In January 2011, the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce unveiled a new College Initiative program to engage college students as future business leaders. The Chamber parnered with Framingham State University to develop a program in which students were sponsored by MetroWest Chamber members to become full-fledged members of the Chamber. 

In September of 2011, Clark University Graduate School of Management was added as another College Initiative partner.

Students are selected through a competitive process based upon academic standing, entrepreneurial skills and an interest in developing their business acumen and contacts. The long-term goals of this new initiative are to encourage business leaders of tomorrow to recognize the value of Chamber membership for their professional careers and to ensure they remain engaged within their respective communities as they continue their professional development.

For this initiative the Chamber developed an affordably priced investment schedule.  Sponsor members fund two thirds of the cost of membership.  The University provides the remaining membership investment for the student.  To attend programs and events, the Chamber has funded scholarships through its Educational Foundation to enable students to more fully participate in and benefit from the many educational and networking opportunities the Chamber provides.  

The students are mentored by Chamber members who volunteer as coaches, to develop strong connections within the business community.  The coaches assist their students in locating jobs within the region, developing “soft-skills” and providing experiential learning to augment the student’s classroom work. 

Highlights from 2011 included the College Initiative Kick-Off at the MetroWest Chamber's Open House, On-site Career days at CommCreative and Bose Corporation, the Massachusetts State House visit with Governor Patrick and a Framingham State University/Clark University Joint meeting of the participating students and coaches.

For more information or to become a Sponsor or Coach please contact :
         MetroWest Chamber of Commerce at 508-879-5600
         or email chamber@metrowest.org

2012 Colege Initiative Brochure available to download

Student Member Testimonials

Laura Douillette, Class of 2012, Framingham State University, April 2012

I just wanted to share with you how awesome being in the MWCC College Initiative program is for me! I've recently organized all my new business cards in a 3-ring binder, color-coded into different categories such as "History," "Finance," "Framingham State," "Web Design," "Event Coordination," and even "Super Contacts." I'm proud to say that I've been meeting a surprising number of people in the historical field at some of the Chamber’s networking events, and I have a bunch of "Super Contacts" with whom I feel very close and from whom I am getting great referrals.

At the last BNI Chamber Alliance MegaMixer, I met someone who referred me to a contact who had a history in project management, which I mentioned having an interest in. So I set up a meeting for today with her, and we spent an hour talking about the field. She gave me some great advice, not only for project management but also for my life after college in general. And she even agreed to speak with another College Initiative student member about their technical writing background! 

In the next few weeks, I have meetings with three different people whom I've met through the program. This is so exciting! Thank you for this opportunity!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012, 5–6 p.m. Joint Meeting of College Initiative Students & Coaches, Clark University Southborough Campus, Route 9, Southborough
                
Tuesday, February 28, 2012, 1–3 p.m. Career Day at MathWorks,  3 Apple Hill Drive, Natick

Thursday, April 12, 2012, 5–6 p.m. Joint Meeting of College Initiative Students & Coaches, Framingham State University Campus

Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 1–3 p.m. Career Day at Bose Corporation Bose Corporation, The Mountain, Framingham