Nativity School of Worcester, a tuition-free Jesuit middle school providing students from under-resourced communities a holistic education is thrilled to announce that the Julie Power Girls Division opened on July 8, 2024. Nativity Worcester, previously an all boys school of 21 years, welcomed the first two classes of 5th and 6th grade girls to their school.
This bold initiative reflects Nativity Worcester’s commitment to expanding access to a life changing education and to growing the school’s impact. The opening of the Julie Power Girls Division establishes the first tuition-free, private education for girls in Central Massachusetts. Nativity Worcester President, Tom McKenney, stated, “We believe that educating and empowering young women at Nativity Worcester will not only provide a transformative education for these students,
but strengthen our school and positively impact the Worcester community and beyond. This is a historic moment for our school and we are thrilled to have our first ever Nativity Women with us for our July summer program. We look forward to supporting these young women and educating them as they form into tomorrow’s leaders.”
Dr. Charles “Chick” Weiss, Nativity Worcester Co-Founder and Trustee, noted “Opening Nativity’s doors to Worcester’s middle school girls is something that the trustees, staff, and local families have discussed for many years and we are so thrilled that the time has finally come to do so. I’ve met many of the incoming girls and it is clear that they have incredible energy and a hunger to learn. Not only will they receive a tremendous, tuition-free education, but they and their families will enrich the school for the boys and us all. I can’t wait to see the good things that these girls will accomplish at Nativity and beyond.”
Nativity Worcester’s Girls Division has been named the “Julie Power Girls Division” in honor of Julie Power. James David Power III and his wife, Julie, founded J.D. Power and Associates in 1968 having become one of the most globally recognized marketing research firms today. Julie was a teacher by training and she volunteered her time to teach English as a second language to children who were immigrants. The J.D. Power Family and Kenrose Kitchen Table Foundation gave a $3,000,000 gift in support of The Campaign for Nativity School of Worcester and the establishment of the Girls Division. The Campaign has raised $18.5M towards its $20M goal, which aims to fund scholarships for boys and girls, and grow the school’s endowment to ensure the long-term success of all its students and community. Tom McKenney noted, “The $20 million Campaign marks an unprecedented moment in Nativity Worcester’s history, and we invite friends, supporters, and members of the community to join us in making our vision a reality. Together, we can open doors to new possibilities and create a brighter future for generations to come.”
Since 2003, Nativity Worcester has strived to improve its impact each year and provide students with a dynamic, holistic educational experience that enables them to excel. Nativity’s community-centered programming, Jesuit values, small class sizes, co-teaching model, extended school day and year, and individualized approach to education provide students with an opportunity to become their best authentic selves. Nativity’s unique Graduate Support Program provides a long-term commitment to the wellbeing of our students through individualized support, mentorship, tutoring, and career services through high school, post-secondary education and beyond. The Nativity experience is unlike any other. To be eligible to attend Nativity, students must live in the City of Worcester and meet the family income qualifications for the fuel assistance program through the Worcester
Community Action Council.
For further information on the campaign, ways you can give, or inquiries to apply to the Julie Power Girls Division, please visit IMPACT