The 2014 Say Yes Buffalo scholarship application is now available. Come learn about the new electronic application process and fill out an application in person at one of our Community Meetings in the month of February and March!
The 2014 Say Yes Buffalo scholarship application is now available. Come learn about the new electronic application process and fill out an application in person at one of our Community Meetings in the month of February and March!
The 2014 Say Yes Buffalo scholarship application is now available. Come learn about the new electronic application process and fill out an application in person at one of our Community Meetings in the month of February and March!
The 2014 Say Yes Buffalo scholarship application is now available. Come learn about the new electronic application process and fill out an application in person at one of our Community Meetings in the month of February and March!
March 5, 2014, Buffalo, NY—The number of Buffalo Public School graduates that enrolled in two- and four-year colleges and universities increased by nine-percentage points for the Class of 2013, compared to the Class of 2012. The figures from the National Student Clearinghouse were released today at the Say Yes Buffalo Community Leadership Council meeting by the Buffalo Public Schools and Say Yes Buffalo.
Additional data released:
-A nine-percentage-point increase in students enrolling at public colleges and universities (46% in 2013 vs. 37% in 2012); The number of students enrolled at private colleges and universities remained flat.
-A six-percentage-point increase in students enrolling at 2-year colleges (31% in 2013 vs. 25% in 2012) and three-percentage-point increase in the number of students enrolling in four-year colleges (35% in 2013 vs. 32% in 2012).
The source of the matriculation data is the National Student Clearinghouse, a respected educational research organization that analyzes enrollment data from more than 3,500 colleges and universities.
Gains correspond with the 2012 arrival of a new schools’ chief and Say Yes Buffalo. Together, Superintendent Dr. Pamela C. Brown and the Say Yes Buffalo partnership have organized an array of local partners around the goals of every public school student graduating high school, and then being able to afford and attain a post-secondary education. In addition to the school district local stakeholders include the City of Buffalo and Erie County, the District Parent Coordinating Council, Buffalo Teachers Federation, Buffalo Council of School Administrators, NYS Board of Regents, higher education, businesses, foundations, faith-based organizations and community-based organizations.
“In keeping with my vision of a World-Class Education for every child as part of building a college-going culture, I see this as a win for the district, the City of Buffalo and the region, all through collaboration with our Say Yes partners,” stated Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Pamela C. Brown. “It is true that victory is won in the classroom, but the true rewards come to those students who continue to employ a “whatever it takes” attitude with a focus on future success. Thanks to Say Yes Buffalo and the many institutions and individuals who have put their faith in our system and our students through donating graciously, we are able to ensure that efforts put toward academics will net guaranteed assistance in post secondary education. From the classroom, to Central Office, to our community partners, the key to this evolving success is collective support.”
The superintendent cited specific efforts that the district is making under her leadership to further increase the number of students who go on to college—and to ensure they are prepared to succeed once they get there. They include:
Mary Anne Schmitt-Carey, the president of Say Yes to Education, Inc., expressed gratitude for the leadership of Superintendent Brown and the Buffalo Board of Education on this issue, saying "While Say Yes and its partners have a long way to go in helping our students meet the goals we have set for them, these gains in college matriculation are a milestone worth celebrating. We applaud those Buffalo Public School graduates who have gone off to college these last two years – and we congratulate their families, too. We also pledge to do all that we can to get these enrollment rates even higher in the years to come.”
Specific partnerships and programs that Say Yes has implemented to support postsecondary student persistence and graduation include:
“We know that getting our young people to college is only half the battle,” said David Rust, Executive Director, Say Yes Buffalo. “We’re encouraged by what we’ve accomplished in partnership with the district and this community to raise matriculation rates in our first year of providing the Say Yes Scholarship but are continuing to identify and implement programs with our higher education partners and others to ensure that once Say Yes students arrive on a college campus they have the supports needed to be successful and earn a postsecondary degree.”
More information is available at SayYesBuffalo.org.
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About the Buffalo Public School District
A District of 34,000 students, the Buffalo Public Schools strives to offer A World-Class Education for Every Child through ensuring that every student will have the knowledge, confidence, analytical thinking skills, character and hope to assume responsibility for her/his life and contribute to the lives of others. To these ends, we will champion excellence and innovative learning experiences in partnership with family and community, and we will hold ourselves accountable for educating our students and for working to motivate all members of the community to actively participate in the accomplishment of our mission. More information at buffaloschools.org.
