City of Rochester
News Release
(Monday, July 24, 2023) – Mayor Malik D. Evans and Rochester City School District Superintendent Dr. Carmine Peluso 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 information session will be held from 6 – 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 2 in the City Hall Atrium, 30 Church St. Those who cannot attend in person may participate via Zoom webinar. Register for the webinar at: https://cityofrochester.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xlXhADoVQsKLlXTox5PKUg#/registration
“Our pillars are the epitome of servant leaders,” said Mayor Evans. “They take time out of their busy schedules to engage, encourage, and help educate our children, who need to see more people who look like them accomplishing great things in the community. This program is an outstanding opportunity to help children in Rochester reach their full potential, so I encourage all of our professionals to sign up to be a Pillar.”
“We have all had role models that have made a profound impact on our lives,” said Superintendent Peluso. “Pillars of Hope gives teachers, pastors, and other neighbors who work in such areas as engineering, law, medicine, mechanical repairs, and more, an opportunity to encourage the next generation and demonstrate that, ‘We have accomplished great things, so can you.’”
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, or for more information, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/pillarsofhope or contact the Mayor’s Office of Special Projects at (585) 428-7192.
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The Administration of Mayor Malik D. Evans strives to create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone. Guided by the Administration’s Mission, Vision and Values and the principles of the “Rochester 2034” comprehensive plan, City employees are committed to providing exceptional customer service, transparent stewardship, and collaborative leadership to foster a vibrant community that empowers personal, professional and generational growth for all who live, work or play in the city of Rochester.