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About
The Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) is a New York State Education Department grant designed to foster student growth and academic success. Enrichment services are provided as early as grade 6, through high school graduation and transition to college and/or the workforce.
Hofstra University and partner schools offer a coordination of enrichment services on campus and at school sites. Partner schools provide counseling, mentoring, tutoring, goal-setting, college tours, career exploration, service learning and more, while Hofstra University offers academic support through the Saturday Scholars Academy, career exploration through the Summer Scholars Academy and mentoring through the Transition to High School Program. Active participants also have the opportunity to attend the annual New York State Education Department Empire Leadership Summit.
More than 350 students participate in LPP at Hofstra. Senior program participants tend to graduate at a very high rate and many apply to colleges and universities.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend workshops, 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 is designed to provide students with supplemental academic support leading to completion of high school. An array of preparatory classes, workshops, symposiums and college tours are available to students. The Saturday Scholars Academy consists of classes on Saturdays and weekdays on the campus of Hofstra University. Workshops, symposiums and classes are also made available at the partner school sites.
The Saturday Scholars’ Academy offers educational experiences to enhance educational performance and success in the classroom. With a primary emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics as well as fields that require licensure, students are also exposed to hands-on learning opportunities. Services are organized under the following three categories and made available to students who are registered:
- Academic Support
- College Preparation
- Career & Community Engagement
Register for Saturday Scholars’ Academy
Registration usually starts in April and is held on preset open house dates until enrollment reaches full capacity. You must first enroll in Hofstra LPP or Hofstra STEP to register for the Summer Scholars’ Academy.
For more information about registration call 516-463-5794, providing your name, phone number, email, mailing address and the school name your child attends.
Registration is held in the Center for Educational Access and Success on the lower level of Hagedorn Hall, Suite 013, located on the corner of Uniondale Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike.
Standardized Exam Preparation
Kaplan and Catalyst Prep SAT and ACT preparation courses are available to returning juniors to fulfill college admissions requirements.
College Tours
College trips throughout New York (and occasionally out-of-state) and college fairs expose students to a variety of educational options leading to the best setting suited for their learning needs.
College and Workforce Preparation
Workshops in a variety of topics such as financial aid, resume writing, presentation skills, social media and branding provide students with knowledge for transition to college and/or the workforce.
Research
A research class provides a platform for students to create individual research projects and develop skills desired by colleges.Some students will have the opportunity to present their research at conferences.
Mentoring and Tutoring
Networking with Hofstra college students develops a closer connection to the college admissions process that occurs through tutoring, mentoring classes and special events.
Students registered in the Saturday Scholars’ Academy have access these resources.
The Transition to High School Program is a year-long preparatory program, supporting rising 9th graders through mentoring, tutoring and classroom instructions and strategies that leads to academic success.
The program begins the summer before high school, with morning classes and mentoring activities lead by Hofstra University college students. Classes are held Monday-Thursday, 9:30am to 3:00pm, for two weeks, starting the first Monday of August.
The program continues during the Saturday Scholars Academy, where students are now in the 9th grade. College student mentoring foci include 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 program acceptance is made by July. Students must be enrolled in Hofstra LPP or Hofstra STEP in order to apply. Priority is given to returning students.
For more information about registration call 516-463-5794, providing your name, phone number, email, mailing address and the school name your child attends.
Registration is held in the Center for Educational Access and Success on the lower level of Hagedorn Hall, Suite 013, located on the corner of Uniondale Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike.
In addition to participating in Saturday Scholar Academy programming, senior program participants can also enroll in the transition to college seminar and/or apply for a teacher assistant internship. Both opportunities provide further experience in preparation for college.
Transition to College Senior Seminar
The Transition to College Senior Seminar starts with a College Admissions Bootcamp the first full 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 workshops, daily independent work sessions provide time for seniors to obtain assistance with individual application tasks.
During the school year workshops are scheduled to prepare students for a successful first year of college. Workshops are presented by Hofstra University personnel, community organizations, college students and CEAS staff. Sample topics include: time management, study strategies for college, fiscal awareness and self-care.
