10/13/2026
We are proud to share the impact of the Marist Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) at the National Dropout Prevention Conference! 🎓✨
LPP Directors Liz and Crystal came together to share how their programs are making a difference in students’ lives. Crystal highlighted the success of Marist LPP in supporting students in the Poughkeepsie City School District through a long-term commitment that begins in 5th grade and continues throughout middle and high school.
The results speak for themselves: 95% of the 2026 LPP graduating class at Poughkeepsie High School graduated! 🎉 This achievement demonstrates the power of early intervention, consistent mentorship, and building lasting relationships that help students stay on track toward graduation and future success.
Congratulations to our students, families, and dedicated LPP team for making this success possible! ❤️📚
Elizabeth Altman-Giron of Suffolk County Community College and Crystal Parkhurst of Marist University just finished presenting “Imagine If They Knew We Cared: Building Systems That Keep Students Connected” at the National Dropout Prevention Conference. National Dropout Prevention Center
Liz brought the statewide perspective, showing how New York’s Liberty Partnerships Program translates research into an integrated system of support across 51 local projects. The presentation connected six priorities: emotional wellness, belonging, engagement, leadership, future readiness and academic success. Local examples, including Crystal’s perspective from Marist, illustrated how that shared mission takes shape in practice.
The facilitated exercises were engaging, inviting participants to look beyond attendance, behavior and grades and consider what students need to feel known, connected, capable and able to envision a future.
That conversation reflects a defining strength of Liberty: combining relationships and student voice with individualized planning and coordinated partnerships. Our work brings schools, higher education, families and communities together to build supportive networks around students.
Today, our colleagues contributed Liberty’s experience to the national conversation and offered approaches participants could consider in their own communities. Sharing this comprehensive work demonstrates why Liberty is a premier student support program.
Thank you, Liz and Crystal, for representing Liberty and our shared commitment to helping students graduate, thrive and succeed!
