Liberty Partnerships Grant Program

The Liberty Partnerships Program is administered by the New York State Education Department and was established in 1988 under Section 612 of the New York State Education Law. The program was created in response to persistently high dropout rates among youth in New York and the associated long-term impacts on workforce readiness, postsecondary access, and overall life outcomes. The program reflects a statewide commitment to ensuring that students at risk of dropping out are provided with structured, continuous support services that promote academic persistence and successful high school completion. The primary purpose of the program is to fund partnerships that deliver comprehensive, research-based dropout prevention and pre-collegiate services to middle and secondary school students identified as at risk. These services are designed to provide continuity throughout a student’s educational progression and may include academic tutoring, mentoring, counseling, family engagement, and social-emotional support. Programs are expected to incorporate structured assessments such as personal learning plans and provide interventions that address both academic and non-academic barriers to success. Funding is awarded competitively to partnerships led by degree-granting institutions of higher education, which serve as the fiscal and program lead. These institutions must collaborate with local education agencies and community-based organizations to deliver services. In certain circumstances where no higher education institution applies within a designated region, a nonprofit organization may serve as the lead applicant. Funded programs must meet strict operational requirements, including minimum student participation thresholds, provision of multiple support services, and evidence of collaboration across institutions to ensure program continuity. Eligible participants for program services include students identified as being at risk of dropping out based on a range of factors such as poor academic performance, attendance issues, disciplinary challenges, homelessness, parenting responsibilities, substance abuse, or limited English proficiency. Programs must demonstrate the ability to identify and serve these populations effectively, and proposals are evaluated based on alignment with program priorities, including service to high-need schools, rural populations, and institutions demonstrating strong commitment to educational and social service disciplines. Applications must be submitted in accordance with detailed instructions outlined in the request for proposal. Submission requires both physical and electronic components, including narrative responses, budget forms, and supporting documentation. Applicants are also required to meet state prequalification requirements prior to submission. The application process includes optional early engagement activities such as a notice of intent and access to informational webinars, but final submissions must be complete and received by the stated deadline to be considered. The program operates on a multi-year cycle, with the current funding period spanning five years from September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2027. Reporting requirements include interim and final reports submitted annually through a designated state portal. While the current application cycle has closed, the program has historically been offered on a recurring basis through multi-year competitive solicitations. Program oversight, reporting, and applicant support are managed by the Office of Access, Equity and Community Engagement Services within the New York State Education Department, which also serves as the primary contact point for inquiries related to the program.

Emphasize strong institutional partnerships and continuity of student services; demonstrate alignment with high need schools and at risk populations; ensure all required program components are clearly addressed