High Road - Expanded | The ILR School

Movements are about everyone contributing their skills in the best way they can. High Road taught me that I want to do more on-the-ground-work [to help change] cities for the better

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Emile Bensedrine ‘23

Program Partner: Shared Mobility, Inc.

"After this summer, I feel better equipped to thrive in whatever environment I [work] in post-graduation."

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Sydney Browne ’22

Program Partner: Partnership for the Public Good

“I learned of the importance of developing programs that are person-centered and prioritize long-term sustainability”.

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Vindhya Kathuria ’25

Program Partner: WNY Women’s Foundation

“I learned what it means to take the High Road... [that] civic participation and community involvement are imperative for social justice.”

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Mohammed Zaib ’25

Program Partner: Buffalo-Niagara Community Reinvestment Coalition

High Road fellowships are a powerful educational tool. They prepare students to interact with diverse constituencies on complex social issues and teach students to put theory into practice. These experiences change the ways students think about themselves, their role in society and their power to influence and participate in the communities they live in, now and in the future.

The expanded High Road New York will double the cohort of students receiving fellowships each summer, with a goal of funding 20 students in Buffalo, 20 in New York City, and 10 in Ithaca.

The pre-course will expand to a semester-long experience, with a seven-week seminar on economics, policy, and urban renewal, followed by seven weeks of site-specific education for each of the three cohorts.

Students will receive academic, practical and social support from staff and faculty both on-campus through the spring semester, and during the summer in all three High Road Fellowship locations. All fellows will receive wages for their work, and Buffalo and NYC participants will live with their peers in provided housing.