Worcester Education Collaborative receives $900,000 Grant from Nellie Mae

FOR RELEASE

Worcester – Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC) is proud to announce a $900,000 investment from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation (NMEF) over a three-year period. Funding will allow WEC and the Worcester Education Equity Roundtable which it convenes to work in alliance with the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) to craft a community-district partnership aimed at promoting excellence and equity in education. 

Funding will support collaboration between the Worcester Education Equity Roundtable and WPS over the next three years to develop inclusive policies and practices to promote culturally relevant and equitable learning environments across Worcester’s vibrant education ecosystem that encompasses both the schools and the community. 

“WEC is honored to receive this most generous gift from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. We look forward to our shared work with WPS, the community, students, families, and the Foundation to foster deep and meaningful improvement in education in Worcester” said Dr. Jennifer Davis Carey, WEC Executive Director. “This is a crucial opportunity to act upon factors that contribute to entrenched inequity, and to effect changes that moves our city toward WEC’s vision of a transformational education community that enables all WPS students to achieve their full potential.” 

This funding coincides with a series of pivotal changes in education in Worcester, including the arrival of a new Superintendent of Schools in July, a significant infusion of state and federal funding, new membership on the School Committee, and a new School Committee structure. “The Foundation is excited about the community-driven momentum toward racial equity in Worcester. We know that when community partners are involved in advancing racial equity in schools, students are better positioned to receive the supports they need to thrive,” said Marcos Popovich, Program Director of Grantmaking, NMEF. 

The partnership intends to capture this critical moment to advance equity in Worcester’s schools. WEC and the Roundtable envision supporting ongoing opportunities for authentic family and community partnership with the WPS under the leadership of the new Superintendent. “We are extremely appreciative to have the resources to support true community conversation and engagement as we envision the future of education for the children of Worcester” said Dr. Monárrez, Superintendent, WPS. 

***

Contact: 

Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director, Worcester Education Collaborative

jdaviscarey@wecollaborative.org | (508) 615-5998

The mission of the Worcester Education Collaborative is to advance excellence and equity in education for all Worcester Public School students. 

Carey: Grading Worcester schools' 5-year plan

In 2018, the Worcester Public Schools adopted a strategic plan, the first in 25 years. As we come to the close of the five-year term of that plan and lay the foundation for the development and adoption of a new guiding document, it is important to consider progress made to date, areas where we have stalled, and lessons learned.

Worcester’s plan was unique in that it was developed through a process involving both the district and the community. The plan set ambitious goals in five areas: Creating a Culture of Innovation, Academic Excellence, Welcoming Schools, Investing in Educators, and Technology and Operations. Accountability to the outcomes articulated in the plan were to be monitored by a set of accompanying benchmarks to measure success.

And then came the pandemic.

Read more

Viewpoint: Early college boosts the workforce

Today, 80% of good-paying jobs require a postsecondary education, and differences in educational attainment have a profound impact on students’ future earnings. Median earnings are 20% higher for associate degree holders and 67% higher for bachelor’s degree holders than for high school graduates. In Worcester, only 48% of 2020-21 high school graduates enrolled in a two- or four-year college. Only 21% of Worcester Public Schools graduates earn a college degree within six years of graduation, and completion rates are lower for underrepresented student groups. 

Fortunately, we have a proven, evidence-based solution for increasing college access and completion: early college.

Read more

WEER releases position paper on student transportation and equitable access to out-of-school time programming

FOR RELEASE

Worcester - Worcester Education Equity Roundtable releases position paper on student transportation and equitable access to out-of-school time programming.

Creating an education ecosystem in Worcester that removes obstacles to learning and maximizes the achievement of all students is the collective responsibility of community-based organizations, the Worcester Public Schools (WPS), higher education partners, and local cultural institutions. This requires coordinated use of the resources in the community to meet the learning, enrichment, and recreational needs of children and youth and childcare needs of families and ensure equitable access to the out-of-school services offered by various providers. Student transportation is a key resource with significant impact on equitable access to out-of-school programming and services.

