Roberts Wesleyan College has pledged at least one scholarship. Founded in 1987 by Wegmans Food Markets, the Work-Scholarship Connection, now administered by Hillside, provides support and incentives to students who, though capable of academic success, are seen as dropout risks. The Hillside program recruits students from Jefferson Middle School and the Madison School of Excellence. About 450 students are in the program. About 55 percent are female and most are minorities.
Students voluntarily participate in the program.
Full-time, paid advocates are assigned to students. They work with the students at school, home and on the job until high school graduation. The program also arranges part-time employment and mentors at the job site. Wegmans is a major funder of the program and primary supplier of jobs. Students are also required to perform community service.