Students are welcome to attend all or a selection of workshops, depending on need. Registration for the College Admissions Bootcamp is held in April, while registration for Transition to College is held in September.
Teacher Assistant Internship
Students who have enrolled and participated in Saturday Scholars Academy prior to grade 12 are invited to apply for a Teacher Assistant (TA) Internship. Teacher Assistants are assigned to specific Saturday Scholar Academy classes. Responsibilities include assisting teachers with lesson planning, implementation, attendance and student support. Training focused on soft skills, such as, communication, teamwork and networking are required for all Teacher Assistants, and hosted by CEAS staff.
Applications are available in August and are due before the end of September. All applicants are required to interview. Seniors selected to be TA’s will be contacted before the Saturday Scholars Academy classes start.
Summer Scholars’ Academy
Internship-style experiences expose students to various careers through interactive, hands-on activities. Programming is scheduled Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-3:00pm, for four weeks and usually starts the week after July 4. Student must be entering at least grade 7 or higher the fall semester of the current year when registering.
Previous career experiences have included law, forensic science, marine biology, health science, robotics, environmental science, engineering, business entrepreneurship, film production, and more. Students attend weekly field trips to reinforce their experiences and on the last day, a showcase demonstrates what the students 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 Summer Science Research Program at Hofstra University or a field trips to colleges and workplaces.
Register for Summer Scholars’ Academy
Registration usually starts in April and is held on preset open house dates until the program reaches full capacity. You must first enroll in Hofstra LPP or Hofstra STEP to register for the Summer Scholars’ Academy. For more information about registration call 516-463-5794, and provide your name, phone number, email, mailing address and the school name your child attends. Registration is held in the Center for Educational Access and Success at 101 Oak Street, Uniondale (Directions).
Parent Involvement in Education (PIE)
The Parent Involvement in Education (PIE) program helps facilitate student success through active parent/guardian involvement. Parents and guardians are encouraged to support overall program development and 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 Multi-Cultural Party
- Organizing 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 an understanding of the college application process as well as other vital information for future success.
Enrichment Services at Partner Schools
LPP Partner School Enrichment Services
Each individual LPP school site implements a unique program depending on needs and resources. The following are examples of activities at some partner schools:
Goal setting meetings and Personalized Learning Plans (PLP) are a key component of LPP. Students meet to discuss their goals and develop a plan that is evaluated during one of three annual meetings. Students also complete an assessment survey to identify areas for improvement.
Counseling, through individual and group meetings, provide students with support and guidance, addressing academic, college, career, and personal concerns. Themed workshops, such as stress management or study skills, are also made available as needed.
Several schools provide weekly, individual mentoring sessions with a school professional where additional guidance supports student success. Other schools provide flash mentoring opportunities where students can network and learn from college students and career professionals.
Students are connected to tutoring and academic support in a variety of ways. Some schools work with Hofstra college student who provide after school tutoring, while others offer extra help or Regents support programs where LPP students are enrolled.
College support is provided through specialized workshops, presentations and field trips. Grade level seminars guide students through all steps of the college admissions process. Visits from college students and to college campuses help students conceptualize college expectations.
Career support is also provided through classes, presentations and field trips. Professional are invited to schools to speak to students about careers, while trips to local businesses expose student to different work environments. Workshops introduce students to career theories and professional development topics, such as interview skills.
Other opportunities also expand students’ experiences. Service learning projects, for example, connect students to the community and develop teamwork skills. Field trips to museums and Broadway shows broaden 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
Wanda Almonte
Program Director
Office: (516) 463-5793
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Taneisha Clarke, MHA
Associate Director
Office: (516) 463-5797
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Blanca Rajkowski, MSEd
Assistant Director
Office: (516) 463-5661
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Brooke Knight, MSW
Program Counselor
Office: (516) 463-5796
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Melissa Restrepo
Assistant Director
Office: (516) 463-5795
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Hannah Singer, MSEd
Program Counselor
Office: (516) 463-5309
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