For more than a decade prior to the COVID pandemic, WPS provided bus service for its students to attend after school and community service providers in Worcester. Under this practice, students were transported to bus stops at or near provider sites.

Although there were inconsistencies in the original implementation of the WPS after school student transportation practices, the situation became worse for Worcester students, families, and community service providers shortly before the beginning of the 2021-22 school year with the issue of an announcement from the Superintendent’s Office: “Due to the shortage of bus drivers, WPS will not be dropping off students at after school daycare programs. Students will be picked up and returned to the same locations.” This decision was made with no public input and no discussion with the service providers who had previously relied on the transportation service to provide Worcester students access to their programs. The announcement also came immediately before the start of the new school year and created significant disruptions for families and providers.

The change in student transportation practices has had a significant negative impact on Worcester students, families, and community service providers by substantially reducing access to services while increasing safety concerns and disruptions in the lives of students, parents, and caregivers.

This paper includes a review of past practices for after school student transportation offered by WPS and their impact. It also includes policy positions and recommendations of the Worcester Education Equity Roundtable (WEER) on this issue.

----

Background: Worcester’s education sector is currently experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime inflection point as a series of opportunities converge: 1) new district leadership, 2) an unprecedented infusion of state and federal education funding, 3) an update to the district strategic plan, and 4) reconfiguring of the School Committee as result of a consent decree associated with the 1965 Voting Rights Act. In light of this context and opportunity, Worcester Education Collaborative received a grant from the Barr Foundation to uplift community voice. Through this work, WEC is working with community partners to produce a series of timely, community-informed resources on essential topics in education including briefs on early college, transportation and access to out-of-school programming, community schools, and school safety.

The attached position paper, WPS Student Transportation & Worcester Education Ecosystem, represents the second installment of the WEC Briefing Series on these topics.

Worcester Education Collaborative Releases Report on Early College in Worcester

FOR RELEASE

Worcester - Massachusetts' knowledge-based labor economy increasingly requires that candidates have sound postsecondary education credentials to access good jobs with family-sustaining wages. Yet, despite having one of the most well-funded and effective public education systems in the country, Massachusetts continues to face persistent and growing equity gaps in college success for Black and Latino students, and students from low-income families.  

 

In Worcester, there are approximately 7,200 students in grades 9 - 12 across the seven district high schools. In addition to being one of the state’s largest districts, Worcester is also one of its most diverse and the schools serve significant proportions of students historically underrepresented in college and career. An analysis of data from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shows that, for the most recent data available, only 21% of Worcester Public Schools graduates go on to earn a college degree within six years of high school graduation. Unfortunately, the numbers are even lower for Latino students (11%), English Language Learners (15%), and students with disabilities (8%). Without intervention, these gaps will continue to contribute to and sustain historical inequities in career success, wages, and life outcomes for Worcester students. Furthermore, these gaps have an undeniable impact on Worcester's quality of life and economic outlook.

 

Early College is a leading evidence-based solution to dramatically increase college degree attainment, and is particularly effective at boosting attainment outcomes for students who are historically-underrepresented in higher education. In a few short years, Massachusetts has laid a strong foundation for Early College success and scale, and Worcester continues to be a leader in this work. This report includes a current snapshot of the college success equity gap in Massachusetts, the impact of Early College opportunities in Worcester to-date, and key recommendations for expanding Early College access across the City.

--

Worcester’s education sector is currently experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime inflection point as a series of opportunities converge: 1) new district leadership, 2) an unprecedented infusion of state and federal education funding, 3) an update to the district strategic plan, and 4) reconfiguring of the School Committee as result of a consent decree associated with the 1965 Voting Rights Act. In light of this context and opportunity, Worcester Education Collaborative received a grant from the Barr Foundation to uplift community voice. Through this work, WEC is working with community partners to produce a series of timely, community-informed resources on essential topics in education including briefs on early college, transportation and access to out-of-school programming, community schools, and school safety.

The attached report, Early College: The Best Investment for College Success, represents the first installment of the WEC Briefing Series on these topics.

