UR Potential
History
UR Potential was piloted in the fall of 2008. Beginning with just 16 University of Rochester undergraduates who continuously tutored 36 high school students from 3 Rochester City School District high schools, the program was a success and is continuing to grow. UR Potential currently has almost 30 undergraduates who volunteer their time and skills.
As an extension of UR Potential, “U R Achieving success” is a two-day/one-night college immersion opportunity for approximately 30 students from the Hillside Work Scholarship Connection program. Students have the chance to live as a college freshman by attending a class taught by a college professor, working with a group of peers to write their admissions personal statement, participate in community service, and stay in a residence hall. This program takes place in late June/early July and recently completed its second year.
Purpose
The purpose of UR Potential is to provide 7th-12th grade students in the Rochester City School District who need academic assistance and encouragement with supported volunteer tutors who will give the needed academic support. UR Potential strives to enhance students’ self-awareness as learners, to increase individual student performance, and to provide guidance and support for the development of appropriate social skills along with career development for future aspirations. The tutors involved with this program also benefit by becoming informed, culturally competent, and civically involved members of the Rochester community. They empower city students and encourage positive behavior and future goals that will lead to a successful and un-impoverished citizen.
Goals:
- Acquaint high school students with the college environment
- Encourage high school students to aspire to attend college
- Help students graduate high school
- Promote academic excellence for all involved parties
- Encourage the undergraduate’s capacities for being knowledgeable and engaged community leaders while also increasing their self-awareness, academic ability, and career development
- Raise awareness and interest at the University level about the Rochester community
We are still accepting applications for the 2011-2012 academic year. For more information on this program, please contact Jenna Dell at jdell2@admin.rochester.edu
