Destler/Johnson Rochester City Scholars

Scholars will be expected to participate in a fully-funded on-campus enrichment program that begins in the summer prior to the start of their freshman year. During this time, scholars can earn up to six college credits. Additionally, through the academic year, scholars will participate in one-on-one weekly meetings with a Coach in the Center for Engagement and Student Success (CESS) along with receiving support, guidance and access to the already rich campus resources that are available.

• Students must live in the city and attend an approved high school within the district, or Urban Suburban school, for the last three years of high school.
• Students should apply for admission by January 15 to ensure full consideration, be accepted through RIT’s regular admission standards and maintain full-time status at RIT. The $65 application fee is waived. Upon acceptance the $500 enrollment deposit is waived as well.(Applications received after January 15 will be considered as long as space and funds remain available.)
• The high school counselor, or Urban Suburban Program Director must complete and return the Student Eligibility Certification form to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
• The student’s total annual family income (including taxed and untaxed income) must not exceed $75,000.

To ensure a smooth transition to your full-time RIT studies, students admitted to the Destler/Johnson Rochester City Scholars program are required to participate in the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success’s Summer Experience, which is a residential summer program providing personalized one-on-one academic coaching, academic skills enhancement, a strong support network, and the opportunity to earn up to six RIT college credits.

J'Manuel Cortes said the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success’s Summer Experience has already given him a new crowd of friends. "We actually instantly clicked, and some of the connections you can tell are definitely going to be college-long or even lifelong." ”

J'Manuel Cortes ’27
Photographic and Imaging 
Arts BFA (Advertising Photography Option)

Taylor Drummond said the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success Summer Experience has given her a leg up for her first semester. She stayed on campus for a part of the summer to take a few classes. "It was a great experience, honestly," she said. "I was able to make really great friends and now I have six credits already going into college."

Taylor Drummond ’27
Marketing BS
 

"The Rochester City Scholars Program was a life-changing opportunity for me as a first-generation college student with immigrant parents. Based on my experiences here, I am confident that the RIT community will support you academically, professionally, and in a variety of other ways that you have yet to discover. Regardless of what you want to do, RIT will provide you with the resources and tools you need to succeed!"

Karim Yaport ’15
International and Global Studies/Psychology (double major)