About Say Yes Buffalo
Say Yes Buffalo is dedicated to increasing high school and postsecondary graduation rates among students attending public and charter schools in the city of Buffalo. Say Yes Buffalo provides comprehensive supports, including the promise of locally funded postsecondary tuition scholarships, aligned with what research indicates is needed to enable every child to achieve his or her potential. Say Yes Buffalo is made possible by the generosity of Western New York individuals, families, businesses and foundations and Say Yes to Education, Inc., a national, non-profit organization. More information at SayYesBuffalo.org.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Buffalo Public Schools: Elena Cala, 716.254-1250
Say Yes Buffalo: David Rust or Betsy Behrend 716.247.5310
The Say Yes Summer Success Academy (SSA) at Erie Community College is now accepting applications from Say Yes eiligible students expecting to graduate this year from public and charter schools in Buffalo. The SSA will take place at the ECC City Campus July 7 - August 8, 2014, Mondays - Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students who participate can also earn while they learn; in partnership with the City of Buffalo, participants in the SSA qualify for a Mayor’s Summer Youth stipend of 20 hours per week.
The purpose of the SSA is to provide recent high school graduates transitioning into Erie Community College with the academic support and interpersonal skills needed to successfully achieve a post-secondary degree. Specific activities include:
To qualify you must:
SPACE IS LIMITED TO 50 STUDENTS AND APPLICATIONS ARE DUE MAY 30, 2014.
TO APPLY:
SAY YES Summer Success Academy
Erie Community College
121 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
Attention: Diane McLaughlin
Questions? Email SayYes@ecc.edu or call (716) 851-1ECC.
Elizabeth Clune joins Say Yes Buffalo to serve as Senior Vice President of Development for the Say Yes Scholarship Fund. She comes to Say Yes with more than 20 years of experience working with the private sector and nonprofit organizations focusing on development, strategic partnerships, and marketing communications. She is especially interested in growing effective development strategies for this public-private partnership by effectively influencing the WNY community to support the Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship Fundwith a goal of significantly improving educational outcomes for youth in the City of Buffalo.
Most recently, Elizabeth ran her own Development and Marketing consulting firm where she assisted national and local organizations with new business development, brand positioning, and communications strategy leadership. Prior to that she worked as a business development consultant for AARP where she led efforts to grow AARP's Member Benefits Provider Network for the organization’s 37 million 50+ market.
Previously, she held several high-level development and marketing positions in varying sectors, such as not-for-profits, technology and financial services. The majority of her experience was accrued at AT&T Wireless for 12 years, where she led 260+ staff, administered a $22 million budget, and trained in excess of 400 sales representatives statewide.
Elizabeth is an alumnus of Saint Bonaventure University, where she majored in Journalism and Communications with a minor in Marketing. She believes in giving back to her community by volunteering to organizations throughout Western New York, including the Erie County Cultural Advisory Board (ECCRAB), Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Bass-Eye Challenge, Keith’s Classic/Carly’s Club, Special Olympics, and the Ronald McDonald House. Beth resides in Buffalo with her husband of 20 years, Michael Hawkins, and their two sons, Jack and Quinn.
To date, $19+ million has been raised locally toward the scholarships. Elizabeth will lead the charge to reach the initial fundraising goal of $30 million. Based on the financial model, this goal will fund Say Yes scholarships for the first ten years. Funds for the scholarships are exclusively private and have been contributed by approximately 120 individuals, foundations and corporations.
Contact Elizabeth at eclune@sayyestoeducation.org or 716-247-5310, ext. 207
RSVP by CLICKING HERE! Seating is limited.
This workshop will cover the basics of the college application process, from start to finish. The following topics will be covered:
· Recommended high school courses for college admission and understanding the role of the high school transcript
· How to choose the right college
· Making a college list
· College entrance exams, including the SAT and ACT
· College visits
· Components of a college application—including the essay, letters of recommendation, and activity list
· College application timeline for juniors and seniors
RSVP by CLICKING HERE! Seating is limited.
In this workshop, participants will gain a greater understanding of the importance of the college essay (or personal statement). They will learn how college admissions personnel and scholarship organizations read their essays and evaluate them. Sample essays will be read and discussed and participants will have the chance to start working on their own college essays. We will review the step-by-step process, from brainstorming to final product that goes into crafting a powerful essay.
RSVP by CLICKING HERE. Seating is limited.
Applying for financial aid to help pay for college can be a daunting task. In this workshop, we will review financial aid-related vocabulary, the state and federal financial aid application processes, and understanding financial aid packages from colleges. We will also discuss the Say Yes scholarship and how it can be used to offset the cost of college. We will use case studies to explain the logistics of how different sources of financial aid can help pay for college.
RSVP by CLICKING HERE. Seating is limited.
