Rochester Youth Year

The Challenge

Urban youth in Rochester face extraordinary challenges rooted in extreme poverty. In 2000, the city ranked 11th in the nation for the highest poverty rate among children, with nearly 42% of youth (18 and under) living in poverty citywide. In some neighborhoods, as many as 9 in 10 children live in poverty. The ramifications of extreme poverty have become entrenched and are far-reaching.

The Opportunity

The Rochester Youth Year (RYY) Fellowship is an AmeriCorps*VISTA sponsored program administered by the Rochester Regional Network (RRN), a consortium of six local colleges: Nazareth College, Roberts Wesleyan College, SUNY Geneseo, The College at Brockport, St. John Fisher College, and the University of Rochester. RYY places talented recent graduates of RRN colleges in community-based organizations for one year to create or expand initiatives that address the various challenges facing youth and families in Rochester.

Our Goals

  • Alleviating the Effects of Poverty on Youth
    RYY Fellows will work with their host organization and necessary stakeholders to develop measurable, sustainable services and programs that address the self-identified needs of Rochester's youth and aim to build on their strengths and assets.
  • Strengthening Communities
    RYY Fellows will work to build the capacity of their host organizations to develop and/or enhance programs that engage youth and families in positive and productive activities and initiatives. Equally important, RYY Fellows will work to empower youth and families to take an active role in improving their own neighborhoods.
  • Promoting Civic Engagement and Community-Centered Leadership
    RYY Fellows will create lasting partnerships between the community, their host organizations, and their alma mater. Serving as role models and liaisons, they will engage college communities in substantial opportunities to contribute to the life of the Rochester community.

For more information please contact:
Jenna Bower
Program Coordinator for Rochester Youth Year
Phone: (585) 275-4085
jbower@UR.Rochester.edu