Future Leaders Liberty Partnerships Hosts Summer Camps at SUNY Niagara

August 28, 2020

SUNY Niagara is home to one of forty-seven highly successful Liberty Partnerships Programs throughout New York State. Sponsored by a Department of Education Grant, this program currently serves over 280 students in Niagara County. The Future Leaders Liberty Partnerships Program at SUNY Niagara provides year-round college and career planning, mentoring, leadership, service-learning, community engagement, wellness, and social/emotional development to students.

Despite the global pandemic, the Future Leaders Liberty Partnerships at SUNY Niagara safely hosted two virtual summer camps for 40 students. The first camp, designed for teenagers, was a collaborative effort between the Future Leaders Liberty Partnerships Program at SUNY Niagara and the University of Buffalo. Students in grades 9-12 had the opportunity to join the inaugural virtual camp, “Connect 2020: Career Readiness Speaker Series.” The camp focused on helping students develop greater knowledge of career options as they prepare to enter college or the workforce. Students were captivated as they were introduced to numerous guest speakers, including a senior research scientist based in China, a retired local chief of police, and the Director of Economic Development for Erie County. Breakout sessions focused on resiliency, goals, and the effect the pandemic has on their lives. Building relationships with their peers, instructors, and presenters empowered students with both technology and leadership skills to strategically embark on their career paths.

The second camp was created for students in grades 5 through 8 and focused on strengthening literacy. Each student received a care package that included two books, planned activities, and exclusive Liberty Partnerships apparel. Students met weekly via Zoom to participate in roundtable discussions, connect with their peers, and received one-on-one conferencing with their camp facilitators.

The Future Leaders Liberty Partnerships Program at SUNY Niagara is now enrolling new students in grades 6 through 8 who reside within partner school districts of Niagara Falls, Lockport, and Niagara Wheatfield. Please contact Program Director, Jamie Reid, via email at jreid@niagaracc.suny.edu or by phone at (716) 614-6891 to reserve a spot for your student. This program is free and the educational rewards are many.