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)

We’ll bring free tutoring to every corner of Rochester to help kids catch up in math, reading, and writing.

• What It Does: RASS offers tutoring for K–12 students at all 10 city recreation centers (like Carter Street) and 5 library branches (like Central Library) from 4:00–7:00 PM, Monday–Friday. Kids work in small groups with teachers and college volunteers, using tools like Khan Academy.

• Special Features: Spanish/English tutors and translation tools for our 19.1% Hispanic families, plus snacks and bus passes for kids in need. Parents get workshops to help at home.

• Partners: RCSD, Rochester Public Library, MCC, RochesterWorks, and nonprofits like Urban League.

• Who It Helps: 1,000 students a year, especially in high-poverty areas where 40% of kids live below the poverty line.

• Cost: $100K to start, $400K/year for 1,000 students, paid with city funds, state education grants, and library support.

• Technical Note: Launches in 2026 at 5 rec centers and 2 libraries, expands to all sites by 2027. Aims to boost math/reading skills by 15% and cut school absences by 10%.

Metrics for Success (By 2027)  

• Raise RCSD graduation rate by 5% (to 73%).

• Get 200 RYWA youth into jobs, apprenticeships, or college each year.

• Help 1,000 RASS students improve math/reading skills by 15%.

• Cut school absences by 10% (from 40% to 36%).

• Build 150+ partnerships with businesses, unions, and colleges for RYWA.

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.