Lancaster Partnership Program (LPP)

FOSTERING STUDENT SUCCESS THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP.


In 1988, Millersville University of Pennsylvania formed a unique partnership, which focuses on brightening the educational future of Lancaster's socioeconomically disadvantaged students. At that time three area companies joined forces with Millersville University and the School District of Lancaster to create the Lancaster Partnership Program. Since that time, ten other companies have added their names to the list of corporate sponsorship.

This innovative program offers all socioeconomically disadvantaged students enrolled in the School District of Lancaster not only the incentive to finish high school, but also a unique opportunity to obtain a college education. By completing the prescribed academic curriculum and satisfying the admissions requirements of the institution, these students will be offered admission to Millersville University, and the sponsoring businesses will provide funds to help cover the costs of tuition, room, and board not covered by federal and state grants.

J.P. McCaskey High School's Class of 1992 contained the first group of Partnership students to matriculate to Millersville University. For these students, and the successors, the sponsoring businesses also offer opportunities for internship positions, summer employment, and job interviews following graduation from Millersville.

Program Components

Student/Parent Meetings

Parent-Student Meetings are scheduled for program participants on a monthly basis from September through April. The meetings are used to update the student and parent on program events, introduce them to relevant materials, procedures or individuals, and eventually assist them with the process of completing forms (college admissions applications, financial aid forms, etc.).

College Skills Development Workshops

All Partnership students in grades 9th through 12th participate in skills development workshops. Beginning in September of each year, students are involved in at least one workshop per month, with transportation and meals provided when the workshop is conducted on the university campus. The students participate in a group learning environment which includes such areas as study skills, note-taking, time management, human potential, self-evaluation, anxiety reduction, etc.