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>> ANCHOR: Tonight some former Rochester students have words of advice and encouragement for
others trying to make it to college. News 8's Meghan Backus explains in this back-to-school
report. >> REPORTER: Charlie Betancourt says he is
the first in his family to go to college. >> CHARLIE BETANCOURT: I knew where I wanted
to go so that distractions wouldn't bother, because I knew that I wanted to go to college,
so I stayed on track. >> REPORTER: He is going to RIT as part of
a new program called Rochester City Scholars. His tuition is free. Betancourt graduated
from Franklin's Global and Media Arts High School in June. On his way to a career now,
he has this advice for other city students. >> CHARLIE BATANCOURT: Start early at getting
your grades good, and you will most likely get this.
>> REPORTER: Charlie and some of his new RIT classmates agree: There are a lot of challenges
in and outside city schools. But the key is staying focused.
>> VINCENT DIXON: Some people try to bring you down, some people try to lift you up,
and you just have to try to pay attention to your goals and what you want to do.
>> KARBARA MAXEY: Make sure you get help because it is hard, and it could be stressful.
>> REPORTER: Kevin McDonald will be guiding some of the Rochester Scholars. He says it
is never too soon for younger students to start thinking college.
>> KEVIN McDONALD: Recognize there are a number of things that can take you out of focus that
you will encounter in your personal lives and recognize this is an attainable goal.
>> REPORTER: Vincent Dixon says he always knew he would go to college. But for those
who do have doubts, he says to work hard and eliminate distractions.
>> VINCENT DIXON: If you can see past all of that, focus on your goals, then you can
succeed. >> REPORTER: To qualify for the tuition-free
education at RIT, students must live in Rochester; their families must make less than $60,000
a year; and they have to meet the same academic requirements as all other freshman at RIT.
Meghan Backus, News 8.