Purchase College, SUNY and Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) are excited to announce a new partnership that will provide housing scholarships in the amount of $10,000 per year for one Liberal Arts and Science student from eight high schools in Yonkers, as well as a direct admissions program that will automatically accept all students from YPIE schools that meet a certain grade threshold for 30 majors.
YPIE is the fifth partner to sign on for the Westchester Scholars housing scholarship program after White Plains, Port Chester, Mamaroneck, and Ossining school districts. The YPIE Direct Admissions Program is the first of its kind at Purchase.
This new partnership will include eight Yonkers Public High Schools: Yonkers Middle High School, Lincoln High School, Saunders Trades and Technical High School, Riverside High School, Gorton High School, Yonkers Montessori Academy, Roosevelt High School–Early College Studies, and Barack Obama School for Social Justice.
Purchase College President Michael E. Steiper, Ph.D., said, “I’m proud that Purchase is investing in the education of YPIE students to eliminate barriers to the application process through this new direct admissions program. We’re grateful to YPIE for their efforts to support students and proud to work together to create pathways that make it easier for talented local students to enroll, thrive on campus, and graduate from a Top Ten Public School that excels in the liberal arts and sciences. We look forward to welcoming more Yonkers students into our robust programs in Law and Justice Studies, Economics, Communications, and Biology, to name just a few of our dozens of majors included in this new partnership.”
“We’re grateful for our longtime partnership with Purchase College and have seen many YPIE students thrive on their campus,” said Sam Wallis, YPIE CEO. “The Housing Scholarship and Direct Admissions Program open doors to deeper engagement, stronger connections, and a more meaningful college experience for YPIE students. We look forward to more ways to work together in the future.”
“Living on campus has been a really positive experience,” said Skye, a YPIE college student and senior at Purchase College. “I have more time to focus on my coursework and spend time in the studio working on art projects, and I no longer have to manage transporting sculptures back and forth on the bus. Being on campus has also helped me build friendships with people who share my interests and access health and counseling services more consistently.”
About the Westchester Housing Scholarship awards:
Scholarships will be awarded based on the strength of the application and in consultation with YPIE.
Eligibility:
Students must participate in YPIE and graduate from one of the partner schools.
Students must live on campus at Purchase College, SUNY.
Students must apply and receive acceptance to one of the following majors: Anthropology, Art History, Arts Management, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Cinema and Television Studies, Communications, Economics, English and Global Literatures, Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, History, Journalism, Language and Culture, Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies, Law and Justice Studies, Math/Computer Science, Media Studies, New Media, Philosophy and Critical Thought, Playwriting and Screenwriting, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Undecided.
Students must be recommended by YPIE.
The Westchester Scholars Award will renew each year for a total of 8 semesters. Continued eligibility requirements:
Continue to reside in campus housing until graduation.
Remain in good academic standing (2.0 GPA or above) enrolled in an approved major.
Remain in good standing with regard to conduct.
File a FAFSA and TAP application each year.
Students must share their college experience with students from their high school by visiting their high school, presenting at an on-campus event, or sharing their experience in publications and/or social media.
How to Apply: Applications for the Westchester Scholars are now open. All YPIE students from the partner high schools applying to approved majors will be considered so long as they complete their applications by March 1, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be notified by April 1, 2026.
Questions regarding eligibility for the Westchester Scholars Award should be directed to Caitlin Read, Dean of Enrollment Management, caitlin.read@purchase.edu or 914-251-6317.
About the Direct Admissions Program for YPIE Students
This automatic admissions program, which is the first one at Purchase College, aims to enhance college access and expand opportunities for students in YPIE schools by providing a streamlined pathway to Purchase College, SUNY, the only public four-year SUNY institution in Westchester County. By removing barriers to admission, the program seeks to foster a college-going culture, promote academic readiness, and strengthen the local talent pipeline, ultimately supporting student body diversity and deeper engagement with the community.
To qualify for automatic admission under this program, YPIE students must meet the following baseline academic criteria:
School Attendance: Attend a Yonkers Public High School (Yonkers Middle High School/Lincoln High School/Saunders Trades and Technical High School/Riverside High School/Gorton High School/Yonkers Montessori Academy/Roosevelt High School-Early College Studies/Barack Obama School for Social Justice).
Minimum GPA: Cumulative GPA of 84.00 by the end of junior year.
Academic Track: On track for an Advanced Regents Diploma, an International Baccalaureate Diploma, or a Regents Diploma.
Students who meet these criteria and do not apply to programs with additional admission requirements will be automatically admitted to Purchase College, SUNY.
Direct Admission includes the following programs:
Students must apply to one of the following majors: Anthropology, Art History, Arts Management, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Cinema and Television Studies, Communications, Economics, English and Global Literatures, Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, History, Journalism, Language and Culture, Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies, Law and Justice Studies, Math/Computer Science, Media Studies, New Media, Philosophy and Critical Thought, Playwriting and Screenwriting, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Undecided.
