"Knowing that I made a different in one of the kids lives is something really important to me," says Kathleen Quinlan

If you would have asked Kathleen Quinlan what she wanted to do before graduation, she would had something in a museum. Two years later, she's now working for Cameron Community Ministries.

"I knew from the start i just didn't want a job sitting at a desk all day wanted something different."

Every week, Quinlan tutors 42 kids from school number 30. She also serves food to low income families and helps recruit volunteers. Quinlan is part of the University of Rochester Youth Year program,  an Americorps Vista program.  Along with five other colleges, graduates commit a one year  community service project. 

"Its designed to afford an opportunity, for recent graduates to remain here, in Rochester, and to devote themselves to serving the low income community," says Project Supervisor Glenn Cerosaletti.

Quinlan's program just got a much needed boost from President Obama. He just signed the Edward Kennedy Service America Act.  That means the program will receive nearly $100,000 in additional aid. That means more jobs for grads. They'll be able to help local non profits with fundraising, grant writing, recruiting volunteers and community outreach.

"This is talent that we dont want to lose. We'd like to keep our recent graduates here in the community," says Cerosaletti.

That's all the more important as local non profits are faced with increasing need in a tough economy. Quinlan says service is something that should be required.

"You will always appreciated what you have," says Quinlan.

She says the program has been instrumental in helping her decide what she wants to do in the future. She says she plans on staying in Education.