WORCESTER, MA — A Worcester university and the school district have formalized a decades-long partnership to expand educational opportunities across the city.
Clark University and Worcester Public Schools signed a memorandum of understanding Thursday at Claremont Academy. The agreement calls for collaboration on curriculum, teacher training, research, scholarships, student enrichment programs and pathways to college and education careers.
"This MOU formalizes our promise of expanding and strengthening our partnership with the city, especially in the area of K-12 education," Clark President David Fithian said in a statement.
The partnership will include internships and classroom placements for Clark students, professional development for Worcester educators and expanded summer, afterschool, dual enrollment and early college programs.
Clark and the district also plan to develop a "Grow Our Own" initiative supporting Worcester students, paraprofessionals and community members interested in education careers.
Clark's Master of Arts in Teaching program has long provided a pathway into Worcester schools. As of September 2025, the district employed 217 Clark alumni, including about 120 teachers who graduated from the MAT program, according to the university.
"This collaboration not only provides life-changing opportunities for district students, graduates and educators, it helps Clark's faculty further enhance their own pedagogy and programming," Superintendent Brian Allen said.
Allen, a Worcester native and South High Community School graduate, earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Clark in 1992 and a certificate of advanced graduate studies in conflict management in 2004.
The agreement builds on programs including University Park Campus School, which will mark its 30th anniversary next year. Students from University Park and Claremont Academy have been able to take Clark courses for more than 15 years.
More than 165 Worcester residents have attended Clark tuition-free through the University Park Partnership Scholarship Program since 2000, according to the university. Clark expanded the scholarship eligibility area by 26 streets in 2023, making about 1,100 additional students eligible.
Eight University Park graduates and two South High graduates are attending Clark tuition-free through the scholarship program this fall.
Under the new agreement, Clark and Worcester school leaders will meet regularly to review the partnership's progress, consider new collaborations and assess the changing needs of students and educators.
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