Together, We Expand Access To Schools
Where Students Thrive.

In Her Own Words

Following her introduction in our July newsletter, we invite you to hear directly from Moniek Silas-Lee, READY’s Community Partnerships and School Innovation Fellow. In this video series, Moniek shares the experiences that shaped her, the work that grounds her in Rochester, and her vision for a future in which every child, educator, and family has the support and opportunities they need to thrive. Explore her responses to learn what makes Moniek a remarkable leader and how her journey has naturally led her toward developing a new school for Rochester’s students and families. Stay tuned to our social media channels as we share more from Moniek’s In Her Words series.

The Role of Parents and Our Community We All Play A Role Hear Moniek discuss the roles our parents and community must play to create change. Watch This Segment ▶

A Personal Commitment Why This Work Is Personal Moniek reflects on the experiences that shaped her leadership and strengthened her commitment to transforming educational opportunities. Watch This Segment ▶

The Future of Rochester The Rochester her Grandchildren Will Inherit Hear Moniek’s vision for the future of Rochester, NY for her grandchildren. Watch This Segment ▶

The Future of Rochester What Rochester Needs Hear Moniek discuss what meeting the need in Rochester means and how this relates to our education system. Watch This Segment ▶

READY Is Now A Member Of The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber connects leaders, changemakers, and doers across the region to solve problems, shape policy, and open doors—for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s economy.

READY is proud to join the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. This membership strengthens our connection to Rochester’s business and community leaders while creating new opportunities to advocate for quality schools, build meaningful partnerships, and support a stronger future for Rochester’s young people.

As we have previously noted, families across Rochester’s public education landscape—including the Rochester City School District and public charter schools—continue to confront uneven access, persistent inequities, and student outcomes that remain far below where they should be.

In a full-circle moment, the Rochester Chamber of Commerce was part of this work in 1986 focusing on education advocacy.

In our July 2026 newsletter, we reflected on a pivotal moment in 1986, when the Urban League of Rochester released A Call to Action , sounding the alarm about an education system in crisis.

Throughout the document, recommendations emphasized the shared responsibility of the entire Rochester community, including the business community, to help advance meaningful education reform.

At READY, we believe the time is now to reignite the relationship between Rochester’s families, educators, business leaders, and community partners. By working together, we can strengthen our schools, expand opportunities for students, and build a brighter future for our entire community.

We are answering the call to bring families, educators, business leaders, and community partners together to create meaningful and lasting change for Rochester’s students.

Calling All Change Makers In Rochester! We Are Now Accepting Applications for READY's Design Studio Fellowship

Are you an educator or aspiring education entrepreneur with a connection to Rochester? Have you identified a problem in your school or community but aren't sure what to do next?

The READY Design Studio Fellowship is a transformative 8-week leadership program that will run from mid-October 2026 to mid-January 2027 for individuals with a middle and/or high school concept to meet student needs in Rochester. You'll bring your idea to life with support from national school innovation experts.

As a fellow, you’ll get:

• Executive coaching and personalized leadership development
• Access to in-person workshops and virtual sessions, including a trip to see innovative, community-based school models
• Support to pilot your concept and co-create solutions with youth and families

We're seeking leaders, especially those from historically marginalized communities, who are ready to make a lasting impact in education. If you’re passionate about equity and innovation in education, this is your chance to dream big and launch your vision.

Note: Exceptional candidates with a well-formed middle and/or high school concept that addresses an identified programmatic need in Rochester may be eligible to skip Design Studio and go straight to the Launch program, a full-time opportunity during which you will prepare to launch your school.

To indicate your interest in the Fall Design Studio cohort or Launch, please fill out the interest form here .

Know someone who could be a great fit for the fellowship? Nominate them here.

Questions? Email READYIncubator@ready4schools.org .

40 Years Is Too Long

This August, we’re continuing the conversation of #40YearsIsTooLong.

READY is rolling out 40 Years Is Too Long, a campaign raising awareness about Rochester’s education crisis and what it will take to move from concern to action.

Follow us this month as we share campaign posts, community reflections, data points, and calls to action around what Rochester’s children and families deserve. Stay tuned for our future events elevating the work around this campaign.

Click any campaign image to view it at full size.

Follow READY on social media to stay connected to the campaign, share the messaging, and help move the conversation forward.

Welcoming Christol Wright

Meet READY’s Rochester Youth Year AmeriCorps VISTA member.

POWER LAB SESSION 4

Building informed, empowered leaders who can drive change in Rochester.

What We’re Reading This Month

Each month, READY shares resources, reports, and articles that help our community better understand education policy, school quality, family access, and the systems shaping student opportunity.