Worcester is one of the largest hubs in the country for African-born immigrants and refugees, with a population near 20,000. To help aid in their transition, Cornerstone Bank has pledged a total of $25,000 over a three-year period to support African Community Education’s (ACE) Living Together Campaign.
Based in Worcester, ACE empowers African refugee and immigrant youth through educational, leadership and cultural programming. Cornerstone contributed $5,000 this year and will donate $10,000 per year in 2025 and 2026. The funds will help ACE renovate its facility, expand its programs and services and ensure its long-term stability.
“We have proudly supported African Community Education’s work in previous years, but the need is great and growing, so we felt it was imperative to grow our support as well,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “A three-year commitment provides the organization’s leadership with the opportunity to confidently plan future growth.”
According to ACE, about 30 percent of African-born immigrants and their children living in Worcester are within 200 percent of the poverty line. Currently, ACE is only able to serve 6.3 percent, leaving more than 5,000 people in critical need.
ACE programs include academic support and tutoring, English-language learning, enrichment and experiential learning activities, mentoring, family education, outreach, reading and career development.
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