The Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) at Onondaga Community College (OCC) had another summer of fun in the sun! Our annual summer program sponsored over 40 middle school and high school participants in activities focused on supporting the mind, body and overall well-being of our students.
Our Middle School participants were extended the opportunity to participate in our four-week book club group and/or our four-week culinary classes. Built into each option were materials provided by LPP so students could have an enjoyable and meaningful experience. The culinary option was a major success because it created bonding opportunities for our students and their families! Each week, LPP purchased meal ingredients and supplies which were delivered to students along with the information notifying them of the newly uploaded meal preparation video.
Our High School participants enjoyed four weeks of engagement on campus at OCC working with staff from Follow Us to Success for the 1st three weeks followed by Team Adventure staff for our final week. The staff from Follow Us to Success and Team Adventure did an outstanding job of providing opportunities for our students to engage in critical thinking, leadership development, college and career readiness, social and emotional learning and attention to detail which apply to success in school and in life. While working with Follow Us to Success and Team Adventure, LPP students also enjoyed working with the Cocoa’s Candles to create their own scented body scrubs to remind our students of the importance of health and personal well-being. Students used natural ingredients to blend their scrubs in their own unique way.
The time spent with our students building bonds and having fun solidified another great summer! We are excited about the upcoming 2023-2024 school year!
Submitted by Joshua A. Martin, Ed.D.,
Director, Liberty Partnerships Program at Onondaga Community College