A new collaboration between Nazareth College and Rochester’s Urban-Suburban Interdistrict Transfer Program is offering students in the nation’s first and oldest voluntary school desegregation program the promise of outstanding scholarships and support as they enter their college years.
Nazareth is partnering with the Urban-Suburban Program on multiple levels that include:
Urban-Suburban students are now eligible for all scholarships and grants that are currently available for Rochester City School District (RCSD) students accepted to Nazareth College.
The Urban-Suburban Program is now an official partner organization of the Nazareth College Young Scholars Program (an educational experience for high-achieving students that establishes a career path by promoting academic achievement, collaboration, and leadership. Students selected to participate are identified by teachers and administrators who have established partnerships with Nazareth College, including the Urban-Suburban program and four schools in New York City.)
Nazareth will provide workshops on college readiness, evaluation and preparation on an annual calendar.
"I am so very pleased that Nazareth is partnering with the Urban-Suburban Program here in Rochester to help ensure that students have access to a premier college education after graduation from high school,” said Nazareth President Daan Braveman. “In some respects, I feel like things have come full circle. Many years ago, as a practicing lawyer, I represented the Urban-Suburban Program when the federal government threatened to withhold funds and close the program. We brought a lawsuit in Washington and succeeded in maintaining the funds that allowed it to continue its operations. Now, decades later, I have the pleasure of once again working directly with this vital Program."
“Nazareth is, and always has been, about making a difference in the community,” said Theresa Woodson, Program Director. “We see their impact throughout Rochester every day, and I am delighted that our organizations can work together to mold the next generation of leadership for our collective futures.”
Celebrating more than 50 years of excellence, the Urban-Suburban Interdistrict Transfer Program began in the West Irondequoit School District in September 1965 with the mission of voluntarily reducing racial isolation and the segregation of academic opportunities in New York State. Last year the mission was expanded to deconcentrate poverty. To accomplish the new mission, pupils residing in participating districts may apply for transfer from the Rochester City School District to suburban school districts, or from suburban districts to the Rochester City School District.
"This partnership is another example of Nazareth's commitment to providing higher education opportunities for students from underrepresented and underserved populations”, said Gabriel Marshall, Nazareth’s Director of Student Success and Achievement Programs. “By enriching the lives of local students and their families through academic, cultural, and social experiences, this collaboration will strengthen our community and our institution".
The kick-off to the partnership will take place on Monday, September 19th as members from the Nazareth College community work with parents and students to begin the college planning process at the Program’s annual Senior Night.
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.