Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program Grow Big Dreams Dinner Shines Spotlight on Students

Utica Community
Utica Stories
Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program Grow Big Dreams Dinner Shines Spotlight on Students

“It is an honor to now be able to give back to future generations."

The Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program, a collaborative program between Utica City School District (UCSD) and Utica University, hosted its Grow Big Dreams Celebration Dinner on the Utica University campus on March 25th. 130 guests were in attendance to hear current and past Young Scholars share their personal experiences with the program and its impact on their lives.

Highlighting the evening was a keynote address from Dorentina Binaku, a Young Scholars and UCSD graduate from the class of 2018, Utica University classes of 2022 and 2023 (B.S & M.B.A), and current Assistant Director of the program. Binaku shared a powerful message of resilience, ambition, and the transformative impact of education.

“As a member of a first-generation refugee family, I would not have had the opportunities and support necessary to achieve my education and career goals if it were not for my involvement with Young Scholars,” said Binaku. “It is an honor to now be able to give back to future generations of Young Scholars as Assistant Director and hopefully my story can play some small part in helping them to grow their own big dreams.”

“Like our program, this event owes much of its success to the community which so graciously supports it,” said Executive Director, Jordan Peters. “I’d like to thank your Grow Big Dreams sponsors: First Source Federal Credit Union, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Utica First Insurance Company, John Sammon III and Michelle Sammon.”

Established in 1993, YSLPP identifies talented and diverse students and works closely with them throughout their middle and high school education through year-round, comprehensive programming encompassing academic, social, and cultural enrichment. YSLPP aims to graduate college-ready or career-ready graduate students with a New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. Since the program’s inception, YSLPP has served more than 1,520 students and contributed to a 94% graduation rate.

About Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program

Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program (YSLPP) is a multi-year collaborative project established in 1993 with Utica University and the Utica City School District (UCSD). This program is designed by educational professionals to motivate diverse and talented students with the potential to stay in school, earn a New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation, and pursue post-secondary education. Young Scholars students participate in a comprehensive program providing academic, social, and cultural enrichment.