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About
The Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) is a New York State Education Department grant that promotes student growth and academic achievement. Enrichment services are available from grade 6 through high school graduation and into the transition to college and the workforce.
Hofstra University and partner schools coordinate enrichment services both on campus and at school sites. Partner schools offer counseling, mentoring, tutoring, goal setting, college tours, career exploration, service learning, and more. Meanwhile, Hofstra University supports students through academic programs in the Saturday Scholars Academy, promotes career exploration through the Summer Scholars Academy, and provides mentoring through the Transition to High School Program. Active participants also have the chance to attend the annual New York State Education Department Empire Leadership Summit.
Over 350 students take part in LPP at Hofstra. Senior program participants usually graduate at high rates; many go on to apply to colleges and universities.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend workshops and events and join Parent Involvement in Education (PIE), a parent committee that helps facilitate student success.
Programs and Activities
Saturday Scholars Academy
The Saturday Scholars Academy aims to provide students with additional academic support to help them graduate from high school. A variety of preparatory classes, workshops, symposiums, and college tours are offered to students. The academy includes classes held on Saturdays and weekdays at Hofstra University. Workshops, symposiums, and classes are also available at partner school sites.
The Saturday Scholars’ Academy offers educational programs designed to enhance academic achievement and classroom success. Primarily focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as fields requiring licensure, students also benefit from hands-on learning experiences. Services are divided into three categories and are available to registered students.
- Academic Support
- College Preparation
- Career & Community Engagement
Register for Saturday Scholars’ Academy
Registration typically begins in April and takes place on scheduled open-house dates until the program reaches capacity. You must first enroll in Hofstra LPP or Hofstra STEP before registering for the Summer Scholars’ Academy.
For more registration details, call 516-463-5794 and provide your name, phone number, email, mailing address, and the school your child attends.
Registration takes place at the Center for Educational Access and Success at 101 Oak Street, Uniondale (Directions).
Standardized Exam Preparation
Kaplan and Catalyst Prep SAT and ACT courses are available to returning juniors to meet college admissions requirements.
College Tours
College trips across New York (and sometimes out of state) and college fairs introduce students to a variety of educational options, helping them find the best environment for their learning needs.
College and Workforce Preparation
Workshops on topics such as financial aid, resume writing, presentation skills, social media, and branding provide students with knowledge for college and the workforce.
Research
A research class offers students a chance to develop individual research projects and acquire skills valued by colleges. Some students will have the opportunity to present their research at conferences.
Mentoring and Tutoring
Networking with Hofstra college students fosters a stronger connection to the college admissions process through tutoring, mentoring classes, and special events.
The Transition to High School Program is a year-long preparatory initiative that helps upcoming 9th graders through mentoring, tutoring, classroom instruction, and strategies that promote academic success.
The program starts the summer before high school, with morning classes and mentoring activities led by Hofstra University college students. Classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday, from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, lasting two weeks beginning on the first Monday of August.
The program continues during the Saturday Scholars Academy, where students are now in the 9th grade. College student mentoring includes practices designed to develop competence, build confidence, create connections, and extend care.
Apply for the Transition to High School Program
Enrollment is limited to 20 students. Applications are available in April, and acceptance into the program is decided by July. To apply, students must be enrolled in Hofstra LPP or Hofstra STEP. Priority is given to returning students.
For more registration information, call 516-463-5794 and provide your name, phone number, email, mailing address, and the school name your child attends.
Registration is held at the Center for Educational Access and Success, 101 Oak Street, Uniondale (Directions).
Besides participating in Saturday Scholar Academy programming, senior program participants can also enroll in the transition to college seminar and apply for a teacher assistant internship. Both opportunities offer additional experience to prepare for college.
Transition to College Senior Seminar
The Transition to College Senior Seminar begins with a College Admissions Bootcamp during the first week of August. A series of daily workshops are designed to help students and their families navigate the college application and financial aid process. In addition to the workshops, daily independent work sessions offer time for seniors to get help with individual application tasks.
During the school year, workshops are scheduled to help students succeed in their first year of college. These sessions are led by Hofstra University staff, community organizations, college students, and CEAS team members. Topics covered include time management, college study strategies, financial awareness, and self-care.
Students can attend any or all workshops based on their needs. Registration for the College Admissions Bootcamp occurs in April, while registration for Transition to College takes place in September.
