communities.
“[My father’s] success was shaped by the influences of a tight-knit family and Jesuit education,” said Power’s daughter Susan Curtin, in the school’s written announcement. “Our family is honored to support this scholarship fund in his memory.”
Part of the school’s programming includes personalized learning, smaller class sizes, and an extended school day in addition to a summer session.
“This scholarship… will have a major impact on our students and community,” said Tom McKenney, president of the Nativity School, in a written statement.
McKenney said the donation is an inspiring act of generosity, which will continue to support the students in their pursuit of an education.
