Siena is a recipient of an $8,000 grant to support its youth program for local K-12 students.
The College’s Center for Academic Community Engagement (ACE) received the funds from the Partnership for Student Success (PSS) Support Hub and the Leon Lowenstein Foundation, through their 2025 Community Collaboration Challenge.
Siena was selected as one of only 23 recipients out of more than 250 applications from colleges, school districts and non-profits across the country seeking to start or expand efforts to bring more holistic support to K-12 students in their communities.
The College will use the funds to expand tutoring and mentoring for students in the Albany, Troy and Schenectady city school districts through after-school tutoring, a school vacation program and/or a Saturday program. The grant will support the Siena tutors’ stipends, as well as the efforts of Capital Region colleges and universities to coordinate local school district support through the University Assisted Community School program.
“Applying what is learned in their own classes to other students through tutoring is a great way to reinforce skills and knowledge, regardless of subject matter,” said Sarah Toledano, associate director of ACE. “It’s also a good way to serve the local community.”
Saints who are interested in taking part as a tutor/mentor can reach out to stoledano@siena.edu. ACE will provide the necessary training for a new cohort that will begin working with local schools after the March break. Stipends are available.
“ACE is excited to receive funding from the Partnership for Student Success,” said ACE Director Allison Schultz, Ed.D. “The grant will allow our campus to increase opportunities for Siena students interested in tutoring and mentoring local elementary and secondary students, and support the efforts of advocates from community schools throughout the Capital Region.”
