The College of the Holy Cross is pleased to announce the launch of the Worcester Pillar Micro-Grant Pilot Program, a new initiative designed to deepen the College’s engagement with the City of Worcester through small-scale, high-impact projects that advance collaboration, learning, and shared opportunity.
In its first year, the program supports projects such as a student-produced vodcast series highlighting Worcester’s diverse voices, a community art exhibition created with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and an urban gardening program with the Worcester Public Library.
Holy Cross’ partnership with its hometown is one of six key pillars of its strategic plan, Aspire. The “In and Of Worcester” pillar calls the campus community to embrace “the world of opportunity in our backyard and be an active partner in Worcester’s continued success, growth and revitalization.” The new pilot program provides one-time micro-grants to support faculty and staff initiatives that embody that mission — fostering local partnerships and strengthening the bonds between campus and the city that Holy Cross is proud to call home.
“The Worcester Pillar Micro-Grant Program is a powerful expression of our commitment to being In and Of Worcester,” said Holy Cross President Vincent D. Rougeau. “These projects demonstrate the creativity and care our faculty and staff bring to deepening the ties between campus and community — and to ensuring that the College’s mission is lived out in partnership with our city.”
With $10,000 in total funding available in the 2026 fiscal year, the Worcester Pillar Micro-Grant Pilot Program awards one-time grants ranging from $250 to $1,000 to support creative projects that:
- Expand the College’s presence and partnerships within Worcester’s civic, business, and educational communities.
- Create and celebrate opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to learn and serve in Worcester, through internships, research, and community engagement.
- Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for Worcester residents and community partners on campus.
2025 Micro-Grant Award Recipients
In its inaugural year, the following ten projects were selected for funding:
- Sustainability & Environmental Worcester Career Trek (Description: A one-day, immersive experiential learning event for Holy Cross students focused on Worcester-area sustainability and environmental justice efforts.)
- Telling Worcester’s Story: A Multimedia Book Project by First-Year Students (Description: First-year Montserrat students will explore Worcester’s history and culture to create a collaborative digital book celebrating the city’s connection with Holy Cross.)
- UMass Chan iCELS Mobile Simulation Lab (Description: A hands-on medical simulation event will bring UMass Chan’s iCELS to Holy Cross, giving students an immersive experience in patient care, teamwork, and healthcare careers.)
- Local Ecology with Worcester Public Library and Holy Cross Libraries (Description: This project supports Worcester Public Library in launching an urban gardening program through a Holy Cross faculty ecology talk and a community gardening festival)
- Campus Visit with the Worcester Native Plant Initiative (WNPI) (Description: This project brings members of the Worcester Native Plant Initiative to campus for a seminar or meet-and-greet on native planting and climate resilience.)
- First-Year Mystery Bus (Description: The First Year Mystery Bus introduces new students to Worcester through surprise trips that showcase the city’s hidden gems and unique experiences.)
- Cyber Safe Worcester & Campus: Extending Digital Safety Training to the Community and Non-Technical Staff (Description: This project promotes cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy through community and campus training sessions.)
- Shared Lens: Portraits Bridging Campus and Community (Description: This project partners Holy Cross’ Cantor Art Gallery with Big Brothers Big Sisters to create portraits and a mini-exhibition celebrating Worcester youth and community collaboration through art.)
- “Worcester Voices” Vodcast Series (Description: A student-produced vodcast series in a new digital creative lab will showcase interviews with Worcester residents, exploring local stories of art, activism, entrepreneurship, education, and community pride. )
- Cantor as Classroom: Increasing Arts Access for Worcester Public Schools Through Community Engagement and Transportation (Description: This project focuses on leading collaborative art workshops in Worcester Public Schools, fostering access to arts education and strengthening community ties.)
Learn more about “Aspire: The Strategic Plan for the College of the Holy Cross."
