From High School to Higher Ed: Yonkers Students Learn About Monroe's Innovative PPP Program

Since 2016, we have welcomed thousands of students to Monroe through an innovative program created by President Marc Jerome to improve college access, affordability, and attainment for students at area high schools in New York City, Westchester and neighboring communities. 

Called the Presidential Partnership Program (PPP),  the program, which pre-dates New York State’s Excelsior Program, offers selected students an opportunity to obtain a post-secondary education – in most cases with zero debt – from a private institution known for having some of the best outcomes in New York State for lower-income students. We have been educating New York students since 1933 and this program leverages the comprehensive academic and personal support infrastructure in place at Monroe to help all students succeed.

The program provides participating students with generous scholarships that give the majority of recipients a chance to realize their college dreams without having to take on burdensome student debt to cover tuition and fees not covered by federal and state grant aid; a dedicated mentor who serves as the student’s advisor, advocate, cheerleader, and coach every step of their journey at Monroe, providing pre- and post-enrollment support services; fun cultural events and special activities; and engagement with school administrators to effectuate the program’s goals and help inform local high schools’ own college-readiness programming.

Today, there are more than 230 high schools participating in this program. Thousands of students have come to Monroe through this program over the last nine years, earned their degrees, and are now pursuing their professional dreams. 

Some of those students came to Monroe from the Yonkers Public School system, which includes several "PPP schools" -- Barack Obama School for Social Justice (formerly Palisades Preparatory School), Charles E. Gorton High School, Lincoln High School, Riverside High School, Roosevelt High School–Early College Studies, and Saunders Trades & Technical High School. 

Earlier this spring, we held a lovely event to celebrate Yonkers students who had applied to Monroe for the upcoming fall semester.  The event afforded them the chance to get a firsthand look at Monroe’s vibrant campus life, learn about academic resources, and meet some of the staff and faculty who would be integral to their Monroe journey. 

During the event, President Jerome spoke about Monroe's long-standing relationship with the Yonkers community and the life-changing opportunities the PPP has created since its launch in 2016.

“The PPP program is of strategic importance to Monroe University, especially for our Yonkers community,” said Jerome. “As a leader in educating first-generation and low-income students in New York, we’re committed to expanding access to higher education for those who might not otherwise have the means.”

Celso Alvarez, Assistant Vice President of High School Enrollment, emphasized the importance of partnerships in sustaining the program.

"We appreciate our partner schools for helping students see that a private university like Monroe can be within reach,” said Alvarez. “The PPP was created to improve access, affordability, and student outcomes for New York high school graduates.”

Yonkers Superintendent of Schools Anibal Soler, Jr. also attended and praised the strong partnership between Monroe and the Yonkers school district.

“Monroe provides an incredible opportunity for our students—not just financially, but through the support and guidance that truly set them up for success,” he said.

Thanks to this partnership, many Yonkers students have not only enrolled at Monroe with generous scholarships, but have also completed their degrees in accelerated timeframes. Alvarez noted that students can earn an associate degree in as little as 1.5 years and a bachelor’s degree in just 3 years, saving both time and money.

Monroe University’s continued collaboration with Yonkers schools reflects its mission to support student success from high school through college—and events like this provide students and families a glimpse into the welcoming, empowering environment we strive to offer.