Worcester Partnership at Bancroft School

We are a small, but mighty, group of Worcester area educators committed to providing underserved Worcester Public Schools students with transformative educational opportunities they otherwise would not have. By supporting a multi-year cohort from first grade through graduation, we bridge academic gaps, boost self-confidence, and create a sense of community that cultivates the lifelong habits necessary for students to reach their full potential.

Established in the summer of 2003, the mission of the Worcester Partnership (WP) program is to provide youth from economically challenged families from Elm Park Community School (EPCS) and other Worcester Public Schools (WPS) the opportunity for continued and supportive Summer learning to ease the transition from one grade to the next, while at the same time opening doors to fresh challenges and new ways of thinking by introducing these students to materials and environments to which they might not ordinarily be exposed. The foundation of the Worcester Partnership program is a consistent, reliable community of students and teachers, where each individual is encouraged to become a contributing member of their class and each knows that they are vital to the group as a whole. Now entering its 24th year, the program supports a multi-year cohort of approximately 150 Worcester Public School students from grades 1-12. Participants engage in comprehensive educational and social opportunities, anchored by a signature four-week summer experience hosted on the Bancroft School campus. Aside from addressing educational barriers and targeting summer learning loss, our mission is to provide a safe, caring environment that addresses the ever-changing needs of low-income families. By offering a multi-year program, we ensure that students do not just survive their academic journey but thrive through ongoing mentorship and skill development. We support the holistic growth of our youth and families through these core program pillars A Four-Week Summer Program: Students Worcester Public Schools referred to our program spend four weeks on the Bancroft School campus, engaging in rigorous morning academics followed by fun and interactive afternoon camp activities, such as swim lessons at YMCA. Saturday Learning Activities: Our Saturday Learning Activities provide continued engagement during the Fall and Spring, ensuring student retention in the program and crafted to maintain student momentum and inspire a year-round passion for learning. Mentoring/Volunteer Opportunities: WP students in grades 10-12 have the opportunity to stay on board at the conclusion of their program years to serve as mentors and volunteers within the program, fostering a culture of service and building meaningful ties to their peers and the community.