Teacher Assistant Internship
Students who have participated in Saturday Scholars Academy before grade 12 are invited to apply for a Teacher Assistant (TA) internship. Teacher Assistants are assigned to specific Saturday Scholars Academy classes. Responsibilities include assisting teachers with lesson planning, implementation, attendance, and student support. The training, which focuses on soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and networking, is required for all Teacher Assistants and is hosted by CEAS staff.
Applications open in August and must be submitted by the end of September. All applicants are required to participate in an interview. Seniors selected as TAs will be contacted before the Saturday Scholars Academy classes begin.
Summer Scholars’ Academy
Internship experiences give students exposure to different careers through interactive, hands-on activities. Programming runs Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm, for four weeks and typically begins the week after July 4. When registering, students must have at least a grade 7 or higher in the fall semester of the current year.
Previous career experiences include law, forensic science, marine biology, health science, robotics, environmental science, engineering, business entrepreneurship, film production, and more. Students participate in weekly field trips to strengthen their understanding, and on the final day, a showcase presents what they have learned in each class.
Students may also have opportunities to attend additional activities such as the Hofstra Law School Jury Trial Day, participate in the Summer Science Research Program at Hofstra University, or go on field trips to colleges and workplaces.
Register for Summer Scholars’ Academy
Registration usually starts in April and has fixed open-house dates until the program is full. To sign up for the Summer Scholars’ Academy, you first need to enroll in either Hofstra LPP or Hofstra STEP. For more registration information, call 516-463-5794 and give your name, phone number, email, mailing address, and the school your child attends. Registration is held at the Center for Educational Access and Success, located at 101 Oak Street, Uniondale. (Directions).
Parent Involvement in Education (PIE)
The Parent Involvement in Education (PIE) program promotes student success by encouraging active student participation and parental involvement. Participation contributes to the overall development of the program and boosts student engagement through:
- Organizing around a committee of peer parents, including distinct roles and responsibilities
- Attending meetings to coordinate yearlong programming and activities
- Planning and supporting signature events, including the Multi-Cultural Party
- Managing and supporting fundraising endeavors.
- Chaperoning local and long-distance student trips.
- Planning, supervising, and attending selective academic programs
Various workshops and colloquiums are also scheduled for parents and students to help facilitate understanding of the college application process and other essential information for future success.
Enrichment Services at Partner Schools
LPP Partner School Enrichment Services
Each LPP school site implements a unique program based on its needs and resources. The following are examples of activities at some partner schools:
Goal-setting meetings and Personalized Learning Plans (PLP) are essential parts of LPP. Students meet to discuss their goals and create a plan, which is reviewed during one of three annual meetings. They also complete an assessment survey to identify areas for improvement.
Counseling offers students support and guidance through individual and group meetings, covering academic, college, career, and personal concerns. Themed workshops, such as stress management or study skills, are also available.
Several schools offer weekly, one-on-one mentoring sessions with a school professional, providing additional guidance to support student success. Other schools provide flash mentoring opportunities where students can network and learn from college students and career professionals.
Students access tutoring and academic support through various methods. Some schools collaborate with Hofstra college students who provide after-school tutoring, while others offer additional help or Regent’s support programs where LPP students participate.
College support is offered through specialized workshops, presentations, and field trips. Grade-level seminars help students navigate all steps of the college admissions process. Visits from college students and trips to college campuses assist students in understanding college expectations.
Career support is also offered through classes, presentations, and field trips. Professionals are invited to schools to speak to students about careers, while local business trips give students exposure to different work environments. Workshops introduce students to career theories and topics in professional development such as interview skills.
Other opportunities also enhance students’ experiences. Service-learning projects, for example, connect students with the community and build teamwork skills. Field trips to museums and Broadway shows expand students’ understanding of the world around them.
Contact
101 Oak Street, Uniondale (Directions)
Mailing address:
107 Oak Street Center
255 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549-2550
Vacant
Program Director
Office: (516) 463-5793
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Taneisha Providence, EdD
Program Director
Office: (516) 463-5797
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Melissa Restrepo, MHA
Associate Director
Office: (516) 463-5795
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Stacy Clemons, MA
Associate Director
Office: (516) 463-5309
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Brooke Knight, MSW
Program Coordinator
Office: (516) 463-5796
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Esther Oloruntola, MPA
Program Coordinator
Office: (516) 463-6567
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