Liberty Partnerships Summer Camp Making a Difference in Students Lives

More than three dozen high school students from across the Syracuse City School District spent a month of their summer on the Onondaga Community College campus, taking part in the Liberty Partnerships Program which focused on making participants better students and citizens. "We were there to support each other and not judge each other, and to have some fun," said Program Coordinator Heather Niver.

The summer program included a different theme each week. For example, CNY Works brought in a financial mentor who spoke with students about financial literacy and topics such as how to open a checking account, how to deposit money, and how to budget money. During another week the focus was on problems students see in school and how each could be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. "It was good to see the students make progress and learn how to be leaders," said Hassan Musa who is a Success Coach with Liberty Partnerships.

"I loved the summer program. It was fun to be myself without being judged by others and meeting people. Because of what this program made me realize, this year I will be way more focused in school. I realize how important education is and how far it can take us in life," said Imere Kemp, a sophomore at Corcoran High School. All five Syracuse City High Schools were represented in the summer program.

Kemp, Musa, and Niver sat down with us for a conversation on our podcast, "Chatting About College." You can listen to the podcast on iTunes and Spotify, search "Chatting About College," and download and listen to our conversation. Enjoy the podcast!