MAYOR ROBERT & SUSAN PALMIERI ANNOUNCE 2017 MAYOR’S GALA RAISED OVER $55,000 IN PROCEEDS FOR YOUNG SCHOLARS LPP

Mayor Robert Palmieri and his wife, Susan, today announced the 2017 Mayor’s Benefit Gala raised over $55,000 for Young Scholars Liberty Partnership Program.

The theme of the 2017 Gala was GROW BIG DREAMS!  The Young Scholars Program has assisted over a thousand students in Utica by providing academic, social and cultural support to motivate diverse and talented students to stay in school, earn a New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation, and pursue post-secondary education.

The success of the Young Scholars Program is evidenced by the 93% graduation rate of its students, with a 100% graduation rate for the class of 2016.  The valedictorian and five of the top ten graduates from Proctor High School’s 2016 graduating class were Young Scholars.  

Since 2005, 86% of Young Scholar graduates have enrolled in college.  In building on this success, the Young Scholars Program developed an initiative called the City of Utica Advantage, to support college and career readiness with paid internships for students during the summer months. 

The City of Utica Advantage aims to connect high school students with a range of businesses and organizations throughout the City to further cultivate their development while simultaneously giving back to the community.  With the proceeds from the Mayor’s Gala, this program will come to fruition this summer.

Mayor Robert & Susan Palmieri stated, “Once again the 2017 Gala was a huge success and we thank our generous sponsors and community partners for helping to make such a positive impact in lives of Utica’s youth.”  

Young Scholars LPP Executive Director Pamela Matt stated, “Young Scholars LPP, Utica College and the Utica City School District are so thankful for a generous Utica community that works together to nurture the intellectual, professional and personal growth of our students. Together we can GROW BIG DREAMS."