Wegmans Work Scholarship Program Achieves 100%
Graduation Rate for 2023-24 School Year

• The Wegmans Work Scholarship Program aims to help high school students graduate with a focus on mentorship through a dedicated, collaborative team of individuals from each participant’s school and Wegmans.
• All 130 high school seniors participating in the Wegmans Work Scholarship program are graduating this year.
• The program, created in 1987 to increase graduation rates in the City of Rochester, consistently achieves a 98-100% graduation rate.
• Work Scholarship participants are guaranteed a Wegmans Employee Scholarship, as well as opportunities for advancement at Wegmans.

Rochester, N.Y., June 18, 2024 – All 130 high school seniors participating in the Wegmans Work Scholarship Program (WWSP) will graduate this month, marking a 100% graduation rate for the 2023-24 school year.

The program was created in 1987 to increase graduation rates in the City of Rochester and introduce students to Wegmans, giving them access to the Employee Scholarship Program and opportunities for advancement within the company. The program consistently achieves a 98-100% graduation rate.

One of the key pillars of the Wegmans Work Scholarship Program is its focus on mentorship through a dedicated, collaborative team of individuals from each participant’s school, their store’s Work Scholarship champion and leadership team, along with Karen Wegman, Wegmans Work Scholarship coordinator.

“Our number one goal with the Work Scholarship Program is to help our participants graduate high school,” explained Wegman. “The best way for us to do that is by providing a team of people they can rely on, ask for help, and who are proactively helping them learn and grow, as well as monitoring their progress at school and work to ensure they stay on the right track.”

To participate in the program, students must meet and maintain a 70% or above grade point average and have consistent school attendance as a condition of employment.

Emerson, a graduating high school senior and employee at the Wegmans Lyell Avenue store, has been part of the program since 10^th grade and plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology in the fall. He credits the program for teaching him time management, communication skills, and how to be part of a team.

“Ever since I was hired when I was 15, our store manager, Chrissy, has really supported me and always been there for me,” said Emerson. “Everyone has helped me grow and learn how to communicate with different people and serve our customers, which I really enjoy.”

Work scholarship participants who choose to further their education after graduation automatically receive the Wegmans Employee Scholarship. Graduating students interested in continuing their employment at Wegmans have opportunities to learn more about store, corporate, manufacturing, and distribution positions available across the company.

“No matter where they are in the company, their involvement with the program doesn’t end at graduation,” said Wegman. “Those in leadership roles support the success of high school students across the company by sharing their own experiences and being a mentor and role model for others.”

Since 1987, nearly 5,000 high school students from the City of Rochester have participated in the Wegmans Work Scholarship Program, with nearly 500 alumni working in various roles and divisions across Wegmans.

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a regional supermarket chain with 111 stores located along the east coast. The family company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 27 consecutive years, ranking #6 in 2024.

Press Contact:

Tracy Van Auker
Public Relations Manager
585-429-3826
[email protected]