The Junior Frontiers of the Mohawk Valley is the largest all voluntary civic youth organization predominantly for students of color that is based out of Central New York. It was established in 1996 as the student component of the adult civic service organization, Frontiers International of the Mohawk Valley, which is based out of the Utica/Rome area. The Junior Frontiers of the Mohawk Valley has grown to now include not only Utica and Rome, but it also includes the Syracuse and Buffalo New York areas. The Junior Frontiers addresses many of the issues facing children of color in our community. It focuses attention on academic excellence, professional development, civic responsibility and self-esteem. Over the last sixteen (18) years, the program has grown from an annual membership of 8 students to over 160 student members per year. The program utilizes special projects, trips, speakers, events, tours etc... to expose the children to the many possibilities that exist for their future.

Program Achievements

• The percentage of students taking honor and advance placement courses have increased from 5% to 65%
• The number of college tours taken while in high school by each student have gone up from one per year in 2001, to an average of 18 per year
• The percentage of students going on to attend college immediately after high school has increased from 55% in 2001 to 100% each year since 2004
• The percentage of students who have computer familiarity has increased from 20% in 2001, to 100% by 2005
• The percentage of students who are on the merit role has increased from 5% to 25%
• The percentage of students who are on the honor role has increased from 10% to 32%
• The percentage of students who are on the high honor role has increased from 2% to 28% 
• The number of parents participating on a monthly basis in our program has grown from 4 parents in 2001, to over 61 parents by 2016
• The number of professional speakers and mentors who speak to the children at our bi-weekly meetings have grown from 3 in 2001, to over 200 by 2012
• The number of co-directors for the Jr. Frontier's dedicated to the Junior Frontiers Program has grown from 1 in 2001 to 5 by 2008
• The local Junior Frontier's program has become a model for the over 31 national sites where Frontier programs are located

We believe that our Junior Frontier program is a dynamic method of engaging the youth of Central New York in positive, meaningful activities. We believe that by stressing their individual growth, their self-esteem, educational excellence and by addressing the digital divide, we are making serious changes in the lives of our youth. We are confident that we have a winning methodology for success, and that our children will reap the rewards that our program ushers in.

It is our hope that you will see the benefit of our goals and objectives, and moreover, the results that we produce. We invite you to become a part of this success story. If you are a 4th grader through 12 graders, fill out the Junior Frontier Application Online and return it to us. Become a part of changing lives in a community that has no shortage of hope and an ever growing since of pride. Work with us as we accomplish success one child at a time.

If you are an adult, please feel compelled to donate to this wonderful work! You can donate online at this web site, or in person by contacting us. Help us change the blight of our communities and take responsibility for the development of our children.

Sincerely,

Co-Directors of the Junior Frontiers of the Mohawk Valley