This workshop is intended for both middle and high school students and their parents/guardians. One of the key factors to success in college and career is the ability for a student to advocate for him/herself. Does the thought of calling an adult make you anxious? Wondering what to say in an email to a potential employer? This workshop will empower students to make good decisions, communicate effectively with adults and peers, and to understand the importance of professionalism in today’s world of social networking.
RSVP by CLICKING HERE. Seating is limited.
This workshop is intended for both middle and high school students and their parents/guardians. Does your child tell you that she wants to be a doctor someday? Or an engineer? Or a computer scientist? Or a teacher? Find out what steps a student needs to take in order to achieve their career goals. We will talk about career clusters (healthcare, technology, social sciences, etc.) and what students should be focusing on in high school in order to get into the college program of his/her choice. We will also address the importance of participation in relevant after-school and summer programs.
RSVP by CLICKING HERE. Seating is limited.
Wondering what college is really like? How do you register for classes? Who do you talk to when you have questions about your bill? What is dorm food REALLY like? This workshop will address both the academic and social transitions that students face when they go from high school to the world of higher education. Participants will hear first hand from students who’ve experienced this transition, what it’s really like to start college.
Seating is limited. To RSVP, CLICK HERE!
Come get expert advice from more than 30 private colleges about HOW TO APPLY TO AND PAY FOR COLLEGE
WHAT: Presentations by senior representatives from private colleges and universities from around the U.S. that provide scholarships to eligible Say Yes Buffalo students. Topics will include:
A dessert reception will follow the workshops and allow you the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the college representatives
WHEN: November 6, 2014, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: MST Prep, 666 East Delavan Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215
ROUND-TRIP BUS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FROM ALL BPS AND CHARTER HIGH SCHOOLS TO THIS EVENT. BUSES WILL BOARD BETWEEN 4:30 AND 5:00 PM.
A dessert reception will follow the presentations allowing parents and students to talk one-on-one with the college representatives.
Admission is free – but pre-registration is encouraged
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SCHEDULED TO PARTICIPATE:
September 24, 2014, Buffalo, NY - Say Yes Buffalo today announced that Charter School for Applied Technologies (CSAT) students that graduate from high school will be eligible to receive the organization’s tuition scholarships and grants, beginning in 2019 granted all other eligibility requirements are met.
Previously, because the school was located in Kenmore and not the City of Buffalo its students were not eligible for Say Yes scholarships. This past summer however, CSAT moved its middle school to the former Holy Angels campus on Hertel Avenue in Buffalo and taking that into consideration the Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship Board reversed its earlier decision.
“We are excited to announce that CSAT students will now be eligible to receive Say Yes scholarships and grants,” said Alphonso O’Neil-White, chair of Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship Board. “The economic viability of Buffalo is vested in organizations making commitments to grow here as CSAT has done and so once they announced their intention to move into the city, it was an easy decision for our Scholarship Board to make.”
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, who led the effort for the city of Buffalo to become one of the earliest financial backers of Say Yes Buffalo with a total investment to date of $1.3 million, was on hand to welcome CSAT to Buffalo. He also urged students to stay focused so they are able to take advantage of the scholarships once they get to high school.
“We are thrilled to welcome CSAT to the city of Buffalo,” said Mayor Brown. “Say Yes Buffalo is a game changer for the youth of our city and we are excited that, as a result of Charter School for Applied Technologies decision to move into Buffalo, more of our city’s young people will have access to college scholarships through Say Yes.
The Hertel Avenue campus houses CSAT’s 6th through 8th grade students. Current 8th graders, who will graduate high school as the class of 2019, will be the first CSAT students eligible to receive Say Yes Buffalo tuition scholarships and grants.
“This is an ideal opportunity for our students and we are grateful to Say Yes for welcoming us into this new partnership,” said CSAT Superintendent Efrain Martinez. “Providing our students with the tools needed to be career-ready is CSAT’s main goal, and we look forward to many success stories from this program.”
In addition to graduating from CSAT in 2019 or later, other requirements for student eligibility are to:
- Reside in the City of Buffalo
- Attend a Buffalo Public or Charter School (including CSAT) for a minimum of four consecutive years, grades 9-12 required
- Apply for all federal and state financial aid programs available (FAFSA and New York State TAP)
- Enroll full-time at a Say Yes Buffalo partner college within one year of high school graduation
Say Yes Buffalo also announced the addition of ten colleges and universities to its Private College Compact. Members of the Compact commit at a minimum to providing tuition scholarships to all Say Yes Buffalo eligible students admitted to their institutions who’s annual family income is below $75,000 (in most cases).
The ten new institutions added to the Compact are: Colorado College, Davidson College, Franklin & Marshall College, Lycoming College, Occidental College, Pitzer College, Stanford University, Texas Christian University, Tufts University and the University of Southern California.
