Worcester, MA - For the second year, the George I. 

Real Math, Real Science presented to WPS sixth grade students

Alden Trust has granted the gift of cultural engagement to more than 8,000 students in the Worcester Public Schools. The award of

$100,000 was made to the Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc. (WEDF) as part of a five year pledge. WEDF facilitates and serves as the fiscal agent for the work of the Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) Education Working Group. The Alden Trust has specifically funded grade level cultural experience programs called LEAPS that impact all students in a given grade.

 

"There's no question that the arts make a tremendous impact on young people, incorporating visits to cultural sites greatly enhances and deepens student's understanding of any and all subjects.  We in Worcester are fortunate, through the support of the Alden Trust, to ensure that students across all grade levels will have the opportunity to experience some of our many cultural gems and in doing so have their education expanded profoundly ," said James David Moran, Chair of the Worcester Cultural Coalition's Education Working Committee.

 

The Worcester Cultural Coalition Working Group is composed of museum and cultural educators, artists and Worcester Public School curriculum coordinators. Together, they develop and implement innovative educational programs that connect with and enhance classroom curriculum and engage students in the rich cultural resources of the Worcester area. Additionally, this Education Working Group of the Worcester Cultural Coalition advises and evaluates program development and execution.

 

Concerts to Go at Mechanics Hall

This year's program includes new visits and serves grades 1-6 and high school students.

 

• Grade 1 students are studying local history by visiting the Worcester Historical Museum in a program called "Discover Worcester with Museum Molly and Historian Harry."
• Grade 2 students explore "The Secret Gardens" of Tower Hill Botanic Garden and expand their knowledge of science, mathematics and literacy.
• Grade 3 students explore "Pre-Industrial New England" at Old Sturbridge Village and learn what life was like before modern technology.
• Grade 4 students expand their art and language knowledge at the Worcester Art Museum where they learn to understand sculpture and design.
• Grade 5 students visit historic Mechanics Hall and are introduced to American composers.
• Grade 6 students investigate "Real Math/Real Science" at the EcoTarium and Mass Audubon's Broad Meadow Brook.
• High School students attend a performance of Macbeth at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts and are able to have a lively exchange of ideas with a cast after the performance.

 

Funds from the Alden Trust offset program costs for the institutions and pay for all transportation that is provided at a reduced rate from Durham Bus Company. All of the institutions provide additional in-kind support.

 

The seeds of this program were sown 20 years ago by the Worcester Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative at the former Alliance for Education. The program morphed into a separate entity, Culture LEAP. Most recently after the dissolution of Culture LEAP, the WCC Education Working Group and WEDF have worked collaboratively with the Alden Trust, the schools, and institutions to ensure the continuation of these important opportunities for students.

 

The Worcester Cultural Coalition's mission is to "draw on Worcester's rich and diverse cultural assets to foster economic revitalization and create a strong cultural engagement for Greater Worcester.

 

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