Who is Liberty Partnerships
Fostering Growth for the Future
Liberty Partnerships Program was established in 1988 to address the growing dropout rate among New York State’s youth. Since then, the program has been a key component in local communities connecting students with higher education institutions and providing a haven for personal and educational development for students. LPP continues to foster students’ educational needs, and also supports personal social skills, preparing students for higher education or the competitive nature of the workplace.
Impacting Lives for 30 Years
We believe that every alumni story is worth sharing. From grade school to the workplace, we know the skills learned during your time with Liberty Partnerships translate to success. Submit your story of growth, discovery, and the long-lasting effects that being part of Liberty have had on your life.
Celebrate 30 Years with Us
Alumni Pride
Starting in 1988, Liberty Partnerships has encouraged students to be the best version of themselves. Since then, many have gone on to develop into hardworking and responsible community members following their ambitions. See our alumni’s stories, and the long-lasting impact that Liberty Partnerships has had on their lives.
Isaiah Brown
ABOUT ISAIAH
Binghamton University LPP
Isaiah Brown
Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program Alumni
Binghamton High School
Year/Grade They Started Liberty: 2010, Junior Year
Year Graduated: 2012
College/Major: SUNY Broome/Mass Communication AS ’15, SUNY Oswego BA ’16
Where Are They Now: Wyoming Children Conference full-time teacher’s aide, director for the basketball program at the Binghamton Boys & Girls Club
“When I am not working or coaching, I always make time to pay homage to my Liberty roots and go back to visit my Liberty counselor, support Liberty events, and speak to the new students who are following a path I too had once taken. My commitment to making a positive impact on the youth in my community is fueled by my passion to help other young people achieve their goals and become successful.”
Kevin Cook
ABOUT KEVIN
University of Buffalo LPP
Kevin Cook
University of Buffalo Liberty Partnerships Program Alumni
I graduated McKinley Vocational High School June of 2008. I believe this is correct it was the same time as Augustine if the dates don’t match.
I am currently living in Houston, TX with my wife and two children. I am working as an Business analyst for Cigna Medicare.
I got involved with Liberty Partnerships around the end of 8th grade year at school #31. It was the summer before my freshman year of high school. I was asked to attend the program for the summer by a teacher named whose name I cannot recall. I was told I would get the opportunity to learn new things, go on field trips and even earn a stipend. Who could say no to that experience?
Wow, where do I began Liberty Partnerships has shaped my life in the classroom many of ways. 1. By offering me the extra help for class courses I struggled in. If I didn’t quite grasp the concept of Chemistry or Algebra during school hours I had somewhere to come and get the help at the program after school. 2. Offering me courses I may not have been exposed to during my usual courses at school ie film study or music industry insight. Liberty also offered accredited college courses to give me insight on what the workload would be like on pursuing the next level of education. Liberty has not only done those things but also guided me every step of the way during my college application process in to which I attended Shaw University the first HBCU of the south and exposed me to college campus life prior. From various field trips to the colleges/universities within the SUNY/CUNY college area. I believe the Liberty Partnerships Program was instrumental in showing and involving us in those things that interest us in pursuing a college degree.
Outside of the classroom liberty has given me countless life long friendships. A lot of my peers I attended the program with during my tenure I am still in contact with to this day. Not only that but Liberty has helped me with writing resumes to apply for jobs and identify what employers look for when reviewing them. Mock interviews for jobs and the list goes on. Liberty provides a safe haven away from home to students who can come and not only express themselves but engage in opportunities they may not be afforded without the program. From volunteering and Community service projects to fun events like broadway plays and Darian Lake liberty does it all.
The advice that I would give current students in the program would be to get involved, participate and take advantage of the countless opportunities the program provides. Continue to make memories, life long friendships and be mindful of your future as Liberty is a great tool to help shape you into your future self. Lastly I would also challenge them to find a mentor.
Taneisha Clarke
ABOUT TANEISHA
Hofstra University LPP
Taneisha Clarke
Hofstra University Liberty Partnerships Program Alumni
When did you graduate high school, and which high school did you attend?
I graduated from Uniondale high school in 2016
What are you up to now?
