SU support for betterment of local urban schools is encouraged to continue

Syracuse University’s support of Say Yes to Education and the local urban schools is a worthy use of the university’s resources. As the most influential institute of higher education in Syracuse, the university holds an obligation to be involved with the betterment of these schools.

This university is a part of the community, a stance Chancellor Nancy Cantor has worked to establish during her time at SU. Aiding local urban schools is one of the university’s most important community outreach projects, as it makes sense for this institution to inspire the local academic community.

Administrators from local urban schools have expressed concern about whether the next SU chancellor, after Cantor’s retirement in June, will continue providing resources and support to the schools. The next chancellor should pay the same amount of attention to the schools and carry on work Cantor has done with them.

This involvement benefits the schools, local community and SU students. The Say Yes to Education program helps SU students connect with the community beyond the Hill and gain possible future career experience. This is especially accurate for students in the School of Education.

But university officials also need to ensure resources put toward these initiatives are used wisely and that SU students’ education is not hindered.

Outreach to these schools is most important for the children and young adults these efforts affect. By bringing local students to campus, SU is acting as a role model for these possibly disadvantaged students. It provides a tangible view of what their futures could be, and inspires students who were previously unaware that they can obtain a college education.