Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, through a unique partnership with Wegmans Food Markets and other private employers, seeks to increase the graduation rates of youth (grades 7 through 12) residing in Rochester and Syracuse, NY by providing in-school support staff, academic resources, and life skills development and job training in and out of school. Its programs are designed to ensure that students leave high school with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue post-secondary education or employment opportunities. Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection is an independent organization affiliated with the Hillside Family of Agencies.

Evaluation Status: Demonstrated Effectiveness

A comparison group evaluation conducted by the Center for Governmental Research in 2004 found that Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection students in Rochester public schools graduated high school at twice the rate of their peers (61 percent, compared to 31 percent). Additional information about the evaluation, including a full copy of the report, can be found on Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection’s website.

EMCF Investment

Since 2006, the Foundation has invested $4.25 million in Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection to help develop and implement its business plan.

For more information, visit Hillside’s website at www.hillside.com/Who/hwsc.htm.