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Aug 5, 2024
Special Projects & Educational Initiatives

City, RCSD seek ‘Pillars of Hope’ to mentor students

Young girl in a Pillars of Hope t-shirt participating in a parachute activity

Mayor Malik D. Evans and Rochester City School District Interim Superintendent Demario Strickland announced today that the City of Rochester and the Rochester City School District are once again collaborating on “Pillars of Hope,” a mentorship program designed to connect local Black and Latinx professionals with elementary and middle school students during the upcoming school year.

Volunteers are being sought to visit RCSD schools to share their experiences and provide positive support to students. A Pillars of Hope virtual information session will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 7 via Zoom webinar. Register for the webinar at: www.cityofrochester.gov/pillarsofhope

The program works in partnership with educators at RCSD elementary and middle schools to introduce students to “Pillars of Hope” who can help instill a zest for learning, share their personal journeys, provide strategies to overcome challenges, and offer insights into such life skills as goal setting and career selection.

Volunteers commit to spending at least one hour each month to participate in team activities including classroom visits and field trips and foster a personal connection with students with whom they can identify a shared experience.

To sign up to be a Pillar of Hope by Thursday, Aug. 15, or for more information, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/pillarsofhope or contact the Mayor’s Office of Special Projects at (585) 428-7192.