The Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation has received two grants totaling $37,000 from the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation, Inc., to expand educational opportunities and support student success for residents of Winchendon.
The funding includes a $22,000 grant for the College Success Academy, a partnership between Mount Wachusett Community College and Murdock High School that helps students prepare for college and careers through college readiness workshops, dual enrollment opportunities, financial aid guidance, career exploration activities, and campus visits. The grant will support another year of programming designed to help Murdock High School students successfully transition to higher education and careers after graduation.
In addition, the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation awarded $15,000 to the Winchendon Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to Winchendon residents attending MWCC. Scholarship funds help students address unmet educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, transportation, childcare, and other costs that can create barriers to college completion.
The two initiatives work hand-in-hand to create a pathway from high school to college success. According to a recent program report, 71 percent of students who received support from the Winchendon Scholarship Fund were graduates of the College Success Academy, demonstrating the impact of sustained investment in students from high school through college enrollment and persistence.
“We are deeply grateful to the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation for its continued commitment to the students and families of Winchendon,” said Carla Zottoli, Executive Director of the MWCC Foundation. “These grants not only help students prepare for college but also provide critical financial support once they arrive. Together, they create opportunities that can change lives and strengthen the future of the community.”
The College Success Academy was established to address persistent barriers that prevent students from pursuing higher education. Through a collaboration among MWCC staff, Murdock High School administrators, counselors, and teachers, students receive guidance on college admissions, financial aid, career planning, and academic preparation. The program also offers opportunities to earn college credit through dual enrollment courses and participate in campus visits and college fairs.
The need for financial support remains significant even with recent state initiatives that have expanded access to free community college. According to MWCC data, 74 percent of Winchendon students enrolled at the college over the past two academic years had unmet financial need exceeding $2,000, underscoring the importance of scholarship assistance for student retention and completion.
“These two grants are working very well together to encourage more Murdock High School students to pursue a college degree,” said Zottoli. “Many students who once viewed higher education as out of reach are now enrolling at MWCC and building successful futures for themselves and their families.”
Together, the grants reflect the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation’s longstanding commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and strengthening the Winchendon community.
For more information about supporting student success initiatives at MWCC, visit www.mwcc.edu/giving.
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