Cornell’s ILR School is committed to improving the lives of workers and supporting communities within the state and beyond. To instill this commitment in students, ILR offers a range of community-engaged learning opportunities through which students apply theory learned in the classroom to real-life challenges. ILR students access diverse opportunities through ILR’s credit internship program, Global Service Learning program, and through the school’s outreach offices in New York City, Buffalo and Ithaca.
High Road Buffalo stands out as one of ILR’s and Cornell’s most successful community-engaged learning programs. Fellows prepare through a course during the spring semester, then in the summer live as a cohort in community housing in Buffalo. Under the guidance of Buffalo-based ILR outreach faculty and staff, they participate in internships with community organizations and government to confront a host of social and economic challenges. Students receive support and academic mentorship throughout their fellowship. High Road fellowships are currently only available in Buffalo, but the ILR School’s outreach faculty in Ithaca and New York City present significant opportunities for a broader program.
ILR Dean Alex Colvin proposes expanding High Road statewide to include even more students and NYS communities. High Road New York fellows will learn best practice methods for civic engagement and leadership while making material contributions to the organizations and communities they serve. The program will build on the proven Buffalo model, and provide new opportunities for our undergraduates to engage communities, constituencies and challenges in Ithaca and New York City.
