The Destler-Johnson Rochester City Scholars program welcomed its largest class in program history on Monday at Liberty Hill Residence, home to RIT President David C. Munson Jr. and his wife, Nancy.

The program, which was founded in 2010 by former RIT President Bill Destler and his spouse, Rebecca Johnson, will provide 32 students from 11 Rochester city schools and charter schools with full tuition scholarships to RIT. The program was renamed following Destler's retirement this year.

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According to the Rochester City School District, financial challenges prevent more than three-quarters of its students from attending college.

David Benitez, assistant director for Rochester City Scholars, said that the program has allowed more than 120 students from the district to attend RIT on full scholarships since its beginning.

“Rochester City Scholars provides students with the opportunity to attend a great institution even if they don’t necessarily have the cultural capital within their family to allow them to easily pursue higher education,” said Benitez. “The program serves the ultimate goal of the university, to diversify the student population as well as the levels of socioeconomic status. It makes education accessible to everyone.”

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Ricardo Carrion, 18, is one of the 32 scholars. He graduated from Integrated Arts and Technology High School this past school year, and is enrolled in the chemistry program at RIT.

Carrion, who has lived in Rochester for most of his life, said that he heard about the scholarship from a counselor, and was ecstatic to be awarded it.

"It enabled me to come to a dream school of mine," said Carrion. " It gives kids who have the smarts to make it to a college like RIT, but not the money, the opportunity to succeed."

Carrion said he is excited to take advantage of the opportunities RIT offers beyond everyday classes.

"I'm most looking forward to the research opportunities that RIT provides. As a freshman, I'm able to join a research team off the bat, and it just seems like a fun and interesting experience that I'm looking forward to," he said.

Another scholar recognized, Leomary Caraballo, graduated from Rochester Early College International High School, and is in the computer science exploration program. Caraballo, 18, is a first-generation college student.

"I'm from the Dominican Republic; I came to Rochester seven years ago. If it wasn't for (the scholarship program) I wouldn't be here at all," said Caraballo. "Nobody in my family has ever gone to college. My big brother is actually going to MCC starting this year, so we're kind of starting it."

Not only did Monday mark the recognition of the scholars, but it also marked the first day of classes at RIT.

Maurice Bryan, 18, received a scholarship to study media arts and technology. He said that he was in awe of the energy on campus.

"I'm just excited about the learning experiences," said Bryan. " Today was just the first day of classes, but there was so much knowledge. I just want to learn more and do more."

Bryan was accompanied by his mother, Mernette Stanberry, who said that she was happy for her son and excited to see what he accomplishes at RIT.

"It means everything. I'm so proud. I'm so happy for him. He's a good kid. I know RIT is a good school. I hope he makes the most of it," she said.

In his congratulatory address to the scholars and their families, Munson encouraged the scholars to reach beyond the classroom.

"Once you feel like you've got your feet on the ground, like you've got the campus figured out, you're doing OK in your classes, we want you then to start thinking about a broader education, and the kinds of things we offer outside of the classroom," said Munson. " For many of you, that part of your education will be almost important as what you learn in class.

"My dream would be that every one of you spend at least a little bit of time overseas before you graduate. First get your feet on the ground, and my hearty wishes are with you as the semester develops. I want to see all of you do well in your classes, and then after that, the sky is the limit," he said.

LPEACE@Gannett.com

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