Impact

Binienda Center by the Numbers (Fiscal Year 2026-2027)

480+ hours dedicated to community leadership development
$20,000 invested in student leadership (5 students × $4,000 stipends)
$3,265 invested in technology (iPads for all 5 students)
5 community partnerships established through student placements (United Way, Friendly House, Guild of St. Agnes, YMCA – Boroughs Family Branch, and the Museum of Worcester)
5 WSU faculty mentors engaged to support student leaders
5 TANGO course materials provided to support civic learning
7 elected officials engaged across local, state, and federal levels

6 community rganizations represented (Fontaine Bros., Inc., Worcester State University, The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, Girls Inc. of Worcester, the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, and Bay State Savings Bank)
60+ Worcester State University students engaged
24 Worcester Public High School Upward Bound students reached
Construction, higher education, performing arts, nonprofit, and financial services industries represented

6 Events | $11,927 Invested | 7 Community Honoraria | 250+ Participants | 25+ Institutions Represented

Civic Engagement Research Impact

$8,400 invested in faculty and student civic engagement research
7 scholars connected through a collaborative research group (3 faculty, 4 students)
1 scholarly publication generated sharing insights from civic engagement research

$25,000 invested by the Binienda Center to support student participation in a national civic leadership experience
11 student leaders + 3 staff members participated in immersive policy and advocacy programming
10 meetings with congressional offices and federal policy stakeholders conducted
3 higher education policy initiatives developed and proposed by students
3 academic credit options offered for the experience
100% of students demonstrated growth across advocacy, leadership, career connection, belonging, mentorship, and reflection outcomes