Alden Higher Education Access Award

The Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc. is pleased each year to present the George I. Alden / Colleges of Worcester Consortium Higher Education Access Award. The successful award recipient is announced at the "Celebration of Higher Education in Central Massachusetts" normally held in April at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA. The 2009 awards dinner will be held on Monday, April 6.

Award Description:

The Higher Education Access Award, which carries a $5,000 prize, is presented to the individual or organization that has shown exceptional commitment to the cause of educational opportunity, promoting and supporting the concept of access to higher education for all.

Award Rationale:

The Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc. and the George I. Alden Trust, recognize the important role education plays in the quality of life for all residents of Central Massachusetts. Contributing to the intellectual growth and capacity of current and future college students is a primary focus for both organizations. Providing all residents with the opportunity to achieve their academic and thus their career potential will help to ensure that Central Massachusetts benefits from an educated workforce as well as from an enlightened and engaged electorate. This educated population will provide the foundation for Central Massachusetts to flourish in the 21st century.

Award Eligibility:

This award is given annually to a Central Massachusetts-based individual or organization which has:

  • Committed time/resources to create and/or support services that open the doors to higher education for a nontraditional population;
  • Worked to create and implement coalitions to more effectively and efficiently utilize resources to increase the impact of access services; and
  • Advocated on behalf of disadvantaged or underrepresented students at the middle/secondary and postsecondary level to increase access to and retention in higher education programs.

Nomination Process:

Candidates are determined by an open nomination process. Nominations must include:

  • Name and contact information for the nominated program or individual(s) organization;
  • Name and contact information for the nominator (self nominations are acceptable);
  • Description of the length of time and capacity in which the nominator has known the nominee individual or organization;
  • Description of the nominee's eligibility for the award, addressing specifically and in detail the three award eligibility criteria listed above and the impact and demonstrated outcomes this individual or organization has had on access to higher education in central Massachusetts (Description limit: 1500 words or approximately 3 pages, single spaced); and
  • Names and contact information of others who would be familiar with the nominee's qualifications for the award.

Nominations are judged by independent evaluators selected by the Colleges of Worcester Consortium.

Nomination Submission Guidelines:

Nominations must be submitted electronically by February 13, 2009 to:

Pamela Boisvert
Vice President for Higher Education Access Services
Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc.
484 Main Street - Suite 500
Worcester, MA 01608
pboisvert@cowc.org
508-754-6829, ext. 3012