Multicultural Affairs' mission is to provide opportunities, access, and retention to program participants by supporting their successful transition to higher education. We take a comprehensive approach to increasing students' effectiveness by creating a welcoming environment that caters to first generation, low-income, students who have a documented disability and/or ALANA/BIPOC (African, Latinx, Asian, Native American and/or Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students.
The office hosts the following programs: The Alternatives for Individual Development (A.I.D.), Worcester State University's A.I.D. Summer Bridge Program, the TRIO Student Support Services program, the Upward Bound Program, Intercultural Student Alliance formerly known as Third World Alliance (TWA), First Generation Student Nation, Worcester State University's Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast, and the Multicultural Programming Committee.
Alternatives for Individual Development (A.I.D.)
The Alternatives for Individual Development program is an alternative admissions program at Worcester State University which provides educational assistance to students. Participation in the program for some students may begin with WSU A.I.D. Summer Bridge Program held in June and July.
The program primarily focuses on the first two academic years (first and second year) with a minimum required participation of four academic semesters designed by the program staff and based on individual assessment. Other services are provided to students throughout their undergraduate experience including academic assistance, individualized or group skills development, assistance with financial adjustment, and cultural enrichment. To be eligible for the WSU A.I.D. Summer Bridge Program, students must be incoming first-year students and meet minimal admissions Requirement
TRiO Student Support Services (SSS)
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program at Worcester State University that provides academic, personal, and holistic support to help eligible students persist in college, maintain good academic standing, and graduate with a bachelor’s degree. The program offers individualized advising and structured services designed to strengthen academic performance, support timely degree completion, and promote preparation for graduate or professional education. Program participants receive priority course registration in accordance with university policies.
Students must:
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Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at Worcester State University
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Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen as defined by federal TRIO regulations
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Demonstrate academic need for support services
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Meet at least one federally defined eligibility category: first generation and/or meet federal low income guidelines, and/or have a document disability.
Participation is based on federal TRIO requirements and program capacity.
The Upward Bound program is designed to encourage eligible high school students to persist inschool through graduation and seek a post-secondary education. The program actively recruits students who show motivation and desire to succeed, and who are college-bound. Upward Bound provides academic workshops, college tours, seminars in college admissions and financial aid assistance, career counseling, individualized or group tutoring, and culturally enriching trips and activities. The program has two main components: the Summer Academy and the Academic Year Saturday Workshops.
Multicultural Programming
Multicultural Programming's primary mission is to coordinate and implement comprehensive educational, cultural, and social programs that celebrate diverse cultural contributions. These programmatic efforts are designed to promote dialogue while creating opportunities for students to develop and expand their cultural competencies. The ultimate goal is to expose and educate all students to understand and appreciate racial and ethnic differences. Annual signature programming includes Latin Heritage, Native American/Indigenous Heritage, Black History, Women's History and Asian American Month celebrations. Other programs include Courageous Conversations and African American Read-In Day.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast is our city's annual celebration of our city’s youth event in celebration of the legacy and commitment of Dr. King Jr. to improving the lives of young people through education. The program includes performances, noted distinctions and awards to our community and youth, university scholarships, and essay / poetry contests.
Intercultural Student Alliance (formerly know as Third World Alliance)
Intercultural Student Alliance (formerly known as Third World Alliance) is a student organization dedicated to promoting inclusion and multicultural diversity and enhancing pluralism on campus and within the Worcester community. The organization features activities aimed at informing, educating, enriching, and encouraging conversation around topics related to ethnically and racially diverse issues.
First Generation Student Nation
The First Generation Nation is a student group dedicated to empowering first generation students to develop a sense of belonging and community through social, academic, cultural, career, and financial programming that is easily accessible. First Generation Nation coordinates support groups and experiences to assist students to navigate their college experiences and create a space where students can connect with peers, mentors, and resources on critical topics affecting first generation students' experience at Worcester State University.