$1.1 Million Dollar Federal Grant to MWCC Supports Student Support Services, Talent Search, and the Educational Opportunity Center
From Mount Wachusett Community College: Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) has been awarded more than $1.1 million in annual federal funding to continue three TRIO programs that expand access to education and provide academic, career, and college-going support to students and adults throughout North Central Massachusetts.
The U.S. Department of Education awarded MWCC $468,572 for Student Support Services, $410,000 for Talent Search, and $280,000 for the Educational Opportunity Center, for a combined $1,158,572 in annual funding and $5,792,860 total for the five-year grant period.
“TRIO programs have been an important part of the Mount’s commitment to educational access and student success for decades,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “Together, these three programs allow us to reach individuals at different points in their educational journeys—from middle and high school students beginning to explore their futures, to adults seeking new educational and career opportunities, to our own students working toward a college degree. We are grateful for this continued federal investment in our students and our communities.”
MWCC’s Student Support Services program provides comprehensive support to eligible college students, helping them remain enrolled, complete their degrees, and prepare for transfer or careers. The program serves students who are low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities.
MWCC has offered TRIO Student Support Services since 1978, providing generations of students with individualized academic and personal support designed to help them successfully navigate college and reach their educational goals.
MWCC’s Talent Search program will serve 820 middle and high school students from 12 public schools in Athol, Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster. Two-thirds of participating students will come from low-income families and families in which they would potentially be the first generation to attend college. The program is designed to improve students’ persistence to the next grade level, high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and ultimately postsecondary attainment.
Beginning in sixth grade, Talent Search provides participants with tutoring and academic support, course advising, early college preparation, success skills workshops, career exploration, and enrichment opportunities. Services expand during high school to include personal and career counseling, college tours and fairs, SAT preparation, dual enrollment opportunities, assistance with college admissions and financial aid, and information about apprenticeships and workforce training programs.
The North Central Educational Opportunity Center (NCEOC) at MWCC will serve 1,000 adults throughout North Central Massachusetts through locations in Gardner and Leominster and through virtual services. Two-thirds of participants will be low-income adults who are potential first-generation college students. The program’s goal is to increase the number of adults enrolling in postsecondary education and training, including distance education and apprenticeships.
Participants receive free personal, career, and educational counseling, referrals to community resources, career exploration assistance, and workshops covering financial literacy, college preparation, and student success. The NCEOC also assists adults with identifying pathways to complete a high school diploma or equivalency credential and helps those who have completed high school research education and training opportunities, complete admissions and FAFSA applications, find scholarships, and navigate financial aid.
Together, MWCC’s three TRIO programs expand educational opportunity and help individuals throughout North Central Massachusetts access, navigate, and succeed in higher education. Mount Wachusett Community College is a public, two-year institution serving students throughout North Central Massachusetts and beyond. MWCC offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs, along with workforce development, adult education, and lifelong learning opportunities.