Mission Statement

The mission of the Great Potential Program is to educate, motivate and encourage students in our partner school districts to achieve the highest possible levels of personal and academic success. Great Potential is a program of the Regional Partnership of Schools and Colleges at Purchase College, State University of New York. Supported by Liberty Partnerships Program, Great Potential provides comprehensive academic services to prepare students for high school graduation, post-secondary education and the workforce.

Purpose

The Great Potential Program provides 12 months of educational enrichment activities. Some of the activities include: Tutoring, Homework Assistance, Mentoring, College Tours, Career Exploration, College Placement, Cultural Enrichment, Individual and Group Counseling and Community Service.

Those Served

Currently in its 17th year, the 2004-2005 Great Potential Program provides services to nearly 300 junior and senior high school students in eight (8) school districts throughout the County of Westchester, New York. Participating districts are Greenburgh Central SD#7, Mount Vernon City Schools, Ossining UFSD, Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, White Plains City Schools, New Rochelle City Schools, Peekskill City Schools and Elmsford UFSD.

Goals

The “Great Potential Program” is committed to broadening the range of collaborating organizations in support of youth potentially in high risk situations at each of our local sites. As the demographics of Westchester County shift and as academic standards for graduation in New York State increase, strong community collaborations are essential if students are to find the support and resources they need to succeed in school.

In the districts it serves, the Great Potential Program is an integral part of the support network for students. The overall goals and objectives of the Great Potential Program have remained constant over the past 17 years.

Who Are Great Potential’s Partners?

City of White Plains Youth Bureau, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Education Transfer, Executive Office of Westchester County, A Parent Solution, Junior Achievement Putnam/Westchester, Mid Hudson Consortium (Pre-collegiate Programs), Teen Life Associates, New York State Council on Economic Education, J.P. Morgan Chase, Mount Vernon Day Care, Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Westchester Food Patch, Office of Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, Office of Honorable James G. Pretlow, Office of Honorable Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Ossining CAP, The First Tee of Metropolitan New York.

Our Directors

The director of Great Potential is Gregoriann D. Rollins, a graduate of Purchase College. Mary Beth Anderson is director of the Regional Partnership of Schools and Colleges. Donald Whitely is Chairman of the Great Potential Advisory Board. Director of Special Projects for White Plains City School District, George Hagans is Co-chairman.

Supporters

Regional Partnership of Schools and Colleges, Purchase College, NYS Education Department: Liberty Partnership Program, J.P. Morgan Chase, Westchester County and multiple private donors.

Legislative Grants

The New York State Assembly Westchester County Majority Delegation and New York State Department of Children and Family Services.

Great Potential Successes

Great Potential continues to bring forth successful program initiatives while maintaining cooperative relationships within 8 school districts. As of June 2004, the program had achieved a 98% graduation rate of all current seniors. As of June 2004, 95% of all students were promoted to the next grade level.

Great Potential Summer Academy

The Great Potential Program’s four-week summer academy is held on the campus of Purchase College, State University of New York and continues to provide significant academic and cultural enrichment for as many as 40 enthusiastic junior high school students. The Summer Academy is designed to prepare 7th and 8th graders for some of the challenges of life at the high school level. The highlights of the Summer Academy include: peer college counselors as role models; certified teaching staff in English and Writing, Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, Theatre Arts, and Visual Arts; Recreational Activities; Sports; and Enrichment Trips.
Learn more about our Summer Academy