Nazareth University announces a transformative commitment to Rochester City School District (RCSD) students. Nazareth guarantees a $23,000 annual scholarship to students accepted through its new RCSD Direct Admissions program. This initiative is designed to boost economic and social mobility for Rochester’s youth. It empowers them to pursue high-quality higher education more affordably while preparing for impactful careers in fields that strengthen the community. RCSD students who meet Nazareth’s academic preparedness requirements will get an email from Nazareth University offering direct admission. To confirm their acceptance, Rochester students need to complete their Common Application.
“At Nazareth University, we are committed to supporting the growth and success of students from our community, creating pathways for them to achieve economic security and serve as leaders in fields vital to Rochester’s future,” said Christie Smith, associate vice president of university admissions and enrollment. “With this scholarship, we aim to remove financial barriers, encourage academic achievement, and invest in the potential of Rochester’s youth.”
Nazareth offers an array of programs in high-impact fields such as education, nursing, social work, speech-language pathology, business, and more, offering students pathways to meaningful careers that contribute directly to the Rochester community. Like all Nazareth students, RCSD graduates will be guaranteed dedicated support through a personal career coach and academic advisor, ensuring their academic journey is accompanied by professional guidance and mentorship. Each student will have access to a SPARK grant valued up to $4,500, to fund a study abroad opportunity, research project, or internship — enabling students to gain real-world experience and enhance their education.
“We are deeply grateful to Nazareth University for its transformative commitment to our students,” said RCSD Interim Superintendent Demario Strickland. “The Direct Admissions program and $23,000 annual scholarship will provide a pathway to higher education for many of our students who may have previously seen it as out of reach. This partnership not only opens doors to academic excellence, it also promotes economic and social mobility, helping our students build careers that will strengthen and uplift our community. We are excited to see our students activate dreams and unlock potential with the support and resources provided through this incredible opportunity.”
Questions about the program can be directed to Christie Smith, associate vice president of university admissions and enrollment at csmith54@naz.edu.
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
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.