About

Who We Are and What We Do

A group of volunteers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) posing next to a pile of trash bags and holding a Worcester Green Corps Sign and trash grabbers.

Our Mission: To work as a collaborative effort to clean and beautify Worcester’s streets and green spaces while prioritizing environmental responsibility alongside economic growth.

Established in May of 2021, the Worcester Green Corps (WGC) is a public/private partnership between the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the City of Worcester, the United Way of Central Massachusetts, and several other community partners and generous sponsors. As Worcester experiences new levels of investment and economic growth, it is in everyone’s collective interest to make sure the city is clean and inviting to residents and visitors alike. WGC establishes a year-round effort leveraging the involvement of the business and nonprofit communities to keep Worcester clean, green, and proactive in implementing beautification and environmental best practices throughout the city.

In addition to the year-round cleanup and beautification efforts, WGC partners with the Worcester Community Action Council through their YouthWorks program to provide income and job training to Worcester’s youth. The career pathways program offers learning experience and exposure to a variety of educational pathways and environmental careers for our young employees.

Three sectors we aim to collaborate with:

Sector 1: Community and Residents.
Placemaking and inclusivity.
Equity and environmental justice.
Spaces to promote health and well-being.
Representation and empowerment.
Sector 2: Business and Development.
Support local businesses and local economy.
Offer pathways for sustainability.
Improve storefront visuals and aesthetics.
Equitably distribute resources.
Sector 3: City and Infrastructure.
Serve as a center for localities to express concerns and relay trends/information to city officials.
Support efforts to clean the city.
Identify priority locations and offer solutions.
Provide data and explain trends to inform and support decision-making and reform.

Founding Partners

Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC)

Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC)

Meet Our Staff

Coordinator

Worcester Green Corps Coordinator

The Worcester Green Corps Coordinator manages the Green Corps youth employment program, providing teens with hands-on experience in environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community improvement. The coordinator recruits and supervises participants, organizes training and work projects, partners with city departments and community organizations, and ensures a safe, supportive program that builds job skills, leadership, and environmental awareness.

YouthWorks

In partnership with the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC), the Worcester Green Corps is able to offer opportunities to provide leadership and employment opportunities to youth and systemically disadvantaged groups. WCAC’s YouthWorks program occurs in three sessions: a six-week program in the summer, a 12-week program in the fall, and a 12-week program in the spring. The youth workers have the opportunity to learn about career readiness, green initiatives, and environmental careers, as well as to gain experience in leadership, community organizing, and program planning.