On August 23, 2022, the New York State Education Department awarded Fordham University a $2,250,000 grant for its Liberty Partnership Program (LPP). The Fordham LPP serves five Bronx Title I high schools: Belmont Preparatory High School; Bronx High School for Law and Community Service; Fordham High School for the Arts; Jonas Bronck Academy (M.S. 228); and West Bronx Academy for the Future. In total, the Fordham LPP offers academic and social-emotional support to 360 students, and provides the GSE an opportunity to become more deeply engaged in Bronx schools.
The LPP creates a strong university, school, and community partnership to bolster academic, social, and emotional support to underserved Bronx youth with a combination of school-based and after-school programs and a vibrant four-week summer program. The grant runs from Sept. 1, 2022, through August 31, 2027.
With this award, the Fordham LPP develops and implements Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs); conducts social-emotional assessments; provides academic tutoring and mentoring; and individual, group, and family counseling. The Fordham LPP also offers high school/college readiness and workforce development, as well as sports and wellness activities to promote a healthy lifestyle. Lastly, the Fordham LPP provides leadership and community service projects. Fordham LPP has partnered with Madison Square Boys and Girls Club to deliver multiple ways for students to master the personal development skills necessary to be successful, and enables Fordham to use its resources to aid in the academic and social-emotional development of the Bronx’s underserved youth. Fordham LPP is giving back to the community where it all got started.
Jane Bolgatz, Ph.D. and Aida Nevarez-LaTorre, Ed.D. (Co-Principal Investigators); Diane Ode-Asabi, LMSW, M,S. (Project Director); and Jackeysi Benitez, L.M.S.W. (Assistant Director).
