Local organizations offer education opportunities and college scholarships to graduates
BUFFALO, NY – Buffalo Prep, a local program that helps underrepresented students prepare for college preparatory high schools and higher education, recently introduced a new alumni program, called Alumni Prep. This program extends Buffalo Prep’s support to high school graduates through postsecondary education and career placement. Services include career exploration and development, internship placements, leadership and enrichment workshops, scholarship assistance and socioeconomic support and mentoring. The expansion of Prep’s pipeline of services is timely, as the program celebrates its 30th anniversary – a significant milestone in its history.
“Our comprehensive program and personalized care no longer stop at the door,” said Patti Stephen, executive director for Buffalo Prep.“Thanks to the efforts and generosity of our local partners, Buffalo Prep graduates will receive the support and guidance they need to grow and flourish as young adults.”
Part of the Alumni Prep program is providing students with real-life experiences whenever possible. On January 8 and 9, the program held its inaugural two-day Internship Day. Organizations that participated include the American Advertising Federation (AAF) of Buffalo, Crowley Webb, Hodgson Russ LLP, M&T Bank, National Fuel Gas Company, Northwest Bank, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. The organizations provided Buffalo Prep alumni with an exclusive look into their business and culture, as well as internship and career opportunities.
These companies have also supported Buffalo Prep alumni through scholarships and career development. Seven Buffalo Prep alumni are employed at M&T Bank, and in addition, M&T established a scholarship fund in Robert G. Wilmers’ name, which has benefited eight Buffalo Prep rising high school freshmen, as well as a college-bound senior. Since 2013, Hodgson Russ has given a college scholarship to a Prep senior interested in a law-related career. AAF Buffalo also awards a scholarship each year to a graduating Buffalo Prep student who plans to study communications, advertising and/or marketing in college.
Additionally, National Fuel has recently announced it will be providing three $15,000 college scholarships per year for four years to Buffalo Prep graduates majoring in engineering, information technology or finance.“The summer I spent at National Fuel really gave me a taste of life after college. The people I worked with daily gave me advice on not only what to do currently to succeed, but how to look toward the future as well,” said Myles Hervey, Buffalo Prep Class of 2013. “Everyone there was extremely kind, and I feel that was I was able to build a professional network as well as long-lasting friendships, and I could not be more thankful for it.”
The 2019 scholarship recipients will be announced at Buffalo Prep’s annual Celebration of Achievement gala on May 2, 2019, at Kleinhans Music Hall. This year’s event will honor M&T Bank and the Children’s Foundation of Erie County, as well as Buffalo Prep’s graduating high school scholars and all of its steadfast and loyal supporters in the community.