Middlesex Community College is excited to announce the college has been chosen by the Cummings Foundation to receive a $200,000 grant as part of the $30 Million Grant Program. With the funding, Middlesex will assist students enrolled in MCC’s entrepreneurship associate degree and certificate programs.
"I am extremely grateful to the Cummings Foundation for their trust and commitment to our programs,” said Stacie Hargis, MCC’s Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator. “Our ecosystem has taken off because of their previous investment and now, not only does this recapitalize our ‘friends and family’ round of seed funding, but it also allows us to broaden our capacity for student-led initiatives. Thanks to this new grant, we already have two very determined and creative students to move forward on some new entrepreneurial activities this coming year."
Led by Hargis, Middlesex offers three program options for students interested in launching a business. These include the business entrepreneurship associate degree, entrepreneurship certificate, and the launch at MCC (entrepreneurship) certificate.
Made possible by the Cummings Foundation, Middlesex holds an annual Launch at MCC Pitch Contest to allow students to pitch for seed funding to jumpstart and grow their small businesses. Funding also goes toward scholarships to help students afford the costs of getting an education. Past recipients include MCC graduates Diamond Tin and Suzy Eaton.
“Receiving the Cummings Scholarship means so much, not just for myself, but also for my family, as it helps lower the cost of school tuition, as well as my living expenses,” Tin said. “My business pitch for this scholarship was about an Escape Room project that I'm currently working on with my cousin to be open in Cambodia.”
Cummings Foundation has awarded nearly $600 million to date in Greater Boston, including to MCC in 2021. Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the area where it owns commercial buildings, all of which are managed – at no cost to the Foundation – by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 10 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.
“Middlesex Community College has long demonstrated a deep commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to turn ideas into action,” said Joyce Vyriotes, Executive Director of Cummings Foundation. “We’re proud to support its programs that empower the next generation of entrepreneurs – many of whom will go on to fuel economic growth and social impact right here in our communities.”
Combined with the grant funding, MCC is well-prepared with curriculum and support services to help students achieve their goals. In the entrepreneurship programs, students receive access to guidance and personal support, financial assistance, and connections with resources such as mentors, networking and budget review.
“The incredible generosity of The Cummings Foundation is changing the lives of our MCC students,” said Sherri McCormack, MCC’s Dean of Advancement. “Learning a new business skill and how to run that business is at the heart and soul of every entrepreneur trying to make a difference in their communities. Bill and Joyce Cummings are shining examples of how hard work and determination can help to build businesses that continually give back to those around them. We are humbled to offer programming that honors such a legacy.”
Learn more about MCC’s partnership with the Cummings Foundation!