Yonkers Public Schools is paving the way for its students to access higher education. Moving forward, students will be offered direct admission to six tri-state area colleges. The colleges include Lehman College, Manhattanville University, Mercy University, SUNY Purchase College, SUNY Westchester Community College and the University of Mount Saint Vincent. Students will not have to submit applications, which usually include a fee, letters of recommendation, essays and more. "It was an opportunity for me, not only to break down the barriers that confined my family before, but to succeed them," said Gorton High School junior, Laila Peterson. Eligible students will receive admission offers based on agreed-upon criteria.

The college consortium was made possible in collaboration with Yonkers Partners in Education.