Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation Receives $24,200 Santander Bank, N.A. Grant to Support Student Parents

GARDNER, MA - November 4, 2025 - The Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation, Inc. has received a $24,200 grant from Santander Bank, N.A. to provide scholarship support for on-campus childcare services for MWCC students who are parents or guardians.

The two-year grant will help ensure that student parents have reliable childcare while pursuing their education, enabling them to stay on track with coursework and access campus services. Funding will be distributed through MWCC's on-campus childcare programs, helping to remove one of the most significant barriers to college completion for students with young children.

"This support directly impacts the success of student parents, one of the most hardworking and determined groups on our campus," said James L. Vander Hooven, President of Mount Wachusett Community College. "We are deeply grateful for Santander Bank's partnership and commitment to educational access and equity."

The grant aligns with Santander Bank, N.A.'s broader mission to promote financial empowerment and equitable access to education through its Santander Open Academy initiative. MWCC will utilize the Open Academy platform to promote the childcare scholarship program and reach eligible students.

"This partnership helps us meet students where they are--balancing family, work, and school," said Carla Zottoli, MWCC Foundation Director. "Childcare support makes higher education possible for parents who might otherwise have to put their dreams on hold."

Over 50 Vendors at Third Annual Sizer Holiday Craft Fair

Sizer Student Ambassadors (r-l) Lilyannie Surette-Jackson, Ari McCauliff, Caroline Rathier and Morena Umpierrez
Photo courtesy of The Sizer School

Where will you find 3D printed figures & fidgets, handmade fudge, crystal jewelry, astrology readings, comics, wreaths, tumblers and essential oil products all in one place?

You'll find all of that and more at Sizer School's third annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10-2 p.m.

"The Sizer Student Ambassadors have been busy planning this year's event to make it the biggest yet with more vendors, music, Vendor BINGO, and fun for the whole family," said Student Ambassador Advisor Lindsay Alweiss.

"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. The money we raise helps us make sure all our school events are free for students. That means a student will never stay home from a dance or movie night instead of being with friends because they can't afford to go," added Alweiss.

The event will feature over 50 local vendors plus games and prizes. Admission is Free. The building is handicap accessible with parking on site and available, with thanks, across the street at Seven Hills.

Vendors will include The H.A.M. Gift Shop, Reckless Sidekick Productions, Bottom of The Barrel Co., TnT Relaxation Scentsations, Wicked Cool Projects, ERL Astrology, Rambling Rose, The Dot Lady, Mary Kay Cosmetics, The Dancing Snowman, Stitching4Kicks, Flynn's Sweets, Poor House Designs, Hilliard's Custom Creations, Dragonfly Designs and The Happy Sews.

"This is a great way to spend a Saturday--buying gifts for loved ones and supporting a good cause," said Alweiss. "It's also a great chance to visit the school, meet staff and student leaders and see our facility. If you're at all interested in attending Sizer, come to the craft fair to learn more about us!"

Sizer School is a free public charter school that serves students in grades 7-12. Small classrooms and personalized, hands-on education offers students a chance to dig deep and engage with their lessons in ways bigger districts can't offer. Students learn that failure is part of the process because growth is just as important as grades. At Sizer, students get the skills and knowledge they need to be life-long, independent learners and engaged citizens.

According to 9th grade Student Ambassador Marlow Rezac of Bolton, "Sizer is a place where you not only learn vital information for our futures, but we learn about ourselves and our interests almost daily," she said. "Teachers and staff believe very much in personalization and it shows. You are seen by them and they are here for you...Everyone here makes the community the wonderful thing that it is and everyone is important."

According to 8th grade Ambassador Lincoln LaCasse of Leominster, "My favorite thing [about Sizer] is the teachers. Every one of them is incredible at creating this environment where it feels as though I'm actually learning, rather than simply gaining an understanding of facts."

For more information about the Craft Fair, email alweissl@sizerschool.org. For more about Sizer School, visit www.sizerschool.org. To join Sizer School, apply online at forms.rediker.com/sizerschool. Now taking applications for 2026-2027.