The Marist Liberty Partnerships Program provides Poughkeepsie City School District students with academic, social and emotional support during grades 5-12.

It’s meant as a dropout prevention program for students who would benefit from mentorship or extra academic support, may be experiencing difficulties with social or emotional well-being, or would be the first in their family to pursue higher education.

Marist University students serve as tutors and mentors, meeting with Poughkeepsie students during some lunch periods and after school, and staff provides guidance. The program also includes field trips, college tours, workshops, leadership programs and other virtual and in-person programming.

Last June, 37 of 38 Poughkeepsie High School seniors who took part in the program graduated on time.

Currently, Marist LPP is seeking fifth grade students who fit the profile that would benefit from the program.

Teachers around the district are being provided information on the program and are being asked to make recommendations for who would most benefit from one of the roughly 30 spots available in the program. Parents who believe their child fits the criteria can also speak to their teacher to obtain an application.

“Our goal is to provide PCSD students with the support and resources they need to succeed academically and transition smoothly into middle school and beyond,” Marist LPP Director Crystal Parkhurst said. “To ensure we reach students who would benefit from this opportunity, we rely on the assistance of fifth grade teachers to help identify students and encourage participation.”

Teachers who recommend a student for the program will provide an application packet to the student’s family, who will then need to complete the application by April 1. Once reviewed, LPP staff will follow up with families over the phone. Accepted students and families will be asked to attend an informational session in May at Marist, at which they will learn more details on the program and expectations on students. There is also a one-week middle school transition program offered at Marist over the summer.

Marist LPP was established in 1990 and is funded by the New York State Department of Education. Each year, it serves between 350-400 Poughkeepsie students. Annually, more than 95% of local participants graduate.

For more information, contact your student’s school or email Parkhurst at Crystal.Parkhurst@marist.edu.