Implentation Day
Where Ideas Take Action Across Syracuse
Implementation Day is the culminating moment of the Synergy Leadership Program — a powerful, hands-on opportunity for students to bring their civic engagement projects to life across the city of Syracuse.
After 10 weeks of intensive leadership development, skills training, and community engagement, our student teams move from concept to community impact. On July 18, these projects will be implemented at sites throughout the city, addressing critical areas of need identified by both research and lived experience.
From Idea to Impact in 30 Days
Synergy interns don't just study issues — they design and implement real-world solutions. Following their mid-program presentation at our Boardroom Live event — where students pitched their proposals to community leaders and foundation partners — each team refined their ideas into actionable, community-based initiatives.
““It’s inspiring to see how deeply these students engaged with community research and how committed they are to creating change.””
2025 Focus Areas
This year’s student-led projects address five pressing challenges in the Syracuse community:
Homelessness & Housing Insecurity
Literacy Access & Educational Equity
STEM Education & Opportunity Gaps
Youth Health & Advocacy
Cultural Identity & Belonging
Powered by Community Partnership
With generous support from the Green Family Foundation, Central New York Community Foundation, and The Gifford Foundation, the Synergy program equips college-aged leaders from diverse backgrounds — many of whom are first-generation college students — to launch meaningful service projects in their own city.
““What’s really great about Synergy is it’s a proof of concept that you can take an idea now and put it into action within approximately 30 days.””
Join Us on July 18
On Implementation Day, student teams will deploy their projects throughout Syracuse — partnering with local nonprofits, schools, and service sites to bring their ideas to life. From youth wellness fairs to literacy pop-ups and cultural showcases, these initiatives represent the next generation of changemakers taking ownership of their communities.