Worcester Earns 3-Star National Designation For Immigrant Inclusion

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester is getting national recognition for its work including immigrants in civic, economic and community life.

Welcoming America named the city a "3-Star Certified Welcome Community" Thursday after assessing local government policies, programs and partnerships. The nonprofit said the designation recognizes efforts to promote immigrant inclusion and belonging across seven areas, including civic engagement, education, economic development and public safety.

Worcester is the 50th community nationwide to earn Certified Welcoming status, according to Welcoming America. The program began in 2017, with the current star system introduced in 2023.

The city met every criterion through the three-star level, the organization's certification report said. Worcester also satisfied 16 of 20 four-star criteria and 14 of 26 five-star criteria.

Economic Development Earns Top Marks

Economic development received the highest marks, earning a five-star rating. Reviewers cited programs connecting immigrant residents with jobs, training and entrepreneurship, including Worcester State University's professional licensure guide, the city's Diverse Business Certification Program and employer-based English-language training supported by an ESOL Bridge Grant.

Civic engagement, education, equitable access and safe communities each reached the four-star level. The report highlighted Worcester Public Schools' work with multilingual students and families, the Worcester RISE Community Doulas Program, free immigration legal help at Worcester Public Library and a newly launched series of monthly Immigrant Belonging Program workshops.

The assessment gave three stars to the city's connected communities and government and community leadership work.

Opportunities For Worcester To Improve

The reviewers also outlined opportunities for Worcester to improve. Their recommendations included greater local government investment in immigrant leadership, training residents to use government data, expanded mental health support and steps to strengthen public trust in law enforcement. The report also found insufficient evidence of programs addressing barriers immigrants face in becoming homeowners.

City Manager Eric Batista credited community organizations with helping Worcester earn the designation while navigating changing funding and resources.

“Refugees and immigrants have always been part of Worcester's story,” Batista said in the city's announcement. “They are part of the fabric that makes our city strong, vibrant and diverse.”

The report said Worcester's planned Immigrant Welcoming Plan could help make inclusion policies more consistent across city departments and strengthen partnerships with immigrant residents.

See Also:

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• Worcester Public Library Director Announces Departure