I am graduating Hofstra University with a major in Community Health and a minor in Biology in Fall 2019. I will start my Masters in Health Administration in Spring 2020.
How did you get involved with Liberty Partnerships?
I was approached by the LPP coordinator at my high school. She told me about the benefits and amazing opportunities offered by the program and I decided to become apart of the LPP family.
What are some of your favorite activities/programs that you did through Liberty Partnerships?
My favorite activity was when we had biweekly workshops. We talked about different social situations and how to deal with them, academics, career options, and ofcourse there was always pizza.
Describe how Liberty Partnerships shaped your life both in and out of the classroom.
LPP exposed me to opportunities and gave me experiences I would have never had if it was not for the program. Academically, it prepared me with the tools to be successful on the pre-collegiate and collegiate level. The workshops helped me to be professional. Attending the workshops allowed me to able to engage in converstaions I would usually not know enough to talk about. This made me stand out at events because it made me seem mature and well-rounded.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the fact that I will be graduating college early, also with 9 Masters’ credits. This allows me to graduate my Masters program early also.
What advice do you have for current students?
The best thing you can do to save money and time in college is to take AP courses. They prepare you for the rigor of college courses, allow you to graduate early or allow you to take less credits each semester. Also, taking advantage of all the programs and opportunities that LPP has to offer. You might not see the value now, but it will definitely make a difference in your academic and professional career in the future.
Tramar Wallace
ABOUT TRAMAR
Le Moyne College
Tramar Wallace
Le Moyne College Liberty Partnerships Program Alumni
I attended Nottingham High School and I graduated in 2018.
I am currently a sophomore studying Criminal Justice with a minor sociology at SUNY Oswego. I am also a Fashion Consultant at Oswego and hold the position of Building Manager for Campus Life at Oswego.
I became involved in LPP as sophomore when I transferred to Nottingham. I went out on my out and sought out tutoring and other regents help.
My favorite part about LPP was the summer program because I was able to meet people from other schools and do different programs that were scheduled. The most interesting thing I like about the program is that I was able to go New York City for the first time.
I believe that LPP has helped me build a structure for myself as a student and also knowing that there is support with anything you do in life, it’s on you and the decisions you choose.
The one thing I am most proud of myself is that I am able to be in position to break barriers in my family and being able to be a positive representation of the youth in Syracuse.
The advice I give to current students is to use the resources around you, take what you believe is yours, and never use fear as a barrier to your success.
Mina Bunch
ABOUT MINA
Purchase College LPP
Mina Bunch
Purchase College Liberty Partnerships Program Alumni
When did you graduate high school, and which high school did you attend?
I graduated from Nellie A. Thornton High School in June 2017.
What are you up to now?
I’m currently in the process of revising my graphic design work. I recently had a junior Pinup, when several professors from my major review my work, (since freshman year up until now, junior year) and give me feedback that will help me improve my work as a designer. As I revise my works and improve them, I will be applying to graphic design internships. I’m also the Coordinator of public affairs for the Purchase student government association.
How did you get involved with Liberty Partnerships?
I got involved with Liberty Partnerships through the Great Potential Program at my high school.
What are some of your favorite activities/programs that you did through Liberty Partnerships?
I really enjoyed visiting colleges and getting to meet my peers from other great potential programs.
Describe how Liberty Partnerships shaped your life both in and out of the classroom.
It has helped me improve my public speaking skills, communication skills, taught me how to research resources that are available to me and to use them as much as possible. It has helped me become more comfortable with networking.
What are you most proud of?
I am proud of my ability to always work towards solutions when I experience a problem.
What advice do you have for current students?
My advice for current students is to ask for help. If you’re afraid or nervous about anything it’s okay to communicate that to your teachers, counselors, parents or friends because they are there to help you. Asking for help is better than wasting your time pretending to know something. It saves you time, the only nonrenewable resource we have as human beings.
What does community mean to you?
Community means an opportunity for growth. I plan to go back to my community one day and help their artistic and designer skills grow and improve so that they can be the artists and designers of the future.
Brittney Stanley
ABOUT BRITTNEY
SUNY Cortland LPP
Brittney Stanley
SUNY Cortland Liberty Partnerships Program Alumni
When did you graduate high school, and which high school did you attend?
