Jersey City, N.J., November 19, 2024 – Saint Peter’s University and Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) have announced a comprehensive partnership to support Jersey City students in pursuing higher education and put them on the path to economic mobility. The unique partnership will open significant opportunities for Jersey City high school students to propel their journey to and through college and into meaningful careers.
Saint Peter’s University, ranked first among regional colleges/universities in New Jersey in the category of social mobility, will deepen its impact by providing YPIE Jersey City students access to its academic studies, career pathways programs, and campus life opportunities.
“This partnership truly has transformative potential to students and the communities they serve. The mission of YPIE perfectly complements the mission of Saint Peter’s University,” said Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University. “We are honored to welcome YPIE to Jersey City, and are proud to be part of their efforts to cultivate long-term college success for our local high school students. By opening our campus and resources to YPIE students, we are not only preparing them for higher education, but also paving the way for them to thrive in their future careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities. We eagerly anticipate welcoming many of these bright students as future Peacocks, where they will benefit from Saint Peter’s Jesuit education, known for driving social mobility and lifelong success.”
YPIE, a nonprofit that prepares students for college success, partnered with the Jersey City Public Schools in 2023 to launch YPIE Jersey City. YPIE Jersey City currently has more than 200 students participating in college readiness and access programs, including an afterschool learning program hosted on the Saint Peter’s University campus.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Saint Peter’s University to ensure more Jersey City students are achieving their goals of higher education. Saint Peter’s University shares our belief that higher education is a key driver of upward economic mobility. As a result of this unique partnership, YPIE Jersey City students will experience academics and life on a college campus and see firsthand the benefits a college education can provide,” said Sam Wallis, YPIE Executive Director.
Through this partnership, YPIE Jersey City students will be able to earn college credit, have dedicated enrollment and scholarship opportunities, and be part of the Saint Peter’s university community. Additionally, current Saint Peter’s undergraduates will have educational leadership opportunities as peer mentors and tutors for YPIE Jersey City students.
YPIE Jersey City currently serves students in Abraham Lincoln High School and William L. Dickinson High School, with plans to expand across the Jersey City Public Schools.
“Partnerships like this between Saint Peter’s University and YPIE create a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the classroom,” said Leah Leto, M.Ed. ’05, vice president for advancement and external affairs at Saint Peter’s University. “Through YPIE’s innovative programs, high school students in Jersey City are gaining the support they need to achieve their college aspirations, while our own Saint Peter’s students are embracing meaningful opportunities to serve as peer mentors and leaders. This collaboration not only strengthens the educational pipeline in our community, but also uplifts the entire city by fostering a culture of success. We are confident that this partnership is the foundation for many future successes, paving the way for even greater educational and career opportunities for all involved.”
“We are thrilled to further our partnership with Saint Peter’s University, which has already proven to be invaluable in supporting Jersey City students on their college journey,” said Catherine Buck, YPIE Jersey City site director. “Our YPIE Jersey City students continually impress me with their great curiosity, passion, and capacity for growth, and this relationship will open so many doors for them and their futures. This agreement is only the beginning of our work together, and I cannot wait to see all the tremendous opportunities to come.”
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About Saint Peter’s University
For more than 150 years Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, please visit www.saintpeters.edu.
About YPIE
Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) partners with students to ensure they are ready for, enroll in, and complete college. We confront the challenges of a low-income, urban school district by providing families with equitable access to the critical tools and services necessary for college success. Founded in 2007, YPIE partners with more than 2,000 students each year in Yonkers and Jersey City, putting them on the path to college success. Learn more at ypie.org.
Media Contacts
Angeline Boyer, executive director of communications
Saint Peter’s University
aboyer1@saintpeters.edu
(201) 761-6238
Susan Schwartz, senior director of communications
Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE)
sschwartz@ypie.org
914-377-4882