Rochester City School District launches 2026 United Way campaign to support students and families across the region

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District officially launched its 2026 United Way campaign this week, renewing a long-standing partnership focused on strengthening support systems for students and families across the Greater Rochester region.

District leaders gathered at the RCSD Central Office alongside representatives from United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes to mark the beginning of the annual fundraising effort, which encourages employees to contribute toward programs that support children, youth development, education, and family services.

The kickoff event brought together educators, administrators, and community leaders, all emphasizing a shared belief that student success extends beyond the classroom. District officials said the campaign reflects a larger commitment to ensuring families have access to the resources needed for children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Eric Jay Rosser, superintendent of schools, highlighted the importance of community partnerships in helping students overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

“The United Way is deeply passionate about ensuring every person has access to the services and support they need,” said Dr. Rosser. “We know that no one stands alone. That is why our partnership with the United Way is so important: they help build the support systems that allow our educational mission to take flight.”

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The annual campaign serves as more than just a fundraising initiative. Through employee donations and community support, the partnership helps fund a broad network of programs serving children and families throughout Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.

According to district officials, contributions from the campaign support dozens of local programs designed to improve student well-being and educational outcomes. Among them are 36 programs operated through 27 different agencies that focus on helping children and youth succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Funding also helps support 16 summer programs aimed at promoting physical health while addressing summer learning loss — an issue educators across the country continue to confront following years of academic disruption.

In addition, 12 after-school programs provide students with academic assistance, mentoring opportunities, arts programming, sports, recreation, and career exploration activities. Several mentoring and youth development initiatives also focus on helping students strengthen life skills while preparing for college and future careers.

District leaders say those services often become critical lifelines for families facing financial challenges, childcare needs, or limited access to enrichment opportunities.

For United Way leadership, the partnership with the school district represents years of collaboration rooted in a common mission to strengthen the community through education and support services.

“Our partnership with the RCSD is deeply meaningful, long, and it makes a difference,” said Jaime Saunders, United Way’s chief executive officer. “It is a symbol of what is possible when so many individuals decide to do what they can and give back. It’s deeply humbling because we have partnered with the RCSD in many ways.”

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The relationship between the district and United Way has expanded over time, reflecting growing awareness that schools alone cannot address every challenge students face. Community organizations increasingly play a role in helping children access healthcare, mentoring, nutrition assistance, social-emotional support, and safe spaces outside school hours.

At the kickoff event, organizers stressed that even modest contributions from employees can collectively create meaningful change when pooled together across a large district workforce.

Officials also encouraged staff members to participate through the organization’s online giving platform, where employees can learn more about how donations are distributed and the programs they help sustain throughout the year.

As schools continue navigating academic recovery efforts and growing student needs, district leaders said partnerships like this remain essential to building stable foundations for children and families.

The 2026 campaign arrives at a time when educators and community agencies alike are facing increasing pressure to provide broader forms of support for young people. Leaders from both organizations expressed confidence that continued collaboration will help strengthen services across the region.

For RCSD employees, the campaign offers a direct opportunity to contribute beyond the classroom — supporting programs that touch students’ lives long after the final school bell rings.