The University of Rochester is the newest college partner to join Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, a youth development agency reaching out to hundreds of middle- and high-school students in the Rochester City School District. Students who voluntarily participate are paired with youth advocates who help them realize their academic potential, learn work skills, and gain paid work experience.
“We want these high-performing students to consider enrolling at the University of Rochester,” said Jonathan Burdick, dean of admissions and financial aid for the College. “We’re impressed by the program and its local graduates, one of whom now attends the College.” Jamie Cage, a 2003 graduate of Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, will be a sophomore this fall.
The University of Rochester will accept Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection students who qualify for admission. Beginning this academic year, up to five of these students will each be awarded $80,000 in University of Rochester scholarships.
“Our partnership with the University of Rochester will afford some of our most gifted young leaders a chance to attend a national research university,” said Annette Gantt, executive director of Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection. “The investments we make today in partnerships show how a community can come together and produce success.”
Other colleges and universities that participate in Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection are Rochester Institute of Technology, Nazareth College of Rochester, Roberts Wesleyan College, State University of New York colleges—with Brockport being the first—and Syracuse University.
Founded in 1987 as the Wegmans Work-Scholarship Connection, the program has a national reputation for increasing high school graduation rates, and for motivating students to pursue postsecondary education or to enter the workforce after graduation. More than 1,000 students in Rochester and Syracuse are currently enrolled.