»News & Events
- 06.08.10
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- 05.01.10
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- 01.18.10
- Nation Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- 11.24.09
- From uncertainty to service: Recent Fisher grad spends time fighting poverty in Rochester
- 11.10.09
- Fisher Graduate Serves Community Through Rochester Youth Year Program
- 11.01.09
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- 06.13.09
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- 04.22.09
- AmeriCorps Gets a Presidential Boost
- 07.04.07
- Roberts Wesleyan Graduate Tackles Problems in the City
- 06.07.07
- Colleges Partner to Connect Recent Graduates with the City, Youth
»Partners
»Welcome
About 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 seven local colleges: The College at Brockport, Nazareth College, Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester Institute of Technology, St. John Fisher College, SUNY Geneseo, 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.
The Goals of RYY
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.
