Impact
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Impact by the Numbers
Binienda Center for Civic Engagement | FY 2026–2027
The 2026–2027 academic year marked a new chapter for the Binienda Center for Civic Engagement. Under new leadership, the Center renewed its commitment to civic learning, student leadership development, faculty engagement, and community collaboration — expanding opportunities for Worcester State students and strengthening connections across the region and beyond.
Launching New Pathways for Civic Engagement
During FY26–27, the Binienda Center launched a portfolio of programs designed to expand civic learning, leadership development, and community collaboration.
7 new initiatives launched, including:
- Worcester Civic Leaders Program
- Community Partner Celebration
- Binienda Center Speaker Series
- Scholar-Practitioner Community Fellowship
- Civic Innovation Mini Grants
- Artist-in-Residence Program
- Event Co-Sponsorship Fund
These initiatives created new opportunities for students, faculty, and community partners to collaborate around civic leadership, service, research, and dialogue.
Developing Civic Leaders
Worcester Civic Leaders Program (Summer)
WCLP is a selective, year-long cohort that prepares Worcester State undergraduates to serve as the city’s next generation of civic leaders.
- 5 student leaders + 2 staff + 1 faculty supervisor selected for the inaugural cohort
- 480+ hours dedicated to civic leadership development
- 5 community placements developed with local organizations
- 7 elected officials engaged across local, state, and federal levels
D.C. Leadership Program
The D.C. Leadership Program provided students with an immersive national civic leadership experience focused on advocacy, public policy, and career exploration.
- 11 student leaders + 3 staff members participated in policy and advocacy programming
- 10 meetings held with congressional offices and federal policy stakeholders
- 3 higher education policy initiatives developed and proposed by students
- 3 academic credit pathways offered for experiential learning
- 100% of students demonstrated growth in leadership, advocacy, career connection, belonging, mentorship, and reflection outcomes
Recognizing Civic Leadership
- 1 Newman Civic Fellow selected to represent Worcester State University’s commitment to civic engagement
- 3 community partners, 1 faculty member, and 1 student recognized for outstanding civic contributions
Advancing National and Regional Engagement
The Binienda Center expanded Worcester State University’s civic engagement presence through regional collaboration and national conversations on community engagement.
- 25+ institutions represented through the national Scaling Discourse in Higher Education Summer Institute hosted at Worcester State University in partnership with the Binienda Center
- 60+ WSU students engaged through the Binienda Center Speaker Series
- 24 Upward Bound students connected through our speaker series and artist in residence program
- 250+ participants engaged through Center-sponsored events and programming
Expanding Youth and Community Engagement
The Binienda Center creates pathways for civic learning and leadership across generations.
- 100+ Worcester Public Schools youth engaged through Athletics partnerships, including Holiday Hoops and Spring Kicks
- 50+ community members, youth, alumni, and partners engaged through Artist-in-Residence programming and community screenings
Supporting Faculty Innovation and Civic Scholarship
The Binienda Center supports faculty and student collaboration that advances the practice and study of community engagement.
- 4 faculty fellows supported through the Scholar-Practitioner Community Fellowship
- 15 Core Principles of Community Engagement developed to guide practice and reflection
- 7 faculty and student scholars connected through collaborative civic engagement research
- 1 scholarly publication generated through civic engagement research
Building a Culture of Engagement
Through new funding opportunities, partnerships, and programming, the Binienda Center expanded access to civic learning throughout the university.
- 6 community engagement events supported through the Event Co-Sponsorship Fund, expanding opportunities for collaboration with local and global organizations
- 7+ co-educators supported through Civic Innovation Mini Grants to bring community expertise into WSU classrooms
- WooServe supported as a centralized pathway connecting students with community engagement opportunities
- Artist-in-Residence programming expanded opportunities for creativity, dialogue, and civic connection
Building a More Engaged Future
The Binienda Center is creating a culture of civic responsibility and action at Worcester State University by preparing student leaders, supporting faculty innovation, and strengthening relationships with communities across Worcester and beyond.
Office SC-322