Cornerstone Bank, a community bank with locations throughout Central Massachusetts, is donating $15,000 a year for the next three years, a total contribution of $45,000, to Worcester State University’s STEM Connections program.

The gift continues Cornerstone Bank’s generous multi-year support of various STEM initiatives at Worcester State.

“This donation is personal for me,” said Cornerstone Bank President Randy Webber, who graduated from Worcester State University with a B.A. in business administration and sits on the board of the Worcester State Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the mission of the university. “I cherish my time spent at Worcester State, and I’m proud to be able to support the academic endeavors of students there now.”

The university’s STEM Connections program focuses on engaging junior and senior high school students from Worcester public high schools in fun and informative hands-on laboratory and data analysis projects at the Worcester

State campus. Professors from chemistry, biology and environmental science

lead the program, and a Worcester State student serves as the teaching assistant. The participants take field trips, hear from local experts, and participate in a variety of learning activities to encourage a love for science. The program also introduces pathways to higher education in STEM fields. Students gain valuable knowledge and skills about navigating the college application process through presentations by the university’s admissions and financial aid teams.

The program is one of the university’s signature summer educational programs, said Worcester State Vice President for University Advancement Tom McNamara, adding, “The Cornerstone STEM Connections program has a tremendous impact

on students by igniting their enthusiasm for science, building confidence, and enabling them to envision a future college education in STEM. We are tremendously grateful to Cornerstone Bank for providing this multiyear support. This gift represents an important investment in the future workforce for our region.”

“I hope this donation helps open doors for students the way Worcester State helped me build a strong foundation for a rewarding career at Cornerstone

Bank,” said Webber. “The future is bright.”

About Cornerstone Bank

Cornerstone Bank was formed in 2017, born of a long history of supporting the community, and providing a strong foundation to help people and businesses thrive. Serving Worcester County, Cornerstone Bank’s local presence and community-based banking model enables a unique ability to deliver outstanding service, with a personal touch. Cornerstone provides the highest level of service and expertise for individuals, businesses, and community organizations with branch locations throughout Central Massachusetts.