Liberty Partnerships Program to Run an After-School Program

MIDDLETOWN – The SUNY Orange Liberty Partnerships Program closed out its initial year of program development with a highly successful five-week summer enrichment program for students in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, and will continue its impactful outreach this Fall with a robust after-school program supported by the Newburgh Boys and Girls Club.

Established through a $1.5 million grant award to the College from the New York State Department of Education last summer, the LPP’s first-year highlights included hiring Ralph Coates as program director, rounding out Coates’ administrative and support staff, and organizing the summer program that served approximately 100 students.

“Students had an opportunity this summer to participate in STEM classes that focused on alternative energy, forensics science, financial literacy, and health and nutrition,” Coates said. “They also attended workshops that addressed leadership, peer mediation and workforce development, as well as having the opportunity to participate in recreational activities at the Boys and Girls Club.”

On Thursdays, the students enjoyed trips to historically or regionally relevant destinations, and fun recreational sites.

Coates and his new staff plan to build off the momentum generated by the summer program when they launch their after-school program on Oct. 1. From Monday through Thursday, high school students will visit the College’s Newburgh campus where they will have the opportunity to receive academic tutoring from SUNY Orange students and instructional support from College faculty members, and participate in workshops facilitated by the Boys and Girls Club.

The Liberty Partnerships Program is still recruiting students, looking primarily for high school students from all three NFA campuses. After-school transportation to and from the College’s Newburgh campus is provided during the school year.

LPP is a collaborative effort between the College, the NECSD and the Boys and Girls Club designed to improve academic success and career readiness for disadvantaged middle school and high school students. Over the course of the five-year grant, the three partners will develop a wide-ranging program aimed at ensuring student persistence, high school graduation and sustained academic achievement.

Additions to the LPP staff in recent months include: Ivette O’Sullivan, program and academic coordinator; LaKeisha Hill, parent and student engagement coordinator; Janea M. Hill, activities and high school program coordinator; and Christina Gingras, administrative assistant.

O’Sullivan has more than 16 years of experience in the human services field, having worked with clients from diverse academic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. Her background includes extensive work in the areas of education, administration and counseling.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Science in Community & Human Services, with a concentration in Counseling, from Empire State College, and a master’s degree in Arts in Executive Leadership and Human Services from Liberty University.

LaKeisha Hill is a 20-year resident of the area who brings extensive case management and community resources experience to LPP. She has worked with not-for profit and state agencies throughout Orange County and has established herself as a resourceful member of the community. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Mount Saint Mary College and is a Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor through the New York State Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services.

A native of Newburgh and a graduate of SUNY Orange, Janea Hill owns more than 10 years of experience working with Hudson Valley and New York City not-for-profit agencies that service at-risk youths and their families. In addition to her degree in liberal arts from SUNY Orange, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Mount St. Mary College.

Gingras has been a resident of the City of Newburgh for most of her life. She brings a familiarity with the community and the organizations that comprise the fabric of the city. She spent 13 years in an administrative capacity with her family’s construction business prior to joining LPP.

For more information, contact the LPP office at (845) 341-9541.