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By Superintendent Mark Laurrie
Niagara Falls City School District
The numbers tell the story. Since Say Yes Buffalo was founded in 2011, the Buffalo Schools’ graduation rate has increased from 49% to 79% in 2023. The number of students attending college in a given year has increased from 890 in 2012 to an average of 1,122 students per year over the last decade. Now, this generous and successful program is launching Say Yes Niagara Falls this year!
The 2025–2026 school year marks the inaugural year of a partnership between Say Yes Buffalo and the Niagara Falls City School District (NFCSD) to launch Say Yes Niagara Falls. Building on Say Yes’ mission to remove barriers to educational attainment, workforce participation, and economic mobility for students, this partnership is focused on promoting fairness for all racial groups. Say Yes helps cover college tuition and supports students from early school years through their careers. The goal remains to help more students graduate from high school, pursue further education, and gain quality job access.
Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, Say Yes Niagara Falls will introduce four key programs. These are based on the successful Say Yes Buffalo model. The programs are Community Schools, the Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council, and the Modern Youth Apprenticeship Program. The Promise Scholarship will be available starting in the 2026–2027 academic year.
Starting in 2025
Community Schools provide school and neighborhood resources to help students learn and strengthen families. The main feature is Saturday Academies, where schoolwork, health, and social services all come together. These academies also support community growth and engagement. In Niagara Falls, they will rotate between four schools: Harry F. Abate Elementary School, Gaskill Preparatory School, Bloneva Bond Primary School, and Cataract Elementary School.
The Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council is part of the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable’s Boys and Men of Color Initiative. It aims to help boys and young men of color achieve success in school and in their careers. The program is open to young men aged 12 to 24 years old. Each participant commits to one year. They learn to advocate for social justice, racial equity, and policy change. The program also offers career exploration and recreation opportunities.
Modern Youth Apprenticeship
Say Yes Buffalo helped create the CareerWise Greater Buffalo Modern Youth Apprenticeship program. They worked closely with the school district, local colleges, employers, and industry partners to help young people find paid apprenticeships that lead to full-time jobs. The program offers paid work, on-the-job learning and coaching, classes at approved schools, and full support during the placement. It is expanding to include the Niagara Falls High School class of 2026.
Starting in the 2026–2027 school year
Say Yes Buffalo and Niagara Falls leadership are working toward a $20 million goal to fund the Say Yes Niagara Falls Scholarship Endowment. This endowment aims to provide every Niagara Falls High School graduate with support to pursue college or further education after high school. Details about awards for the Class of 2027 will be shared as the campaign progresses and will depend on the amount raised.
Say Yes Niagara Falls will be the first expansion of the highly successful Say Yes Buffalo initiative. These opportunities will truly be a game changer for our students and community. Together, we can build a brighter future and ensure that every child has the support they need to reach their full potential.
