Worcester Educational Development Foundation Inc

Since 2012, two local family foundations have awarded the Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc. funds to allow 22,000 students the opportunity to connect their classroom learning with the rich resources in our region. These experiences, known as Culture LEAPs (Learning Through Arts Partnerships) breathe life into the curriculum. Through experiential learning and investigation in museums, a wildlife sanctuary and live theatre and music, active learning takes place and strengthens problem solving and critical thinking skills.

The substance of the program is its highly collaborative nature. Partners include the supporting foundations, cultural organizations and institutions, the Worcester Public Schools, the Education Working Committee of the Worcester Cultural Coalition, and WEDF. The individuals who ensure quality are the district’s curriculum specialists, the museum educators, and the administrators and teachers in the schools.

Each LEAP is linked to the curriculum and includes pre-visit preparation, a field trip to an institution and post-visit projects and programs. This year’s WEDF mini-grants program is providing extra points to projects that enhance the experience through additional pre-visit readiness or post-visit undertakings. Mini-grant funds may be used to purchase supplies or materials that enhance the LEAP through innovative classroom endeavors.