QCC Partners with Worcester Tech High School and Stonebridge Corp. in Junior Achievement Program

WORCESTER, Ma. –   Quinsigamond Community College is proud to announce its new partnership with the Junior Achievement Academy of Central Massachusetts. QCC will serve as the college partner for Worcester Technical High School in a JA Academy program.

The program model is three-part, with QCC as the college partner, Stonebridge Corp. as the corporate partner, and Worcester Technical High School as the host high school.  QCC will provide meeting space for students, access to computer labs, provide campus tours, and hold workshops related to attending college.  JA Academy students participating in the program are seniors at Worcester Tech who have demonstrated an interest and ability to attend college but might face barriers that prevent the opportunity. They are chosen by an administrator on the basis of work ethic and commitment to educational goals.

“We are pleased to be partnered with Junior Achievement and its national model program, Junior Academy,” stated QCC President Gail Carberry. “QCC is proud to have welcomed seniors from Worcester Technical High School. The college experience gained here will give them meaningful insight as they plan their future.”

Worcester Tech students will participate in five extended visits to QCC on school release days.  Junior Achievement corporate partner, Stonebridge, is conducting workforce readiness and financial literacy programs on the Tech campus.  Through the program, students will receive college awareness, workforce readiness skills, financial literacy training, an opportunity to participate in the city's summer jobs program, and an opportunity to compete for scholarship funding.

Business Administration Professor Flo Lucci is QCC's Junior Achievement academy coordinator.  “Working with the first group of students, many of whom would be first generation college students, has been exciting,” she stated. “These kids learn first-hand what college is all about and how workforce skills and financial training will prepare them for life.  At least half of this year’s academy students plan to apply to QCC.”

"Quinsigamond Community College is the ideal college partner for this program,” said Deborah Hopkins, president of Junior Achievement of Central Massachusetts.  “True to the college's motto of providing students with 'a community of support' and 'a world of possibilities,' everyone in the QCC campus community worked together to expose the Worcester Tech students to the many opportunities available on the campus.  They were treated to workshops and presentations on admissions, financial aid, majors available at the college, transfer articulation, and tutoring services.  Quinsigamond has proven to be a model JA Academy partner and we look forward to continuing this wonderful collaboration for many years to come."