I went to Groton High School and I graduated in 2018.
What are you up to now?
I currently attend St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. I am a double major in Criminology and Psychology as well as a First Generation Scholar meaning I am the first in my family to attend college! Every week I travel to the inner city of Rochester and volunteer my time to help young students complete their homework and improve their academic, emotional and social abilities. Other times, I volunteer with other students at events in Rochester, such as the Walk to End Alzheimers. I am also a student ambassador so I give tours of campus and talk to students interested in attending the college and an Orientation Leader where I help students coming to Fisher for their first year adjust to college. I intend to study abroad in Australia in spring 2021 and once I graduate I would like to be a behavior specialist or a criminal psychologist.
How did you get involved with Liberty Partnerships?
My brother was a member of Liberty Partnerships and brought me into Mr. Pratt’s office, the coordinator for Groton at the time, and I joined shortly after!
What are some of your favorite activities/programs that you did through Liberty Partnerships?
How could I choose just one? One of my favorite opportunities I enjoyed through Liberty Partnerships is the Empire Summit in Albany, New York where students in Liberty Partnerships all across New York State meet to attend workshops and participate in a weekend-long program that educates and strengthens leadership. This program increased my awareness and skills in leadership and I met peers that I still talk to today, with unique abilities, talents, and goals. Raquette Lake, the trips to Boston and Philadelphia brought students from each school together to learn, explore, attend college tours, and develop connections and memories that will last forever.
Describe how Liberty Partnerships shaped your life both in and out of the classroom.
Liberty Partnerships is one of the biggest reasons I am at college today. The program helped me whenever I didn’t understand a subject or needed more practice as well as provided me with peers, adults, and role models that made drastically positive impacts on my emotional and social life. When I broke my arm my junior year and couldn’t write, LPP helped me keep up with my academics, take the SAT, and recover. Programs such as the summer work program with Ms. Beck showed me how to make a cover letter, resume, how to present, and research colleges and degrees. Activities such as going to Albany to talk to Senator Seward about funding, introduced me to connections and opportunities I would not have had if it weren’t for the program. Liberty Partnerships taught me how to be a leader, not in the sense that I was above anybody, but that my unique skills, strengths, and abilities can be used to help and inspire others.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being the first in my family to attend college and holding a 4.0!
What advice do you have for current students?
My biggest advice is to step outside of your comfort zone! Growth begins the second you step across the boundary of your comfort zone. Prior to Liberty Partnerships, I was scared of being in the spotlight and being uncomfortable, but going to leadership conventions and all the activities through Liberty Partnerships allowed me to step outside of my shell and become confident in my skills and abilities. I would not be who I am or be involved in everything at college that I am today if I hadn’t taken the first step. My second piece of advice is to get involved, which requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. Take on opportunities that come to you because they will change your life and help you find your passions, strengths, weaknesses and introduce you to amazing people and experiences. Take it from me when I say that anything is possible as long as you’re willing to be vulnerable and take the first step!
Michael Sparkie
ABOUT MICHAEL
SUNY Fredonia LPP
Michael Sparkie
SUNY Fredonia Liberty Partnerships Program Alumni
I graduated in 2013 from Olean High School. I was referred to the Fredonia Liberty Partnerships program by a school administrator.
After working with the summer STAR program in the Olean City School system this past summer through Liberty Partnerships, I was given the opportunity to continue in LPP. As a result, I am back at Olean High School working in the Fredonia Liberty Partnerships program as a Student Advocate.
During high school, some of my favorite activities with the program were things involving the theatre program. The Liberty Partnerships program gave me the opportunity to work as an AmeriCorps member assisting with theatre classes and activities.
Liberty Partnerships was a place where I learned things that aren’t normally taught in a school’s curriculum. I learned how to properly interact with other people and find a solid work ethic to keep up with assigned work. Liberty didn’t just teach me things, they also gave me the extra support I needed to get through the problems and stresses that I was facing while in high school. The educational awards for the four terms of AmeriCorps membership with LPP also helped me afford to get an Associate’s degree at Jamestown Community College and then to continue my education at the University of Pittsburg at Bradford.
