Worcester Public Schools and Assumption University Launch Worcester Together Partnership

By What’s Up Worcester Staff

Worcester Public Schools and Assumption University announced a new partnership on Friday, January 23, 2026, intended to expand access to higher education for local students. The initiative, titled Worcester Together, establishes a framework for scholarships, professional development for educators, and increased student internships within the city.

The collaboration connects the strategic goals of both institutions. For Assumption University, the program fulfills components of the strategic plan known as Thrive. This plan includes a goal of providing an education to all qualified students who seek it. For Worcester Public Schools, the partnership aligns with the Vision to Action framework from the 2023 through 2028 Strategic Plan. This district roadmap emphasizes college and career readiness as well as the development of future ready skills for all learners.

Scholarships and Student Access

A central feature of the partnership is an advanced scholarship package available to every student from the city school district who is admitted to Assumption University. This financial support is currently slated for the 2026 to 2027 and 2027 to 2028 school years. The university also plans to host campus visit days for every high school in the district. These visits will include provided transportation and lunch to ensure all students have the opportunity to experience a college environment.

In addition to financial aid, the two organizations will collaborate on summer programming for high school students. They also intend to provide workshops for families to assist with the college search and financial aid application processes.

Professional Development and Workforce Support

The agreement extends benefits to employees of Worcester Public Schools as well. Staff members who meet admissions criteria will be eligible for a 50 percent discount on the cost of most programs within the Assumption University School of Graduate Studies. This discount applies to Master’s degrees, Certificates of Advanced Graduate Studies, and other certificate programs. The university noted that the Physician Assistant and Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate Nursing Programs are excluded from this offer.

The partnership also introduces the Worcester Fellowship Program. Through this initiative, specific employees designated by the Superintendent’s Office can receive free graduate courses. In exchange, these participants agree to continue working within the school district.

Internships and Community Impact

To address workforce needs in the city, Assumption University will increase the number of undergraduate and graduate students placed in practicums and internships within the public school system. This move is designed to fill critical gaps in the school workforce while providing university students with hands on experience in urban education.

President Greg Weiner of Assumption University stated that the initiative is intended to strengthen the bond between the university and the city. He noted that the top priority of the partnership is to equip young people for leadership and service.

Superintendent Brian E. Allen described the partnership as a seamless bridge between the district and the university. He stated that the collaboration provides an affordable pathway to higher education for students while simultaneously investing in the professional growth of district staff.

District officials indicated that more information will be provided to students and staff in the near future regarding how to access these new resources.

This article is sponsored by Worcester EVs. Sponsorship supports local journalism at What’s Up Worcester and does not influence editorial content.

🔍 The W.U.W. Verification Box

Project / Topic: Worcester Together Partnership

Current Status: Formally announced on January 23, 2026

Key Dates or Decisions: Scholarship packages active for 2026 to 2028 school years

Estimated Cost (if applicable): 50 percent tuition discount for staff; variable scholarship amounts for students

Timeline (if known): Immediate implementation for the upcoming academic cycles

Immediate Next Steps: Information sessions for students and staff regarding application and eligibility

Primary Sources: Worcester Public Schools and Assumption University official communications

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