WORCESTER — Thursday, January 22, 2026 — The Worcester Public Schools (WPS) and Assumption University today announced a new partnership, “Worcester Together,” to help more students access higher education and continue in the shared endeavor of preparing students for lives of meaning.
Assumption, a Catholic-based liberal arts institution located in Worcester, will extend an advanced scholarship package to every student admitted to the university from Worcester Public Schools for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. This scholarship package will increase access for students in WPS and directly correlates with Vision III of Assumption’s strategic plan, Thrive, which includes a major goal of providing an Assumption education to all students who seek it and are qualified.
It also aligns with the WPS Vision to Action framework from the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, Our Promise to the Future, which emphasizes college and career readiness and developing future-ready skills as part of the “Equitable Resources and Educational Programs” key priority and Vision of a Learner roadmap.
Employees from Worcester Public Schools who meet admissions criteria will also be eligible for a 50% discount on the cost of most Master’s, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, and Certificate programs offered by Assumption’s School of Graduate Studies (excluding the Physician Assistant and Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate Nursing Programs).
Pictured above: WPS Superintendent Brian E. Allen (left) and Assumption University President Greg Weiner (right)
“Assumption is proud to call Worcester home, and deeply values our partnership with Worcester Public Schools,” said Assumption University President Greg Weiner. “This new initiative will strengthen that partnership and ensure that what is most important to both parties, educating young people and equipping them to pursue lives of meaning, leadership, and service, is always our top priority.”
"The 'Worcester Together' partnership creates a seamless bridge from the Worcester Public Schools to our neighbors at Assumption University, where our students and staff can take advantage of a more affordable pathway to higher education," said Superintendent Brian E. Allen. "Not only will this collaboration provide easier access to a university for our current students, it simultaneously invests in the professional growth of our staff and strengthens the foundation of our district and city. We are grateful to Assumption University and President Greg Weiner for their shared commitment to preparing Worcester Public Schools students and staff for the future."
This partnership will also see the creation of a Worcester Fellowship Program, through which WPS employees, as designated by the Superintendent’s Office, would receive free graduate courses at Assumption in exchange for working within the school district. Assumption will also increase the number of both graduate and undergraduate students with placements in WPS as interns to help fill critical workforce gaps and provide students with meaningful, hands-on experience.
More information will be provided soon to WPS students and staff about how to take advantage of this partnership.
Highlights of Partnership:
● Provide every WPS graduate with an enhanced scholarship package for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028.
● Provide a campus visit day for any high school, including transportation and lunch.
● Work collaboratively to build innovative and relevant summer programs for high school students.
● Provide college search and financial aid workshops to families.
● Offer a tuition discount for graduate programs, including Master’s, CAS, and Certificate Programs, to WPS employees who meet established criteria.
● Collaborate with WPS to design professional development workshops
● Create a Worcester Fellowship Program to advance WPS employees’ education in graduate degree programs.
● Increase the number of undergraduate and graduate students placed in practicums and internships within WPS.
###