Synergy Students Make Positive Impact with Community Service Projects

Synergy aims to develop civically engaged and community minded students. Student-led community projects serve as a capstone to a rich and rigorous program. A total of 48 students across 8 teams prepared a presentation to be assessed by a panel of judges at this year’s Synergy Graduation held on Friday, August 5th.

Each group presented a community issue they were trying to address and a recap of student-led events that put all their fundraising, partnerships and planning into action.

The following is a summary of the student-led projects that positively impacted the community: 

Team 1: Helping teen parents achieve success. The objective of the event was to link teen parents with community resources. In total, 11 organizations participated in the event; 4 inspirational speakers presented; $1,000 was fundraised, and 35 people attended the event. 

Team 2: Empowering young minds. The objective of the event was to provide kids and families with educational and community resources. Team 2 pitched and received book donations from Barnes & Noble which were included in their distribution to families. 

Team 3: Feeding the homeless. The objective of the event was to serve the homeless population by providing food & hygiene products. The group partnered with the Samaritan Center donating time and elbow grease to serve the homeless. 

Team 4: Community beautification through park clean-ups. Based on the team's research, crime is less likely to occur when a neighborhood is clean. Their park-cleanup project drew the attention of community residents who assisted in creating a safer and cleaner environment for children and families in surrounding communities. The Department of Parks and Recreation provided clean up supplies. 

Team 5 & 6: Interconnecting the youth of Syracuse. Two teams joined forces to host a community event aimed at connecting middle school youth together to foster community and connection before they enter high school. Community 315 provided school supplies for distribution. 

Team 7: Serving the elderly. The objective of the community event was to provide comfort to the elderly. The team provided support to Menorah Park CNY staff and visited with the elderly, bringing joy and social connection. 

Team 8: Providing a mindful message to Syracuse youth. The objective of the event was to share the benefits of mindfulness and meditation with youth to help reduce stress.  

We congratulate all of our students who completed 32 hours of simulations; 60 hours of professional development training; and 32+ hours of community services project hours.