February 19,
2007
New program connects recent graduates to local youth
A new graduate fellowship program that aims to connect
recent college graduates with youth in Rochester is now accepting
applicants.
The program called Rochester Youth Year, which was
developed by collaboration with community leaders, students, faculty, and
administrators, aims to create and enhance the resources and support
systems available for Rochester’s youth. Meanwhile the program gives
college students a year of intensive community service—a popular
option for new college graduates—and keeps their talent in the area.
By creating a consortium, made up of the University,
SUNY Geneseo, Roberts Wesleyan College, and the Rochester City School
District, the groups were able to pool resources and knowledge and better
manage and guide the program.
Jody Asbury, College dean of students, says the idea is
modeled after the University’s successful Urban Fellows program and
national models such as AmeriCorps and Teach for America.
“We were really trying to develop some intensive
ways for students to get involved,” Asbury says. “This just
felt like it was a match all the way around.”
This is how the program will work: The fellows will
become full-time staff members at a local outreach or civic agency
beginning in June the summer after graduation. Along with the agency
training they receive, fellows will participate in the Urban Fellows
program, spending one day each week in faculty-led seminars focused on a
variety of urban issues including housing, health care, safety, and
education. Participants also will meet with local civic leaders, attend
community events, and gain a fuller appreciation for city life under the
direction of Leadership Rochester, a leadership training program.
Throughout the year of service, additional training
will be offered and the fellows will assist in the new University
leadership seminar called “Leader to Leader.” It features a
variety of local and national figures discussing their views and
experiences on leadership and civic engagement. In return, the fellows will
earn a $12,000 stipend. Special opportunities for fellows to network with
potential employers and young professionals living in the area also will be
provided.
The 2007-08 session is a pilot program, so the
program’s size and scope will be determined by the level of funding
received.
For more information, contact Colista Turner at
x5-4085 or ckturner@ur.rochester.edu.
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