Alice Holloway Young

Alice Holloway Young (September 29, 1923 – April 30, 2024) was an American pioneer in education who served as a teacher, advocate, and administrator in Rochester, New York, from the 1950s until the 2020s. Young was one of the Rochester City School District's first Black classroom teachers, as well as the district's first Black reading specialist, vice principal, and principal. Young developed the first and oldest voluntary racial integration program in the United States and was also a founding trustee of Monroe Community College.

Early life Young was born on September 29, 1923, in Wise, Warrenton County, North Carolina, to John Amos Holloway and Lucy (née Allen) Holloway.

Education Young graduated as valedictorian of her high school class when she was 15 years old. She continued on to Bennett College, an all-women's college in Greensboro, North Carolina. Young again graduated as valedictorian with her B.S. degree in childhood development and family relations.

Years later, after beginning her career, Young completed graduate studies at the University of Rochester. In 1952, she earned her M.S. degree in education supervision and administration. In 1969, she completed her Ph.D. in education supervision and administration.

In 1965, Young became RCSD's first Title I director, working to integrate schools and supervise federal anti-poverty and desegregation funding. She wrote and supervised the district's Urban-Suburban Interdistrict Transfer Program—the first and oldest voluntary desegregation program in the United States. As of March 2024, the Urban-Suburban Program is still active.

Personal life and death Young married James Taylor Young Sr. and had four children: James Jr., Rodney, Calvin, and Kathleen. She died in Rochester on April 30, 2024, at the age of 100.

Awards Liberty Medal (New York State Senate)

Legacy Numerous programs and buildings have been named in Young's honor, including: Dr. Alice Holloway Young School of Excellence in Rochester, NY (renamed from Nathaniel Rochester Middle School in 2021) The Alice Holloway Young Commons (student residence halls at MCC) The Alice H. Young Teaching Internship for Ethnic Minority Graduate students at MCC (established in 1987) The Alice Holloway Young Society for Charitable Giving of the MCC Foundation