Three members of the Class of 2014 have completed their one-year commitment to Rochester Youth Year, an AmeriCorps VISTA sponsored program that includes seven local colleges.
RYY places recent college graduates in community-based organizations for one year to create or expand initiatives that address the various challenges facing youth and families in Rochester.
Twelve area students were part of the program and will be honored for their service at a ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday, July 29, presided by Mayor Lovely Warren.
The three recent University graduates who took part in the program are:
Spencer Gurley-Green, who graduated with a BS in neuroscience and a BA in music. He worked as a research assistant and in project development and management for the Reading by Third Grade initiative at the Rochester City School District. Research shows that students who do not read on level by third grade are much more likely to stay below grade level and eventually drop out.
Matias Piva, who graduated with a BA and majored in philosophy and psychology: Working at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County, he has committed himself to improving the Citizen-U program, a non-tradition 4-H afterschool program that promotes civic engagement, workforce preparation and asset development in Rochester’s youth as a strategy for inoculating against (and ultimately reversing) the adverse effects of poverty.
Lauren Sava, who graduated with a BA in health, behavior, and society. She worked for Refugees Helping Refugees, serving at the Somali Community in western New York to help refugees adjust to life in America.