I am proud of the person I have become. I’ve changed a lot because of Liberty Partnerships and it’s all for the better. I realize that there are a lot of different people to interact with who can help change the way you view and treat people. I am happy to have met the people I have and to have had the experiences that I have had through Liberty Partnerships. My advice for current students is not to be afraid to ask for help. There are more than enough people out there to help you when you need it but they can’t unless they know you need help. Once you get past the fear of asking for help your world gets a lot easier and better. Liberty Partnerships has made my life better.
Dakota Hall
ABOUT DAKOTA
SUNY Morrisville LPP
Dakota Hall
SUNY Morrisville Liberty Partnerships Program Alumni
My name is Dakota Hall, I graduated high school in 2017 from Bainbridge-Guilford High School.
I am currently in the process of moving out of New York and applying for Columbia College in Missouri to obtain my bachelor’s degree in Human Services.
I originally joined liberty during middle school because my older sister was apart of the program and she always had fun stories about Liberty, not fully understanding at the time how important it would actually become in my life.
Throughout high school, I was very active in the program. I enjoyed being a peer leader for the elementary liberty students; I attended trips with them, stayed after school once a week to help my schools advocate with them, and i feel like it helped some of the kids open up to me knowing that I was just a student myself. I also attended the Albany Youth Summit my Sophomore year and was able to meet students from all over New York, I learned how to open up better and not be so afraid to let people know who I was as a person.
Liberty helped shape my life tremendously, but most importantly the staff had a huge impact on my life as well. At one point in High School, I had 3 pairs of clothes. The LPP director at the time had taken time out of her schedule to take me shopping for clothes and shoes so that I had a decent amount of clothes to wear to school. My junior and senior years were combined so that I could graduate early because I was set on dropping out of high school. If it weren’t for my advocate, Pat Yaddow, I definitely would have. She was my biggest support system throughout high school, and even still today. She saw how much potential I had to overcome all the obstacles thrown at me, and pushed me to succeed. I am forever grateful for all the opportunities that this program has given me.
I am most proud of graduating from high school, especially because I did it a year early. I had junior and senior classes combined, which was challenging but being able to have the liberty room to go to and work not only during school but also after school quite often, gave me a relaxing space to go and focus to get my work done.
I advise current students to really take full advantage of the program and all that it has to offer. Open up to your advocates, if you need help with anything they can find a way to assist you or at least point you in the direction towards help. Utilize the spaces provided by the program to not only get your work done but to feel safe and completely welcomed. Liberty will open so many doors for you, as long as you allow it to.
Community, to me, means people coming together to form a whole in times that it may be needed. Opening up to one another, willingness to be supportive in times that someone needs just a little more help, is what being a community is all about.
Ahmed Ali
ABOUT AHMED
Syracuse University LPP
Ahmed Ali
Syracuse University Liberty Partnerships Program Alumni
When did you graduate high school, and which high school did you attend?
June 2019 – PSLA High School
What are you up to now?
Full time student at Onondaga Community College
How did you get involved with Liberty Partnerships?
The school counselor recommended that I fit LPP in my schedule since I had the room and was entering into upper level classes.
What are some of your favorite activities/programs that you did through Liberty Partnerships?
Field trips. Many of them helped me to discover and explore career options that I didn’t know before.
Describe how Liberty Partnerships shaped your life both in and out of the classroom.
Helped me to become more organized, better at math and writing, and how to balance work and academics.
What are you most proud of?
Proud to have graduated high school with my EMT license and having earned 18 college credits.
What advice do you have for current students?
If you’re a senior get your plans in line. Time flies your senior year. Also if anyone ever tries to doubt your ability to get a scholarship or be accepted into a certain college, don’t listen to them. Apply to as many scholarships and colleges as you can/wish to. All you can do is try! You might just surprise yourself.
EJ Bath
ABOUT EJ
Genesee Community College LPP
EJ Bath
Genesee Community College Liberty Partnerships Program Alumni
When did you graduate high school, and which high school did you attend?
I graduated in 2013. I attended Albion High School until my Senior Year. My senior year I moved to California and graduated from Coleville HS.
What are you up to now?
I work as a Recovery Advocate at Phoenix House for teenagers suffering from drug abuse in Dallas, Texas.
