As I reflect on the achievements of the past year, I cannot help but be in awe of the students, faculty, and staff here at Mount Wachusett Community College. I’ve had the pleasure of attending graduations, pinning’s, exhibits of student work, and theatrical performances. I’ve read stories to the children of our students while their parents attended class. I’ve watched as bridges were built between our local elementary, middle, and high schools and the college, and looked on with pride as we helped students to cross. I’ve watched as new degrees and certificates were brought online, and saw the first graduates from those programs start careers.
All of this progress is made possible by the strong partnerships we have with the members of the wider community we serve. As the needs of our region evolve, our partners provide us counsel and aid us in developing the programs best suited to meet the needs of the region. Partners such as our local Chambers of Commerce, dedicated non-profits including the Veterans and Rotary Clubs, and sister higher education institutions like Fitchburg State University and our fellow Massachusetts Community Colleges. It is with their guidance and support that we are able to put in place programs to address regional needs such as the critical need for healthcare professionals and early childhood teachers, as well as continuing education for the local workforce.
The stories below are only a sampling of the great and meaningful work of the past year. I encourage you to explore them and join me in my pride and admiration for the MWCC community.
James L. Vander Hooven, Ed.D.
Thoughts from President Vander Hooven on our 2019 Highlights |
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Early College Designation“This designation creates a new pathway for area students to accelerate their education and begin college courses in high school. We are fortunate to have such strong local partners and I look forward to expanding the opportunity for early college to more students.” |
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$42K Grant to Boost Automotive Program“MWCC is committed to providing programs that prepare our students to enter the workforce and get well-paying jobs. It is imperative that the educational training we provide be linked as much as possible to the real-world work environments students will experiences. This grant will allow us to improve an already fantastic Automotive Technology program and implement changes that will directly benefit our students.” |
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$3.2M to Create Health Career Opportunities for Students“It is through the committed work of the teams at MWCC and our partner schools and medical institutions that we have received this highly competitive grant. This grant benefits not only for the students who will be given additional opportunities, but for our communities that need additional healthcare workers.” |
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$4.5M GEAR UP Grant to Assist over 800 Fitchburg Students“This long-term program has a lasting impact on the students we serve. But it is not only a boon to them, but also their family and the greater community. Everyone benefits when higher education is made more attainable. I am so pleased we have received this grant and have the opportunity to work with all our partners once again to ease the transition into post-secondary education for these students in Fitchburg. We could not do this without all of our partners, both locally and in Washington, D.C.” |
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Launch of our new Math Degree“This degree puts the “M” in STEM. MWCC has a long-standing commitment to the sciences and this new program expands the options for our science students. Now students interested in working in investment, education, engineering, medical and insurance fields have another pathway that leads to easy transfer thanks to its alignment with MassTransfer.” |
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Grant to Provide Early Childhood Education Training“Childcare is essential to the businesses and residents in our communities and we are honored to have received this grant that allows us to provide training that will directly lead to expanded and improved childcare in the region. This grant allows MWCC to provide education and training to childcare providers and those working in the field, but all of North Central Massachusetts will benefit.” |
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Awarded Continuation of Adult Education Transition Program“This program provides a bridge for students transitioning to college, enabling them to build the skills necessary to be successful in college, and overcome barriers in pursuit of their education. The support we are able to provide these students enables them to not achieve academic and career success.” |
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Scholarships Help Fill the GapWorking with our population of students has taught me that “talent is evenly distributed, opportunity is not,” as the saying goes. I meet skillful, hopeful, ambitious students all the time. And every semester, I read their personal stories. Their applications for scholarship frequently tell me they are hungry, have an unstable housing situation, and are balancing some heavy responsibilities at home and work while trying to earn a degree. They are applying for MWCC Foundation scholarships to fill the gap between their income, financial aid and the cost of college. Nearly half of all our financial aid applicants have unmet needs even after they receive all available state and federal aid. That adds up to a total of $19,727,189 our students need to stay in school. If you feel moved to help, I encourage you to make a donation to our students. |
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
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REVENUE | ||
| Revenue Percentage | FY19 | ||
| State Appropriations 37% | $20,968,944 | ||
| Capital Funding 9% | $5,255,780 | ||
| Tuition & Fees 20% | $11,350,005 | ||
| Grants 28% | $15,831,436 | ||
| Other Income 7% | $3,734,504 | ||
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EXPENSES | ||
| Expense Percentage | FY19 | ||
| Instruction 27% | $14,185,330 | ||
| Scholarships 5% | $2,796,996 | ||
| Student Services 22% | $11,714,303 | ||
| Academic Support 11% | $5,572,308 | ||
| Maintenance of Plant 12% | $6,405,150 | ||
| Institutional Support 12% | $6,395,939 | ||
| Public Service 2% | $1,097,659 | ||
| Auxiliary Enterprise 3% | $1,410,989 | ||
| Depreciation 5% | $2,455,439 | ||
| Other Expenditures 1% | $391,511 | ||
FY18–19 BOARDS & LEADERSHIP TEAM
Board of Trustees |
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August 2018 – May 2019
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Foundation Board of Directors |
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| Chair | Mr. Raymond Martino |
| Vice-Chair | Mr. Walter J. Dwyer, IV |
| Treasurer | Mr. Scot Barrett |
| Board Members | Mr. Keith Boissineau Mr. Charles P. Bowles Mr. Winfield Brown Mr. Wayne Canty Mr. Richard A. Cella Ms. Eve Marie Nezich Ceryanek Ms. Jeanie Connolly Dr. Robin Duncan Mr. Arthur Feehan Mr. Richard Flannagan Mr. James Garrison, Ex-Officio Mr. George D. Jones III Mr. Raymond LaFond Mr. Roy Nascimento Mr. Douglas J. Petersen Ms. Gail Steele Mr. Michael J. Toomey Ms. Regina Wironen Mr. Mark Geoffroy (alumni) Ms. Carla Zottoli, Executive Director |
Leadership Team |
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GIVE TO THE MWCC FOUNDATION
Your gift helps us to provide students with an affordable education. Contributions of all sizes are important and are gratefully accepted.