ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The City of Rochester welcomed volunteers Wednesday for the kickoff of its Pillars of Hope program at City Hall.

The program connects Hispanic and African American professionals and entrepreneurs with Rochester City School District students. Mentors share their educational and career experiences while guiding students through team activities and educational field trips.

Each volunteer commits at least one hour per month to the program, which focuses on elementary and middle school students.

“We work with the students all year. We’re role models,” said Roland Delardge, a business analyst for the city and a program volunteer. “It’s good for them to see professionals who look like them, usually Black and Brown, and we just share our experiences and let them know th

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