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ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- 30 Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection program students were recognized Monday for their commitment to graduation and future careers as they head off to college. The nationally recognized program works to increase the graduation rates of Syracuse city youth at risk of dropping out of school.

Students receive academic support, part-time employment and long term mentoring from the program's youth advocates.

"And getting them across that high school stage, as challenging as that can be, the next step is even more challenging, so it's great that we can connect with them. Our college dropout rates across the country are astronomical. And so we're working really hard to stay connected with our kids to help them even as they head off to the next part of the next part of their careers," said Wayne O'Connor, Executive Director.

The graduates received gift baskets to use while off at college. Wegmans and Unilever co-sponsored the graduation celebration.