If you feel the need for support services to succeed in college, we encourage you to connect with our Alternatives for Individual Development Program. A.I.D. is an alternative admissions program at WSU that provides educational assistance to underrepresented prospective students who demonstrate the desire to succeed in college, including those who are ALANA and low-income and/or would be the first in their families to attend college.

Our retention services begin with the 6-week summer academy, which will give you the opportunity to gain 3-12 college credits. Although our primary focus is on your freshman year, you can take advantage of A.I.D. services throughout your undergraduate experience. A.I.D. services include academic support, individualized or group tutoring, assistance with financial issues, and cultural enrichment activities. If you are a resident student, you can apply to live in the A.I.D. living-learning community in Dowden Hall. 

You must be an incoming first-year student, meet minimal admission criteria, a Massachusetts resident, and a U.S. Citizen and/or permanent legal resident to be eligible to apply. To apply, complete an undergraduate application and select “Yes” to question #19 on the application. Letters of recommendation from a school counselor and a high school teacher are required to complete your application. Priority consideration is given to students who submit all materials by March 1.

Summer Residential Program Support Services

• Individualized services developed based on students' needs
• Writing and math support
• Priority financial aid and academic advising

• A.I.D. Learning Community (paired courses)
• Peer mentorship
• Monthly academic support network
• Budget management and degree planning
• Student-faculty mentorship
• Individualized skills development
• Course tutorials 

The Upward Bound Program at Worcester State University actively recruits eligible 9th and 10th graders in Worcester public high schools who are potential first-generation college students, minorities, or from low-income families to participate in the Upward Bound's Saturday workshops and a Summer Residential Academy on campus. Our goal is to help them persist in school through graduation and enroll in college.

The Saturday workshops increase problem-solving skills, self-awareness, and self-confidence, enhance interpersonal/intrapersonal communication skills and group dynamics, and promote career development through professional and educational speakers. The program, which runs for approximately 22 Saturdays, also offers college mentors, tutoring, and personal and career counseling. The Summer Residential Academy is a 5-week residential program that offers students a college housing/living experience, academic enrichment courses for English, math, science, language, problem-solving, and self-awareness, college tours, recreational activities, and cultural field trips.

Since 1977, our Upward Bound program has prepared more than 2,000 public high school students for successful graduation and enrollment in college. Sixty students complete the program every year. Since its inception, nearly 100% of participants have graduated from high school and 95% have enrolled in college. 

Application Process
Eligible high-school students can apply during their fall semester through December/January. The process includes submitting a complete application and, if selected, a final interview to ascertain applicants’ level of motivation and future academic and career goals. 

If you are interested in applying, please speak to your guidance counselor for more information or call the WSU Upward Bound office at 508-929-8909.

This annual event celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the achievements of Worcester’s youth. The all-youth program consists of poetry, dance, music, and readings based on Dr. King’s life and teachings. Students from both public and parochial high schools in Worcester compete in a poetry-writing contest addressing Dr. King’s philosophy, principles, and goals around non-violence, unity, equality, and ending racism and discrimination. They must research Dr. King’s life and become knowledgeable about the power of non-violence and the importance of civic responsibility. An annual poster contest, organized in partnership with Worcester Academy, showcases our youth’s creative and artistic representations of Dr. King.

Each year, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast program also honors and celebrates the contributions of leaders around the city who continue to provide opportunities and pathways for Worcester’s youth:

• The Dr. George Storms Smith Youth Service Award recognizes an individual within the city who has demonstrated exceptional service to our youth.
• The Dr. George Storms Smith Community Service Award recognizes a youth of 20 years old or younger who exemplifies the teachings of Dr. King through distinguished community service and academic achievement.

Co-sponsors of the event include the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Conference and Event Services, Chartwells, the Latino Education Institute, the Dennis Brutus/Merrill Goldwyn Center for the Study of Human Rights, Publications and Printing Services, the Worcester Youth Commission, and Friendly House.