Both Colorado College and Stanford University will go beyond tuition and provide accepted students with awards to cover the full cost of attendance. The ten new institutions bring to 63 the total number of private colleges and universities that provide opportunities to Buffalo students.
For additional information about Say Yes Buffalo, visit SayYesBuffalo.org.
About Say Yes Buffalo
Launched in 2012, Say Yes Buffalo is a community partnership dedicated to strengthening the city’s public school system and increasing high school and postsecondary graduation rates. Say Yes Buffalo is made possible by the collaboration and generosity of Western New York individuals, families, businesses and organizations and Say Yes to Education. More information at www.SayYesBuffalo.org.
About The Charter School for Applied Technologies,
The Charter School for Applied Technologies, the largest charter in New York State with 1,940 students, opened its middle school in the former Holy Angels Academy building in North Buffalo in August 2014. There will be a public open house on Wednesday, September 24 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at 24 Shoshone Street. All neighbors, HAA alumni and community members are encouraged to attend.
Empowering, encouraging and equipping families to be active in their child’s academic life.
What:
Join other Buffalo parents and community leaders to make your voice heard on how schools and parents can work better together to support students.
Workshops will cover:
• Bridging culture and language gaps
• Community organizations available to help your family
• How to advocate for your child’s education
• Tools available to track your child’s progress in school
• Understanding the ins and outs of Buffalo public and charter schools
When/ Where:
Saturday November 1,2014
8:30AM-12:30PM
Bennett High School
2885 Main Street Buffalo, New York 14214
Are you a parent of family member of a Buffalo Public School Student? Do you need free legal advice? Say Yes Buffalo Legal Clinics are now open! In partnership with the Volunteer Lawyers Project and the areas top legal professionals, Legal Clinics are now open in four Buffalo Public School buildings.
Legal advice is available for non-criminal matters, including but not limited to: adoption, bankruptcy, child custody, child support, divorce, eviction/foreclosure, government benefits, housing, immigration and income tax. LEGAL ADVICE IS NOT OFFERED FOR CRIMINAL MATTERS.
Mondays:
Dr. Anotonia Pantoja Community School of Excellence
750 West Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14213
Legal clinic open: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
SPANISH TRANSLATOR AVAILABLE
Tuesdays:
South Park High School
150 Southside Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14220
Legal clinic open: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Wednesdays:
Dr. George E. Blackman School of Excellence, Early Childhood Center
2358 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
Legal clinic open: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Thursdays:
East High School
820 Northampton Street
Buffalo, NY 14211
Lawyers are now available at four schools in Buffalo. Follow the link to read more about this amazing Say Yes Buffalo program.
Daniel Robertson is a native of Buffalo, NY and prior to becoming Scholar Mentor Supervisor he was a Family Support Specialist at Buffalo Public School (BPS) #64 Fredrick Law Olmsted. His diverse background includes over five years of education, extensive training and professional experience in the field of Education. His students and parents respectfully refer him to as “Mr. D” or “Mr. Daniel”. His colleagues acknowledge his passion and commitment to affording disadvantaged you with the same opportunities that he was given to reach his goals as a student of the public school system.
As a youth, Daniel attended BPS #78, BPS #43, and graduated from Westminster Community School #68, which is now Westminster Community Charter School. As a young male from humble beginnings with vigor for academic excellence, it was with great humility and honor that he accepted a full scholarship from the John R. Oishei Foundation. This monetary award afforded him the opportunity to attend Turner-Carroll High School. Upon graduation, Daniel attended the University at Buffalo where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. He continued his academic success by obtaining a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Medaille College.
Daniel’s professional career began at the University at Buffalo Child Care Center, where he worked as a Preschool Teacher and Summer Camp Counselor. In these roles, he collaborated with staff to develop and instruct age-appropriate lesson plans that encouraged physical, emotional, social and cognitive growth. Soon after, Daniel transitioned to the Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. (CAO) where he continued his work with preschool-age children in their Head Start Program as an Education Coordinator. During this time he successfully managed the daily operations of 8 preschool classrooms and supervised 21 staff members. Daniel soon advanced to the CAO Youth Services Department as a Site Coordinator responsible for managing a SACC-licensed after-school program and the NURTURE Summer Camp program at the CAO Pratt-Willert Community Center. In this capacity, Daniel supervised 8 staff members, approximately 60 students and coordinated a number of special events. He was later selected to serve as Education Manager for the department where he helped to provide structure and organization for the programs within the department. Daniel’s academic excellence, professional accomplishments and insurmountable commitment to educating and supporting youth is evident in all of his endeavors.
To contact Daniel Robertson, email drobertson@sayyestoeducation.org or call 716.704.9865.
