Boston, MA – November 15, 2007 – In an effort to boost the understanding of the connection between civic engagement and college access, Wentworth Institute of Technology hosted a forum sponsored by Massachusetts Campus Compact (MACC), an organization which promotes joint ventures between community based organizations and institutions of higher education, on Wednesday, November 14. “The Intersection of Civic Engagement and College Access” brought together approximately 75 attendees representing higher education, foundation and non-profit leaders and college students from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island to discuss partnerships between colleges and their communities.

“The power of college students to inspire other young people to go on to college and expand their horizons for future experiences is remarkable,” said Sandy Pascal, associate vice president of community relations & external affairs.

The event included opening remarks from Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Sanchez, Wentworth President Dr. Zorica Pantić, and MACC Executive Director Barbara Canyes, as well as an informative panel discussion in which each panelist and leader focused on best practices, models and possibilities for partnerships between higher education and other sectors to promote and increase student access and success in higher education.

Panelists included Dr. Pantić; Robert Lewis Jr., vice president for program of The Boston Foundation; Dr. Jill Taylor, professor in the Department of Education & Human Services at Simmons College; and Henry Agbo, a student at Harvard University.

Wentworth Institute of Technology
Founded in 1904, Wentworth Institute of Technology is an independent, co-educational nationally ranked institution offering career-focused education through 15 Bachelor degree programs in areas such as architecture, computer science and systems, construction management, design, engineering, engineering technology, environmental science, and management. For over a century, Wentworth has been a leader in technical education known for its academic excellence, community service, and support for the economic growth of the region. For more information, please visit www.wit.edu.