Medford's Student Citizenship Program Awarded $350K Grant

MEDFORD, MA — Medford's Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility has been awarded a 10-year, $350,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation.

The grant will support the mission of the CCSR, which includes developing student leaders who create projects that benefit both the Medford community and the world. The CCSR is a district-wide after-school program that guides students in the development and implementation of such projects.

"We are extremely grateful for the generous award from the Cummings Foundation which will allow us to continue our mission to make the world a better place to live," CCS Director Richard Trotter and Lead Teacher Michael Skorker said in a statement.

Since 2016, 2,500 students have participated in the CCSR, with up to 500 students from grades K-12 each year. To date, some student-led projects have included:

• Collecting and delivering supplies for victims of Hurricane Harvey
• Hosting Diversity Day, a student-run festival to celebrate diversity and inclusion
• Raising funds to create a permanent monument to Medford’s slave population
• Launching a Walk for Veterans that raised over $6,000
• Installing a 3D crosswalk at the Brooks Elementary School

The Cummings Foundation $25 Million Grant Program funds local causes, especially those related to human services, education, healthcare, and social justice.