How did you get involved with Liberty Partnerships?
My friend was involved in the program and invited me and I just stayed.
What are some of your favorite activities/programs that you did through Liberty Partnerships?
We went to the Buffalo Museum and Science Center and saw an exhibit on Crime Scene Investigation. The college tours of Corning Community College and Monroe Community College helped me to see a life outside of high school.
Describe how Liberty Partnerships shaped your life both in and out of the classroom.
It helped me to keep my focus in the classroom and get my homework done on time because I hated homework. Outside the classroom, it helped with time management.
What are you most proud of?
Getting my dream job working with teenagers who have drug and alcohol substance abuse issues. I’m enrolling at Dallas Community College for spring classes to get my Counseling Degree in Substance Abuse to further my career.
What advice do you have for current students?
Don’t let high school be your whole life. Spread your wings and fly. Once you graduate, those people who dislike you or even hang out with will vanish as you grow as a person. Hang in there. Just remember, nothing is impossible if you have the mindset of I’m possible.
Nina Zylbergerg
ABOUT NINA
SUNY Orange LPP
Nina Zylbergerg
SUNY Orange Liberty Partnerships Program Alumni
I graduated high school June 25, 219 from Newburgh Free Academy.
I currently attend Orange County Community College Honors Program and plan on transferring to Stony Brook University in the Fall 2020.
I was an LPP student over the summer before my 7th grade, so I decided to volunteer over the school year to give back.
Some of my favorite programs that I did through LPP were the big science projects and field trips.
Liberty Partnerships opened my eyes in the field of science which I greatly appreciated. Thanks to LPP, I have wanted to become a dentist ever since I attended their summer program.
I am most proud of my academic accomplishments throughout high school and now college. I am an honors student at SUNY Orange.
My advice for current students is to keep your eyes open. If you don’t like the program, don’t shut the thought of continuing the program out. Always keep an open mind because you never know what may happen.
Adams Guerrero
ABOUT ADAMS
Columbia University LPP
Adams Guerrero
Columbia University Liberty Partnerships Program Alumni
Graduated from high school: June 2019
LPP Name: Columbia LPP – The Achievement Initiative
Currently attends: SUNY Canton
When did you graduate high school, and which high school did you attend?
I graduated from Frederick Douglass Academy II (FDA II) Secondary School in Harlem, New York in June 2019.
What are you up to now?
I currently attend SUNY College of Technology at Canton, working on a mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree in technology. I am also training to become a commissioned officer through the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (AROTC) with the Golden Knight Battalion hosted by Clarkson University. FROM THE FRONT!
How did you get involved with Liberty Partnerships?
I was always looking for as many opportunities as I could find. Through a connection with Columbia University and FDA II, I was introduced to LPP by my guidance counselor.
What are some of your favorite activities/programs that you did through Liberty Partnerships?
I’ve done many activities with LPP, like being a student advocate for Advocacy Day at the capitol of New York in Albany, and gift wrapped presents for children for Christmas, which I loved. However, my favorite event was going to the Empire Summit, which was amazing!
Describe how Liberty Partnerships shaped your life both in and out of the classroom.
If it wasn’t for LPP, I would have never enjoyed the “outside of city life” beyond NYC. Before LPP, I’ve always been surrounded by buildings and local trains. LPP took me under their wing and showed me that there is more to what I can experience, away from traffic noises.
What are you most proud of?
My proudest moment was getting to represent LPP and my high school at the capitol building in Albany.
What advice do you have for current students?
My advice to current students is always stay connected with the program as a whole. Whomever you meet, make sure they remember your name in the future. You never know when you will need assistance with anything, and you don’t know how helpful it is to gain that assistance from those who proudly associate themselves with LPP.
Make an Impact
As the number of students who need our services continues to grow, we seek new ways to increase our reach and impact. Please be part of Liberty Partnerships’ future by making a $30.00 donation. Every gift will help local students grow and create a sustainable future. All funds are given to Friends of Liberty, a 501c3 dedicated to supporting NYS Liberty Partnerships Program’s (LPP) mission of delivering holistic resources to foster students’ professional, academic, and personal development, through advocacy and direct services.