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Buffalo State to accept Say Yes to Education high school graduates
By Sashana Campbell
On October 10, 2012
President Aaron Podolefsky announced during the State of the College address last month that the
college would be admitting all qualified students through the Say Yes to Education program starting with
the fall 2013 semester.
Say Yes to Education Buffalo, which was launched in December 2011, became the second chapter to
partner with an entire school district. Syracuse was the first.
The program is an initiative aimed at making higher education a reality for Buffalo public and charter
school students.
"Buffalo State is excited to be working with Say Yes to provide an opportunity for the city's high
school students to receive higher education," said Mark Petrie, associate vice president for Enrollment
Management.
Say Yes to Education, along with Buffalo State, will be working with students who are interested in
attending college here to make sure they stay on track to graduate high school.
"We are willing to work with and accept any number of students wishing to attend Buffalo State who
have achieved the admission requirements for acceptance," Petrie said.
According to figures released by the New York State Education Department, the high school graduation
rate in Buffalo is approximately 50 percent. With the promise of free college tuition through the Say Yes
to Education program, hopes are that students will stay on track and graduation rates will improve over
time.
The amount of tuition a student receives is dependent on how many consecutive years that student
has attended a Buffalo public or charter school. There are also different scholarships that students may
receive from Say Yes.
The opportunity grant may be awarded to eligible students enrolled at a SUNY or CUNY college who
have received the maximum Federal Pell Grant, resides on campus, and have unmet need for financial
aid. This grant offers up to $2,000 per year and can be used toward books, fees, or room and board.
There is also the choice grant for students from families whose income is more than $75,000 who are
attending a private college and not receiving a Say Yes to Education tuition scholarship may receive the
choice grant. This grant offers up to $5,000 per year.
The program has partnered with SUNY and CUNY institutions, and a number of private colleges,
including Canisius, Medaille, and Daemen colleges.
Organizers say the program will transform education in Buffalo, making it a more attractive place for
families and ultimately a healthier urban community.
At least 13 site facilitators will be sent to Buffalo schools, the first step of a four-year rollout that will see
facilitators in every city public and magnet school. The facilitators will analyze the school's strengths and
weaknesses and design programs around those characteristics.
Organizers said the program will transform education in Buffalo, making it a more attractive place for
families and ultimately a healthier urban community.
"There is incredible excitement," Director of Community Collaboration Jill Ann Robbins said. "There are
only a few places where students get this chance."
Lorraine Howell, a junior Social Work major, was a part of the Say Yes to Education program in Syracuse.
She appreciates the opportunity she was given.
"I'm going to school tuition free and it's given me an opportunity to get away from home, and Buffalo is
a great place," she said. "It's not too far, but it's also not too close."
Sashana Campbell can be reached by email at campbell.record@live.com.
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