Kenney Community Center Programs
America Reads
America Reads is a Friday afternoon program that provides mentoring, reading, and rebuilding programs for Schenectady youth. A main focus for the club is instilling a love of reading, by having Union College volunteers meet with young 'reading partners' each week to read and understand new books. This program originally received support from the Rotary Club, and the Union College Rotaract Club.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
More than one hundred Union College students volunteer each year in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Union students spend a few hours each week with their 'Littles,' playing sports, doing art projects, going swimming, or just hanging out together.
Girls Inc.
Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region sponsors 'SMART Stuff,' a hands-on science and math program on Thursday afternoons that introduces girls grades 4-6 to the wonders of science and technology. The group meets every Thursday at the Kenney Community Center. G.E. is the sponsor for the 2005 Girls Incorporated Operation S.M.A.R.T. Program.
Homework and Skills Development Program
Staffed by Union students, the Homework Program originally received support from Campus Compact and GE Elfun Society volunteers. The Homework Center and Skills Development Program links Union student mentors with children from 3 different elementary schools to help them complete their homework successfully. The group also works on math fact drills, reading, and computer activities.
Obenzinger Scholars
The Obenzinger scholars organize healthcare workshops at the Kenney Community Center that include Diabetes screenings, stress management tips, and more. Ellis and St. Clare?s Hospitals periodically provide services to help with the wellness workshops. They also set up food drives for the homeless, the hungry, and for soldiers stationed overseas.
SAIL Program
Third and fourth graders from Elmer Avenue School, Yates Magnet School benefit from the Kenney Community Center?s newest program. The Reading to Math Program strives to improve student?s grades on their 4TH grade NYS math tests through tutorials that will allow students to better understand math word problems by improving their reading ability. This is a GE grant funded program sponsored by the GE Elfuns, the Schenectady City School district and Union College. Union College students are transported to Elmer and Yates Monday through Thursday, while students from Zoller, Van Corlear, and Paige Elementary schools are transported to the Kenney Center to meet up with their Union College tutors. All tutors are provided with training and reap the benefits of bringing a young learner closer to their goal of being a better reader and thereby improving their math scores.
Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
The Science and Technology Entry Program is designed for seventh- to twelfth-graders historically underrepresented in the sciences and technology and also for economically disadvantaged students who show an interest in science, math and technology. The program provides a three week summer program, tutorial services, workshops, and the opportunity for youth to experience the college atmosphere. Participants compete in the annual statewide poster conference in Albany, NY every April. This program is sponsored by Union College and the NYS Department of Education.
UCARE: Union Community Action Reaching Everyone
UCARE: Located at the Kenney Community Center, UCARE provides students with a link to volunteer opportunities in the community. UCARE also provides students with information on community organizations to assist them in identifying community service opportunities that meet their interest. If you are a member of the Union College community and would like more information on volunteering or to be added to UCARE's database, complete a Student Survey online or at the Kenney Community Center, or request one by calling 388-6777 or emailing ucare@union.edu. If you are a member of an organization and would like to be added to our database, fill out an Organization Submit Form online or request one through the mail by calling 388-6777 or emailing ucare@union.edu.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program
The Kenney Community Center works with the Economics Department to run the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site at Union College. Representatives of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Schenectady County Department of Social Services participated in the development and implementation of the program which began January 17, 2005. Therese McCarty, Interim VP Academic Affairs introduced the program along with the help of Presha Neidermeyer, Accounting. VITA sites assist low-income families in filing tax returns. For many low-income families, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which is obtainable only by filing a tax return, is an important source of income. The EITC acts as supplement to the minimum wage, effectively raising the minimum wage by 40% for a worker with children. Ten Union College undergraduates, all of whom have taken the Public Finance course at Union College, are undergoing IRS training and will work with families during the winter at the Kenney Community Center. This year, we hope to serve at least 150 families.