York College, Milton Hershey School New Partnership Strengthens Commitment to Helping Students Find College, Career Success
York College and Milton Hershey School formalize a partnership to help students achieve college and career success.
For Domenica Delaney, a junior Supply Chain Operations Management major at York College of Pennsylvania, the journey to higher education was anything but traditional. A graduate of Milton Hershey School (MHS), Delaney initially went to another university but faced challenges. After taking time off and reassessing her future, she enrolled at York College and hasn’t looked back.
"It was time to go back and get my degree," Delaney said. "Without the support of Milton Hershey School and York College giving me a chance, I wouldn’t be on the path to success that I am today."
Delaney found her calling in Dr. Matthew Shatzkin’s Modern Value Chain course, where she had her "aha!" moment—realizing that supply chain operations was a natural fit. Now, she hopes to graduate in December 2025, grateful for the institutions that believed in her potential.
Her story is just one example of why Milton Hershey School and York College have formalized their commitment to supporting low-income and first-generation students. On Wednesday, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their collaboration in guiding MHS graduates toward academic success at York College.
"We want to strengthen our partnership with York," said Keri Ambrocik, Manager of Higher Education and Support at MHS. "We want to see more of our students go on to higher education and succeed in what they are doing. We want our students to have a high level of support on the campus they attend, and we know York is one of the places that does that well."
The agreement includes several key initiatives: waiving the application fee for MHS students, providing housing support, and collaborating to identify students who could benefit from support programs like TRiO and Project Breakthrough.
Additionally, MHS’s Graduate Programs for Success (GPS) division will work closely with York College to ensure students receive ongoing academic, financial, and career guidance.
"Our kids are like family. And when we launch them, we want them to go to a place where they are treated the same way," said Bob Ebert, Senior Director of Graduate Programs and Success at MHS. "York has proven to be that."
York College leaders also expressed enthusiasm for the strengthened partnership.
"Milton Hershey School does an incredible job preparing students for the next step in their journey,” Dr. Brian Hazlett, Vice President of Enrollment Management at York College said. “York College is proud to be a destination where MHS graduates can continue their education with a strong support network," Hazlett said. "We look forward to welcoming more MHS students to campus and helping them succeed."
York College President Dr. Thomas Burns echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strong alignment between the institutions.
"York College has long been committed to providing access and opportunity for students ready to thrive in a supportive academic environment," said Dr. Burns. "This partnership ensures that MHS graduates receive the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to achieve their goals."
For Delaney, the impact of this partnership is deeply personal. With a renewed sense of purpose and the support of both institutions, she is confidently working toward her degree and her future.
"When you study something you love, the knowledge and lessons stick easier," Delaney said. "I still have to work hard, but now, I know I’m on the right path."
With initiatives like this, York College and Milton Hershey School are ensuring that more students like Delaney have the opportunity to pursue their education, overcome obstacles, and build successful futures.
