YONKERS, NY (June 9, 2026) Yonkers Public Schools (YPS), in partnership with Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE), today announced the launch of the Yonkers Promise, a new college consortium designed to create clear, direct admissions pathways from high school to higher education for Yonkers students.
The Yonkers Promise brings together a growing group of regional colleges and universities to establish direct admission opportunities for eligible Yonkers Public Schools students. Through this initiative, students will benefit from a more transparent, streamlined college admissions process, reducing uncertainty, increasing access, and helping more students successfully transition from high school to college.
Founding institutions invited to participate in the consortium include Lehman College, Manhattanville University, Mercy University, SUNY Purchase College, SUNY Westchester Community College, and the University of Mount Saint Vincent.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano stated, "The Yonkers Promise is a commitment to our students that opportunity is within reach. By bringing together our schools, YPIE, and our higher education partners, we are creating a clearer pathway from the classroom to college and ultimately to successful careers. This helps remove barriers, simplifies the admissions process, and sends a powerful message to every Yonkers student: your future matters, and your city is invested in your success. I am grateful to Yonkers Public Schools, Superintendent Soler, YPIE and our college and university partners for convening this important effort to expand access to higher education and strengthen the next generation of leaders."
“The Yonkers Promise reflects the power of Yonkers Magic, the belief that when a community comes together, we can create life-changing opportunities for our students,” said Anibal Soler Jr., Superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools. “This initiative helps remove barriers to higher education and creates clearer, more accessible pathways for our students and families.
Together with our higher education partners and YPIE, we are building a future where every student can see college as a realistic and achievable next step.”
“This is about building real pathways from high school to college and into careers,” said Sam Wallis, CEO of YPIE. “Through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to student success, the Yonkers Promise helps more students take the next step toward achieving their college and career goals.”
“The future for Yonkers is bright, and at Lehman College, we are proud to be part of that by educating, supporting, and preparing the next generations of Yonkers leaders with a promise of infinite opportunities,” said Fernando Delgado, Lehman College President.
"Mercy University is proud to be a founding member of the Yonkers Promise consortium,” said Mercy University President Susan L. Parish, PhD, MSW. “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to the Yonkers community and our belief that every student deserves access to the resources and support they need to succeed in college. We look forward to welcoming more Yonkers students to our campuses and supporting them on their journey to academic and professional success."
“Manhattanville University is proud to partner in the Yonkers Promise initiative and expand access to higher education for students across the district. We believe higher education has the power to transform lives and open doors to lasting opportunity. Recognized for advancing social mobility and rooted in a mission of access, student success, and personalized support, Manhattanville is committed to helping students realize their potential and build brighter futures. We look forward to welcoming more Yonkers students to our campus and helping them thrive academically, professionally, and personally,” said Dr. Frank Sanchez, President, Manhattanville University.
Purchase College President Michael E. Steiper, Ph.D., said, “I’m proud that Purchase, which is a top 10 public college, is investing in the education of Yonkers students and eliminating barriers to the application process through this new direct admissions program. As Westchester’s only four-year public college, providing an excellent, affordable education is central to our mission.
We look forward to welcoming even more talented local students into our highly-rated academic programs, and ensuring their admissions experience is seamless and positive.”
“SUNY Westchester Community College is proud to be part of the Yonkers Promise and to help create clearer, more accessible pathways to higher education for Yonkers students,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President of SUNY Westchester Community College. “With one of the lowest tuition rates in the region and our convenient Yonkers location at Cross County Center, we are able to meet students where they are — academically, financially, and geographically. We have already seen the positive impact of automatic admissions partnerships with other school districts across Westchester County, and we are excited to expand that success through this collaboration with Yonkers Public Schools and YPIE.”
“The Yonkers Promise represents a powerful commitment to educational opportunity, and the University of Mount Saint Vincent is proud to partner with Yonkers Public Schools to bring that vision to life. By offering direct admission to students across the district, we are helping to remove barriers, open doors, and create clearer pathways to a college degree. This kind of partnership not only expands opportunity for our students, but also strengthens families, neighborhoods, and the broader communities we are privileged to serve,” said Kristina Donohue, VP for Strategic Enrollment and Retention, University of Mount Saint Vincent.
At its core, the Yonkers Promise establishes direct admissions pipelines between Yonkers Public Schools and participating colleges. Eligible students will receive admission offers based on agreed-upon criteria, eliminating many of the traditional barriers and complexities of the application process.
The initiative is designed to:
Increase college-going rates among Yonkers students
Simplify the college application process
Promote equity in access to higher education opportunities
The launch of the Yonkers Promise follows a series of convenings with college and university leaders to align on a shared vision and framework. Participating institutions will formalize their commitment through memoranda of understanding outlining admissions criteria, data-sharing practices, and student support expectations.
The first cohort of Yonkers Promise students is expected to begin accessing direct admission opportunities in Fall 2026.
For students and families, the Yonkers Promise represents a significant step toward a more accessible and predictable college pathway, one that connects their hard work in high school to real opportunities for the future.
About Yonkers Public Schools (YPS)
Yonkers Public Schools is committed to preparing all students for success in college, career, and life through rigorous academics, supportive environments, and strong community partnerships.
About Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE)
Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) creates pathways to college and career success. Through a proven approach grounded in high expectations, personalized opportunities, and community partnerships, YPIE supports students from high school through college and into their careers.
Learn more at ypie.org.
Media Contacts:
Sean Adams
Press Secretary, Yonkers Public Schools
sadams@YonkersPublicSchools.org
914-916-2751
Susan Schwartz
Chief Marketing Officer, YPIE
sschwartz@ypie.org
914-377-4882