Medford, Tufts Sign New 5 Year Agreement

Tufts University president Anthony Monaco (left) shakes hands with Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn after signing the new agreement at a press conference at the Roberts Elementary School on October 22.

The City of Medford and Tufts University have reached a partnership agreement through which Tufts will contribute $1.375 million over five years to the City. As part of the agreement, Tufts will also waive the university’s application fee for Medford High School students and offer college preparation assistance for Medford students beginning in the sixth grade.

Tufts will make annual payments to the City of $275,000, representing an increase of nearly two-thirds compared with the previous payment of $175,000 per year. Medford requested an advance on annual payments of $500,000 which the Mayor intends to apply to the public schools.

The agreement also includes new provisions to support Medford Public School students. For college admissions, Tufts will waive the $70 application fee for students applying from Medford High School, and the university’s Dean of Undergraduate Admissions will personally read and evaluate applications from Medford High School students. Tufts will bring Medford ninth graders who have little exposure to college to the university’s campus during the school year for early exposure and awareness about the college process, and will offer essay writing workshops for applying students and writing workshops for teachers who are preparing recommendations for their students.

“For many years, Medford has been grateful for the tremendous partnership we have shared with Tufts University. This agreement will fund numerous educational programs for a multitude of students. President Anthony Monaco is a true friend of Medford. This partnership will help to improve the quality of education for the students of our community”, said Mayor Michael J. McGlynn.

To further support Medford students the Tufts Dean of Undergraduate Admissions will send a personal letter inviting Medford High School top performers, as identified by the school’s guidance office, to apply for admission. Tufts admission staff will visit Medford High School each January to offer personal interviews for students who have applied. Tufts will also provide high school assemblies with speakers about college readiness and admissions and will offer the Kids to College program for sixth graders. In addition, Tufts will offer playing fields when the city needs them and they are available.

“Tufts is committed to continuing its strong partnership with the City of Medford,” said Tufts University President Anthony P. Monaco. “I am pleased that we have finalized this partnership agreement to further strengthen our close engagement by contributing resources that can be used for a variety of community purposes and the public schools. We strengthen each other when we work together.”

– Information from Tufts University