Education

In December 2023, the WBJ Editorial staff made 10 bold predictions for news events to happen in Central Massachusetts throughout the year. Turns out, we missed the mark on all but two.

Every December for this Economic Forecast special edition, the journalists in the WBJ newsroom forecast 10 possible news events for the coming year, based on their expertise and the trends in the Central Massachusetts business community.

Converting big-box retail spaces has become increasingly necessary as digital retail impacts demand.

Five Worcester County universities have received a slice of $12.4 million in funding to financially support students entering the mental health or substance use disorders treatment fields.

The Waterford Community Center was developed at the site of the former Waterford Street School, which was left vacant in 2022 after the City constructed the Gardner Elementary School.

In two summers, thousands of cyclists will line up at the College of the Holy Cross to begin their multi-mile journeys across Massachusetts as the Worcester college will serve as the starting line for the Pan-Mass Challenge come August 2026.

Joshua Dodds has been named Fitchburg State University’s inaugural executive director of diversity, equity, and belonging programs as the institution looks to create an inclusive community amidst heightened anti-DEI sentiments throughout the country. 

Employees at Milford Regional Physician Group, bankHometown, and Vision Advertising are moving up in their careers.

"It's important that we focus our resources and concentrate on things that are going to have an impact," said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega during Tuesday's Board of Higher Education meeting.

UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester is developing an environmental justice program designed to implement climate action efforts on campus and create a sustainable resource guide.