PCCE- Nazareth University VISTA

Nazareth University’s mission is to foster integrated learning through action and reflection, educating whole persons who are guided by empathy and prepared to lead innovation for our time. Providing access to transformative education and connecting with our community to address social challenges are two strong tenets of our work. To advance this mission, Nazareth is partnering with the Bonner Foundation to implement a model service-based “work-study” scholarship program for college access and community capacity building. With student leadership development at the core, the model improves the lives of people and communities through sustained capacity-building partnerships. The program identifies, engages and supports low-income, first-generation, and historically underserved students, populations that often have disparate undergraduate outcomes. Applying High Impact Practices with evidence based-results, Bonner programs have proven success for the retention, graduation, and post-graduate success for these students. This program advances student learning while increasing the capacity of local organizations. Bonner students complete community engagement work each week, collaborating with local organizations who make a positive impact in the Rochester area. Rochester, NY, is a diverse city experiencing the highest rate of overall poverty when compared to other cities its size (Green 2021). Through Bonner, students contribute to the anti-poverty efforts of local organizations by first providing direct service, then moving towards capacity building projects. The VISTA member will play a critical role in the development of this program as it phases in 15 new students a year until it reaches full capacity of 60 Bonner Leaders. Tasks include refining the recruitment and selection process, strengthening and streamlining the systems for managing community partnerships and placements, and refining the developmental curriculum.