Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program (YSLPP), a collaborative program between Utica University and the Utica City School District (UCSD), will host its Grow Big Dreams Celebration Dinner on Tuesday, March 25th from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. in the Donohue Concourse at Utica University.

Tickets and sponsorships are currently available for purchase online at https://connect.utica.edu/register/growbigdreams2025 or by contacting Young Scholars Executive Director, Jordan Peters, directly at jopeters1@utica.edu. The attached flyer contains additional information about sponsorship, tickets, and pricing. Current sponsors include First Source Federal Credit Union, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Utica First Insurance Company, John Sammon III, and PJ Green.

The event will feature a buffet dinner, cash bar, raffles and presentations by current Young Scholars. The keynote speaker will be Dorentina Binaku, MBA. Binaku is a class of 2018 Young Scholars graduate, a Utica University alumna, and the current Assistant Director of the program.

“As a member of a first-generation refugee family, I would not have had the opportunities and support necessary to achieve my education and career goals if it were not for my involvement with Young Scholars,” said Binaku. “It is an honor to now be able to give back to future generations of Young Scholars as Assistant Director and I look forward to sharing some of my experiences with the community at the Grow Big Dreams Celebration Dinner.”

Established in 1993, YSLPP identifies talented and diverse students and works closely with them throughout their middle and high school education through year-round, comprehensive programming encompassing academic, social, and cultural enrichment. YSLPP aims to graduate college-ready or career-ready graduate students with a New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. Since the program’s inception, YSLPP has served more than 1,520 students and contributed to a 94% graduation rate.

For more information about YSLPP, visit www.utica.edu/yslpp or email jopeters1@utica.edu.

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