Framingham State University (FSU) and the MetroWest Nonprofit Network (MWNN) are pleased to announce the launch of a new partnership focused on training the next generation of highly skilled nonprofit employees in the region through workforce and leadership development.

The effort aims to further connect students and faculty with the local nonprofit community while addressing workforce development needs through the creation of a robust menu of professional development program options including credit, non-credit bearing certificate programs as well as graduate-level programs for nonprofit practitioners.

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with the MetroWest Nonprofit Network,” says Framingham State President F. Javier Cevallos. “Civic engagement is an important part of the University’s mission and we are fortunate to be located in a region that is home to thousands of dynamic nonprofit organizations.”

There are nearly 6,000 registered nonprofit organizations in MetroWest, including more than 1,300 who connect directly with the MetroWest Nonprofit Network. Many of the executives and CEOs of these groups who delayed retirement after the 2008 recession are now retiring, creating succession and leadership gaps, according to MWNN Executive Director Anna C. Cross.

“We are thrilled that Framingham State University will join with us in the work of empowering nonprofits and supporting next-generation leaders,” says Cross. “We look forward to working with the University to create true capacity for nonprofits, students, faculty and the community.”

The new partnership comes on the heels of a survey conducted in February 2018 of 103 MetroWest nonprofit leaders, staff and board members. More than 70 percent reported a need for career ladder programs for mid- and entry-level staff. Another 71 percent reported that they lacked the capacity to supervise interns without support. 

Goals for the partnership include:

• Establish a feeder system for FSU students and graduates to enter the nonprofit landscape as employees, volunteers and board members.
• Increase opportunities for students to access local nonprofits for service learning and project-based learning opportunities.
• Create and enhance continuing education, professional development, and degree options for the sizeable existing nonprofit workforce
• Increase access and visibility for the University within the nonprofit community by building on existing successful MWNN programs.