The Center for Governmental Research evaluates Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection

 A comprehensive evaluation of Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection (HW-SC) entitled “Charting a Course for the Future” was released in May by the Center for Governmental Research (CGR). It was based on a cohort evaluation, utilizing a controlled comparison group, that details a series of outcomes for 1,250 students who entered HW-SC since the beginning of the 1996-97 academic year through the middle of the 2002-2003 year. The evaluation, which was completed December 2003, states “HW-SC makes a dramatic impact on the graduation rates of the students it serves.”

 Highlights of the Report

 Accomplishments

 “HW-SC makes a dramatic impact on the graduation rates of the students it serves.” (CGR: Charting a Course for the Future)

  • 61% of students exposed to HW-SC for at least seven months graduated versus only 31% of comparable urban students in the (Rochester) City School District not exposed to the variety of supports offered by HW-SC

  • Three times as many HW-SC students who enter the program with grade point averages below 2.0 are retained and graduate compared to similar students without program supports

  • Between 75% ands 80% of graduates go on to post secondary education; one-third typically go to four-year colleges or universities

  • An average of 80% of all graduates reported being employed post-graduation

  • HW-SC is a 2003-07 PEPNet (the Promising and Effective Practices Network) Award Recipient granted by the National Youth Employment Coalition for best practices in youth employment and development

 HW-SC Primary Goal

 “The Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection achieves its primary goal of improving school retention and graduation rates for students enrolled in the Rochester City School District.” (CGR: Charting a Course for the Future)

 Background  

“Fundamentally, the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection makes a tremendous impact when it comes to keeping disadvantaged urban youth in school and helping them to graduate.” (CGR: Charting a Course for the Future)

  • The Program was founded in 1987 as Wegmans Work-Scholarship Connection serving 30 students in the Rochester City School District

  • The Program became an affiliate of Hillside Family of Agencies in 1997

  • The Program now serves approximately 1,200 students in both Rochester and Syracuse City School Districts

 Graduation Rate Factors

 “The most important component of the program appears to be the Youth Advocates’ personal relationships developed with the students--and typically sustained and nurtured on a long term basis over several years, in many cases.” (CGR: Charting a Course for the Future)

  • One HW-SC Youth Advocate has responsibility for 30 students

  • Youth Advocates are strong role models and adult supports

  • Youth Advocates focus on school performance, graduation, employment, as well as leadership and character development

  • Employer Mentors are assigned to each high school student who is employed

 Click here for a downloadable copy of “The Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection: Charting a Course for the Future”