About

The Liberty Partnerships Program partners with Institutions of Higher Education to align meaningful school and community partnerships that deliver research-based programming to students enrolled in public and non-public schools that are identified as having a high risk of students dropping out of school.

As leaders in the educational community, our proven effective strategies engage students as active participants in their own learning and align with New York State Learning Standards, ASCA American School Counselor Association, National Standards for students, and other research-based programming resources that offer students multiple ways to master core skills for high school graduation, and prepare for post-secondary education and the workforce.

LPP was established in 1988 under Section 612, Subdivision 6 of the Education Law to address the significant dropout rate among New York’s youth. The Program is included in the New York State Education Department’s Statewide Plan for Higher Education as part of its strategy to maximize the successful transition of middle and high school students, who are at risk of dropping out of school, into graduates who are fully prepared for the rigors of higher education and the competitive demands of the workplace. Programs are in place statewide, including Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Southern Tier, North Country, Mohawk Valley, Capital District, Mid-Hudson Valley, NYC and Long Island. The 46 projects are hosted by Institutions of higher education. Funding is provided by the NYS legislature and the Governor. The projects are administered by the New York State Education Department.

Program Overview

Upon referral and acceptance into an LPP program, students receive services that align with their social and emotional needs and the associated risk of dropping out of school. Each LPP site offers a variety of services aimed at improving high school graduation rates and preparing students for postsecondary education or workforce entry. Services include individual case management, college/career preparedness programs, mentorship, experiential learning, civic engagement, family support services, and Personal Learning Plans.