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Binghamton, NY — Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection (HW-SC), an affiliate of Hillside Family of Agencies, has launched its first partnership in the greater Binghamton area through a new agreement with the Binghamton City School District that will take effect this fall. HW-SC provides a wide range of supportive services to students in grades 9-12 who are vulnerable to factors that can prevent high school graduation, and helps them graduate from high school on time with college and career readiness.

Core services including mentoring, life skills and workforce development are facilitated by the HW-SC Youth Advocate, a full-time professional who works closely with students, families, teachers and school staff to connect participants to academic, employment and social supports that help the student set and achieve their goals. Initially, HW-SC expects to hire two Youth Advocates for the Binghamton City School District.

Wayne O’Connor, Executive Director, Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, will oversee HW-SC in the Binghamton area. “We are committed to the youth and families in the Binghamton City School District and surrounding communities,” O’Connor said. “Our program’s record of success is pretty remarkable, with graduation rates of HW-SC-enrolled students higher than the national average. We are looking forward to helping to bring those same results to Binghamton-area students, families and communities.”

In 2016, 93 percent of HW-SC participants in all regions who remained in the program throughout high school graduated on time. The program has earned national recognition for delivering consistent, measurable results in improving college and career readiness, and employment—helping entire communities, one student at a time.

 “We are delighted to have Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection as a partner in our shared commitment to help drive the success of current and future Binghamton students,” said Dr. Tonia Thompson, Superintendent of Binghamton City School District. “HW-SC’s proven model of supportive services is a welcome addition to our educational resources. We look forward to a productive and successful school year, and many more to come.”

About Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection: Founded in 1987 and celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2017, Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection serves nearly 4,500 youth at risk of failing to graduate from high school. The program delivers assistance through an evidence-based model that combines long-term mentoring with job training, part-time work experience and year-round academic support. A public-private partnership, HW-SC is also active in the greater Rochester, Syracuse and Buffalo areas; in Rome and Salamanca, NY; and in Prince George’s County, MD, and Washington, DC.

About Hillside Family of Agencies: Founded in 1837, Hillside Family of Agencies is one of the oldest family and youth non-profit human services organizations in the United States. The organization provides child welfare, mental and physical health, youth development, juvenile justice, special education and developmental disabilities services across central and western New York, and in Washington, DC, and Prince George’s County, MD. Hillside served nearly 13,000 youth, adults and families in 2016. Hillside Family of Agencies includes Hillside Children’s Center, Stillwater Children’s Center, Snell Farm Children’s Center, Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection and Hillside Children’s Foundation.

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