The Silk Stocking Sisters

Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this episode, we explore the history, impact, and importance of voluntary school integration with special guests Felicia Smith, Director of the Urban-Suburban Interdistrict Transfer Program, and Latasha Pride, an Education Specialist and proud alumna of the program. Based in Rochester, New York, the Urban-Suburban Interdistrict Transfer Program, formerly known as Project U.S., is the first and oldest voluntary desegregation program in the United States. For decades, its mission has remained focused on reducing racial isolation while expanding access to educational opportunities, resources, and experiences that can positively shape students’ futures. 

Ms. Smith and Ms. Pride discuss the essential role that transportation, educational access, parent involvement, and community support play in the success of the Urban-Suburban Program. The program works closely with families through meet-and-greets, family orientations, and ongoing engagement, recognizing that parents are an important part of a student’s experience and success. Ms. Smith emphasizes that “the parents are the heartbeat of the Urban-Suburban Program.” Ms. Pride brings a personal perspective to the conversation, sharing how her experience in the Urban-Suburban Program prepared her for future academic opportunities and expresses gratitude for the support and encouragement her parents provided throughout her time in the program. She shares how their involvement helped shape her success and contributed to the opportunities she had beyond the classroom. At its core, the program focuses on exposure, opportunity, and educational access, while supporting the whole child and giving students the confidence, perspective, and opportunities to see what is possible for their future.

We also discuss the impact of charter school growth and declining enrollment in public and urban districts. These changes continue to shape communities and schools today and have us questioning what these changes mean for the future of school integration and educational access. 

Tune in for a conversation about educational equity, family engagement, and the power of access to change a student’s future. To learn more about the Urban-Suburban Program, support its mission, or make a donation, visit their website https://us.monroe.edu/ or contact the program directly at (585)-249-7045.