Alliance for Children and Families Magazine

New Web Feature: Hillside Program Rated in Top 23 for Preparing Youth for the Future

Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection addresses education gaps facing at-risk youth

As an eighth-grade student, Jason already was at risk of dropping out of school. His attendance record was poor and his grade point average had fallen to a D-level.

That was until he enrolled in Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection (HW-SC), an affiliate program of Alliance for Children and Families member Hillside Family of Agencies, Rochester, N.Y.

Jason was assigned one of HW-SC’s full-time, professional youth advocates, who offered support and helped him overcome obstacles at home and school. Jason’s grades improved to a B-average.

In high school, Jason participated in HW-SC’s Youth Employment Training Academy and secured a part-time job as a cashier at one of HW-SC’s employer partners, and he graduated early. Thanks to a scholarship provided by HW-SC’s local college partner, today he is proud to be the first member of his family to attend college.

HW-SC is one of the top 23 programs in the nation that successfully support youth in preparing for college or employment after high school. It’s a distinction HW-SC earned in 2009 from the American Youth Policy Forum, which examined programs that close the education gaps facing at-risk youth.

Equitable Allocation of Stimulus Funds: Minnesota Agencies Lead the Way

Family & Children’s Service, Pillsbury United Communities partner with citizens for change

Alliance Magazine News Service 1/12/10

Road construction, bridge repairs, and other public infrastructure projects in 2009 were contracted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation like any other year—and therein laid the problem. It was the 18th consecutive year the department fell short of its goals for hiring women and people of color.

That’s why, in September, more than 200 community residents filed into the department’s administrative building and formally submitted a “missing persons report.”

It was one of several similarly themed—and, arguably, equally unconventional—events staged in 2009 by HIRE Minnesota, a coalition of more than 70 community organizations in the Twin Cities area.

Two Alliance for Children and Families members are among the partner organizations: Family & Children’s Service and Pillsbury United Communities.

HIRE Minnesota’s attention-getting events aim to increase awareness, lift the voices of community residents, and create change.

And the tactic seems to be working. Already the coalition is getting the attention of decision makers around the state.

Alliance for Children & Families Magazine Web Features

		Hillside Program Rated in Top 23 for Preparing Youth for the Future Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection addresses education gaps facing at-risk youth

		Equitable Allocation of Stimulus Funds: Minnesota Agencies Lead the Way Family & Children’s Service, Pillsbury United Communities partner with citizens for change

		‘These Families Do Not Have to Suffer in Silence’ Military Families Outreach Program assists families with deployed loved ones

		Charity of Choice Reaps More than Expected Alliance member selected as Texas Bowl beneficiary

		180,000 Shoes for Orphans Buckner program receives significant donation

		Going Green … and Staying in the Black Capital project positions Family Services as leader in environmental stewardship, education

		Family Service Centers Gives Trainees a Second Chance at a Career Walgreens retail and customer service training provides marketable skills

		'Just Add Art and Watch Them Grow' George Junior art program opens doors to community collaborations

		Children's Aid Shares in Giants' Super Bowl Win Partnership brings monies and visibility to Alliance member

		Award Winner Expands Role and Sees Results National Family Week honors Family & Children’s Service of Minneapolis

		For Donation By Owner Member has big plans for $1.2 million property gift

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Alliance for Children & Families Magazine web features highlight the innovative programs, successful initiatives, and other best practices of Alliance members. To share your story with the magazine's national audience, or to offer your ideas, e-mail Nicole Klaas, magazine managing editor.