Community Impact

UMass Lowell has invested approximately $22 million over the past ten years to help revitalize Lowell’s northern canal area and to connect the University with the city of Lowell. Projects have included construction of two shared athletic facilities, the Paul E. Tsongas Arena and the Edward LaLacheur Stadium.

Konarka Technologies and FuelSpot.com are among the eight start-up companies that have been helped to grow to independence through UMass Lowell’s Commercial Venture Development Unit. The CVDU has been the catalyst for more than $60 million in venture capital funding and the new firms have created more than 100 jobs.

UMass Lowell was named one of nine schools nationwide demonstrating “the most highly institutionalized approach to outreach and community partnerships overall” by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), a five-year, $4.3 million program, links more than 1,500 low-income students at Lowell High School and one Lowell middle school to education, mentoring, and information services on campus and in the community.

The River Ambassadors Program trains minority youth in Lowell on environmental issues. The high school students create environmental activities for various organizations and participate in community events to promote understanding of the environment.

Each year,

1. 2,200 children attend UML summer camps.
2. 50,000 schoolchildren see Discovery and STARTS Series performances.
3. 250 high school students take University courses, on campus or via two-way TV.
4. 50,000 children learn about the industrial revolution at the Tsongas Industrial History Center.
5. 1,000 youngsters participate in on-campus activities that encourage them to pursue college.

Additionally, UMass Lowell’s 35 research centers and more than 100 outreach programs collaborate with industry, cultural communities, school systems, and government agencies to conduct real world activities that bring immediate value to all partners.