Improving Educational Opportunities (Rochester Education Programs)

Introduction

Rochester’s kids deserve schools that prepare them for bright futures, but too many are falling through the cracks. Only 68% of Rochester City School District (RCSD) students graduate, and over 75% can’t read, write, or do basic math at grade level. With 40% of students missing school regularly and 40% of kids living in poverty, our education system is failing. As Marcus C. Williams, I’m running for City Council to give every student—whether they dream of college, law, medicine, or a trade—the tools to succeed. My plan brings hands-on job training, tutoring to every neighborhood, and support for charter and vocational schools. Together, we’ll build a Rochester where every kid graduates ready to work and thrive.

1. Rochester Youth Workforce Academy (RYWA)

We’ll launch a city-run program to train 250 teens and young adults (ages 16–18 and 19–25) every year for good jobs in fields like healthcare, law, emergency services, and more.

• What It Does: RYWA offers free, 12–24-week courses with hands-on training, paid internships ($15/hour), and college credits. Youth learn skills for jobs businesses need now, like nursing, welding, paralegal work, EMT, or even pre-med for future doctors.

• New Career Paths:

  • Lawyer Development: Learn legal skills, work with local law firms, and prep for law school or paralegal jobs.

  • Ambulance/Trauma: Train as an EMT or paramedic, saving lives with local ambulance teams.

  • Pre-Medical Doctor: Study science, shadow doctors at URMC, and get ready for medical school.

• Partners: Rochester Educational Opportunity Center (REOC), Monroe Community College (MCC), SUNY Brockport, RochesterWorks, local businesses (like Wegmans, URMC), and trade unions (like IBEW).

• Who It Helps: Kids from tough neighborhoods like Jefferson or N Clinton, especially Black (38.4% of Rochester) and Hispanic (19.1%) youth.

• Cost: $250K to start, $650K/year for 250 youth, paid with city youth funds, grants from the state and federal government, and business support.

• Technical Note: Starts in 2026 with 125 youth, partners with RochesterWorks for $6,000 grants per student, and uses MCC’s $69.6M training center. By 2027, 200 youth will land jobs, apprenticeships, or college spots.

2. Rochester After-School Scholars (RASS)

Conclusion

Rochester’s kids are our future, and they need education that works. RYWA and RASS will give every student the skills to graduate, work, or chase big dreams like becoming a lawyer or doctor. Visit [your website] to learn more and join me in making Rochester a city where every kid shines.