Ron Walker Delivers “Soul-Nourishing” Remarks to Worcester Educators Amidst Once-in-a-Generation Education Inflection Point

FOR RELEASE

Worcester – Ron Walker, Founder and Executive Director of the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color, delivered thought-provoking and–according to one participant–“soul-nourishing” remarks as part of his keynote address at Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC)’s 13th Annual Meeting Wednesday evening, where he was awarded WEC’s Apple of a Different Color award. 

Reflecting on his decades-long work in education, Walker shared a vision for what is possible in education. His remarks highlighted critical tenants that bring equity to the forefront while providing excellence for all students, such as setting high expectations, forming meaningful relationships, creating affirming and supportive environments for learning, and welcoming and including parents and families as a critical part of the education of children and youth. 

 “Ron Walker captivated the audience,” remarked Worcester Public School Committee Member Sue Mailman. “His work with boys of color is inspired by love and recognition of individual value. As a school committee member, his words will stay with me.” 

Worcester State University President Barry Maloney also found Mr. Walker’s presentation compelling. “As an educator, I regularly look to create sustainable pathways for improved outcomes, especially for underserved students. Ron Walker’s presentation reminded me of the powerful impact on a young person’s outlook that a sense of belonging can have, helping them achieve their goals.” 

In recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field of education, and his steadfast commitment to equity and excellence in the education of boys of color in particular, Walker was awarded WEC’s Apple of a Different Color award. The Apple of a Different Color award is presented periodically by WEC to visionary leaders in K-12 education. Past recipients of this honor are John Bassett, former president of Clark University and Heritage University and founder of the organization and John B. King, Jr., former Secretary of Education under President Obama and currently President of the Education Trust. 

“Educational opportunity gaps for boys of color are significant. They lead to achievement and discipline disparities across their lifespan. Thank you for your leadership, Ron Walker. Equity in education is social justice,” shared Debbie Hall, Executive Director of Worcester’s YWCA. 

Walker’s remarks were particularly timely and well-received by audience members, as Worcester is in the midst of an inspiring and critical inflection point with respect to education. This moment is the result of a confluence of several factors and events, including: a new and visionary Superintendent of Schools, new governance made possible as a result of statutory changes in the composition of the school committee, a new and progressive orientation of the committee, and an unprecedented influx of funds as a result of the Student Opportunity Act and federal recovery dollars.

“The work that we do, our choices, and the principles that guide those choices will affect the opportunities that our children have and the quality of life in our city for a generation,” remarked WEC Executive Director Jennifer Davis Carey. 

With new funding and the ongoing work of its Education Equity Roundtable, WEC is poised to lead a community-wide effort to develop policies and practices that promote equity and excellence in all learning spaces across Worcester’s vibrant education ecosystem, encompassing both in- and out-of-school learning. Charged with this big vision for what is possible for education in Worcester, WEC’s Board of Director’s is thrilled to be joined by a slate of new members to support this work: 

  • Alex Richardson, Director of Baseball and Gameday Operations, Worcester Red Sox

  • Elizabeth Wambui, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Fontaine Brothers 

  • John Esler, CEO, Esler Companies, and Co-Founder, Esler Family Foundation

  • Jeanne Esler, President and Co-Founder of the Esler Family Foundation

  • Karen Pelletier, Executive Vice President, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce 

  • Lynn Hernandez, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion, UMass Chan Medical School

  • Maria Juncos-Gautier, Ph.D., Executive Director, Latino Education Institute

****

The mission of the Worcester Education Collaborative is to advance excellence and equity in education for all Worcester Public School students. 

Educating English Learners During the Pandemic

Supports needed to ensure ESL Success

New America researchers interviewed 20 advocates, experts and researchers to understand how the pandemic affected English learners. Their report concludes that barriers faced by English learners before the pandemic “will persist unless there is a fundamental shift in how these students are viewed by policymakers and other local leaders.

Read more

Donate to The Worcester Education Collaborative

Your donation supports public education in Worcester through programs like Reading Together and our Worcester Education Equity Roundtable partnership.