Rochester Youth Year is an opportunity to serve in Rochester for 12 months while strengthening your connection to Nazareth College.
Rochester Youth Year (RYY) is an AmeriCorps VISTA-supported program for recent college graduates, placing students with local community-based organizations. RYY recruits talented recent graduates to create or expand initiatives that address the various challenges facing youth and families in Rochester.
RYY is 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 Fellows work to develop measurable, sustainable services and programs that address the self-identified needs of Rochester's youth and build on strengths and assets. As part of the program, RYY fellows work with local colleges including Nazareth to connect college resources with the needs of the host sites.
The Goals:
Alleviating the Effects of Poverty on Youth:
RYY Fellows 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 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 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 create lasting partnerships between the community, their host organizations, and their alma mater. Serving as role models and liaisons, they engage college communities in substantial opportunities to contribute to the life of the Rochester community.
For more information contact Adam Lewandowski through the Center for Civic Engagement at alewand8@naz.edu. Find more information on the Rochester Youth Year website.