Higher Learning
 |
The Worcester Region has long enjoyed a reputation as a hub of academic excellence. Virtually limitless opportunities exist in higher education, and the Worcester public school system – serving more than 24,000 elementary and high school students – is viewed as one of the best urban systems in Massachusetts. The business community supports the public schools through many partnerships including Worcester: The City That Reads. This initiative is a joint effort, facilitated through the Office of the Mayor, of existing organizations and individuals who provide literacy services and programs throughout the City.
Each September, more than 40,000 students begin the academic year at our 17 area colleges and universities. They can select from a wide variety of programs at all levels. This allows regional businesses access to a well-educated, well-prepared workforce. Graduates of our institutions have acquired knowledge and skills that make them invaluable to employers seeking professionals in such industries as manufacturing, health care, technology, and academia. It also gives a substantial economic boost to our region. The students attending colleges here contribute an estimated $1.2 billion each year to the local economy – dollars that benefit retail establishments, restaurants, entertainment venues, and a host of other businesses.
Thirteen of the 17 colleges and universities in the region (with over 30,000 students) are members of the Colleges of the Worcester Consortium (denoted below), a nonprofit organization whose goal is to further the missions of member institutions individually, and to advance higher education regionally. The Consortium facilitates sharing of resources among member schools, provides a forum for schools and community leaders to discuss education issues, and promotes the role of higher education in the region's economic and cultural vitality. All Consortium initiatives are undertaken with an eye toward benefiting students, teachers, and the community in general. Specific student-service activities include a no-charge, cross-registration arrangement that allows full-time undergraduates to take courses at any member college.
Recent Massachusetts Department of Education statistics reveal that approximately 85 percent of our public school students pursue post-secondary education. Each year, nearly 8,000 degrees are awarded by the region's colleges and universities. Currently, more than 80,000 graduates of our institutes of higher learning remain here in Central Massachusetts – working, living, and contributing to their communities. From elementary school to post-graduate learning, all schools in the Worcester region have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in teachers, facilities, and curricula. We are very proud of our tradition of innovation in education.
Post-secondary Education
For post-secondary education, students have a choice of 17 exceptional colleges and universities in this region.
They include:
Anna Maria College*
Assumption College*
Atlantic Union College*
Becker College*
Clark University*
College of the Holy Cross*
Curry College
Fitchburg State College
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences*
Mount Wachusett Community College
Nichols College*
Quinsigamond Community College*
Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine*
University of Massachusetts Medical School*
University of Phoenix, Central Mass Campus
Worcester Polytechnic Institute*
Worcester State College*
*Members of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium
For our younger learners, the Worcester public school system, which is comprised of 50 elementary, middle, magnet, vocational, and secondary schools – offers quality programs for pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
Along with a myriad of curriculums designed for traditional college-bound students, the new state-of-the-art Worcester Technical High School was opened in the fall of 2006 at a cost of over 90 million dollars. The 400,000 square foot building offers 24 separate disciplines and services 1,500 students. Numerous shops, retail stores, restaurants, a fully-operational bank, automotive repair and collision service areas, and a health clinic provide on-site training opportunities.
