1606-12248

New York: College For Every Student (CFES) proposes to partner with DentaQuest Foundation to promote both improved oral health and dental career pathways for 750 students (mostly from low-income households) in ten CFES schools in the Adirondack region of northeastern New York State. CFES has learned from its 25 years of helping 100,000 students that rural communities and their families and children often face far greater obstacles than their urban counterparts in terms of aspirations, opportunity and exposure. CFES has succeeded in its mission: 99% of its 100,000 mostly low-income, underserved students (“CFES Scholars”) have graduated from high school and 95% have attended college. The CFES project will begin in the summer of 2016. Middle and high school students will be trained to engage younger peers in pathway activities focusing on oral healthcare study and careers. These older students will serve as leaders and mentors for elementary-aged students, supporting younger peers in good oral health practices. Service activities will focus on promoting oral health information and literacy among the K-5 students, their families, and their respective communities. College for Every Student is requesting $35,000 from the President’s Fund for this project.