Jordan Peters, M.S.

Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program empowers middle and high school students in the Utica City School District to strive for academic and personal success while providing Utica University students with transformative learning and service opportunities that foster community connections and promote an inclusive campus environment.
The 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). It is designed by education professionals to motivate diverse and talented students with 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.
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Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program empowers middle and high school students in the Utica City School District to strive for academic and personal success while providing Utica University students with transformative learning and service opportunities that foster community connections and promote an inclusive campus environment.
Through educational and social skills development, the Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program enriches the community by motivating students to achieve college and career readiness for life-long success.
Students in the Young Scholars LPP participate in a comprehensive program providing academic, social and cultural enrichment. It is the intent of the Young Scholars LPP to help students achieve academic success by maintaining an A or B average, earning a New York State Regents Diploma with the Advanced Designation and enrolling in post-secondary education. The Young Scholars LPP also seeks to develop students' personal characteristics, making strong individuals who are invested in their community. Young Scholars LPP will strive to meet the needs of our students and families. Young Scholars LPP will continue to be a showcase program for Utica University and one of the premier programs for youth in the City of Utica.
The students enrolled in the Young Scholars program are reflective of Utica itself. Students in grades 7 and 8 attend either James H. Donovan Middle School or John F. Kennedy Middle School, while students in grades 9-12 attend T.R. Proctor High School. The ethnicity of the 349 YSLPP students includes African-American, Hispanic/Latin, Asian, Native American, White/Non-Hispanic, including recent immigrants from Bosnia, Russia, Belarus, the Ukraine, Myanmar and the Sudan.
Teaching about diversity is easy because the Young Scholars program lives it every day.
Enrollment Type: | Percent: |
---|---|
4-year college | 48.9% |
2-year college | 26.7% |
Technical School | 4.4% |
Other | 20% |
Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Clarkson University
Daemen College (2)
Mohawk Valley Community College (11)
The Ohio State University
OHM BOCES (2)
Onondaga Community College
Old Dominion University
Syracuse University
UAlbany
University at Buffalo
University of Hawaii
Utica University (11)
Wells College
Utica City School District teachers nominate sixth-grade students who are identified as possessing the potential for success in secondary and post-secondary school, but who may not achieve their full potential due to various social and economic risk factors. Each year, the Young Scholars LPP provides services to over 300 students that represent six cohort groups (grades 7 through 12).
Because parents and guardians play a vital role in their children's educational development, they are encouraged to take part in Program activities designed to provide ongoing support for and encouragement to participating students. Parents and guardians also have the opportunity to pursue their own personal development through Utica University Continuing Education courses and specially planned workshops held at the University.
The major components of the Young Scholars LPP are:
YSLPP continues to support program students from 6th grade into college, offering assistance for the entire 6-16 continuum. YSLPP offers:
In 1993, Utica College and the Utica City School District formulated an agreement outlining their mutual support of the Young Scholars program. Following receipt of a grant from Liberty Partnerships Program of the New York State Education Department in July 1994, the program became known as the Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program. Additional funds have been provided by numerous organizations and individuals, including The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc.
Full-time staff members work directly with Young Scholars LPP students and supervise Utica University student tutors at three school sites. Administrative staff at the college coordinate curriculum, plan special events, and assist staff at the schools. An Advisory Board (consisting of representatives from the University, School District, and Greater Utica Communities) oversees the management of the Young Scholars LPP.
The Utica University Promise
College is not free. However, Utica University will offer admission to all students who successfully complete the Young Scholars LPP. Eligible students will receive financial assistance consisting of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study allocations to meet their financial need. Financial need will be determined by the prevailing need-analysis methodology used at the time Young Scholars LPP students apply for admission.
Young Scholars LPP students are under no obligation to attend Utica University. Our students have enrolled at a number of excellent post-secondary institutions, the armed forces, and the workforce. The skills our students acquire in the Young Scholars LPP will help them succeed at any college or career.
Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program (YSLPP), has received $1 million in funding to enhance and grow its programming for area students. Through the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, donors Dr. John and Deanna Sammon established the John and Deanna Sammon Fund for Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program to provide support for years to come.
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