Say Yes Buffalo Reaffirms Commitment to Scholarship Program
Say Yes Buffalo announces a recommitment to its scholarship promise first delivered to the class of 2013. This recommitment was guided by two key priorities: 1) safeguarding funds to guarantee the scholarship’s sustainability and 2) increasing support for students with the greatest financial need.
Since its inception, the Say Yes Buffalo scholarship has provided over 3,500 students with financial support for higher education. Meanwhile, the Say Yes Buffalo scholarship endowment campaign has raised over $61 million to-date. Say Yes Buffalo will continue to raise funds for the scholarship endowment and revisit these new guidelines accordingly in the future. Today’s announcement will ensure that these funds will be available to Buffalo’s scholars in perpetuity.
The following scholarship guidelines are effective immediately:
Opportunity grants for scholars living on SUNY/CUNY campuses increased from $1,000/semester to $1,300/semester; a new opportunity grant for commuters to SUNY campuses was introduced, providing eligible students with $200/semester.
All scholarship awards for students with an average gross income (AGI) of more than $125,000 per year will be capped at the current SUNY/CUNY tuition of $7,070/ year. (Based on the current numbers of Say Yes scholars’AGI, this will affect roughly 10 percent of scholars, and only those who attend SUNY/CUNY institutions as there will be no changes to the awards scholars receive to attend private schools. See below for more data on our scholars’AGI.)
Seven scholarships annually are now available to scholars interested in earning a degree in Barbering or Cosmetology through BOCES.
Scholars who choose to enter the military upon graduating high school can now maintain their Say Yes eligibility, provided they enroll in college within one year of leaving service.
Scholars who earn a GED from a community-based organization program and who meet all other eligibility requirements will now be Say Yes eligible.
The following scholarship guidelines are effective for the class of 2030, affecting scholars who are currently in 7th grade:
Scholars with an AGI below $125,000 will not see their awards changed.
Scholars who attend private schools will not see their awards changed.
Scholars with an AGI of $125,000-$200,000 will be tiered at $5,000.
Scholars with an AGI of $200,000-$250,000 will be tiered at $4,000.
Scholars with an AGI of $250,000-$300,000 will be tiered at $3,000.
Scholars with an AGI of $300,000+ will be tiered at $2,000.
“At Say Yes Buffalo, we are deeply committed to leveling the playing field for all scholars, regardless of their financial situation,” said David Rust, Chief Executive Officer of Say Yes Buffalo. “This recommitment not only ensures that our scholarship program remains strong and accessible but also focuses on providing more robust support to scholars from historically marginalized communities. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has stepped up and aided this permanent endowment with their time, their passion for our youth, and their resources.”
“The work of Say Yes is a game changer for closing opportunity gaps for youth in the City of Buffalo,” Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams Knight said. “Say Yes Buffalo is removing the financial barrier that often makes pursuing post-secondary education very difficult for many bright young minds. I applaud Chief Executive Officer David Rust and the entire Say Yes team and its donors for making sure this incredible scholarship program remains strong and accessible in perpetuity for all those who want to continue their education after high school so they can fully realize not only their potential but their dreams.”
“Today’s announcement is exciting. The Say Yes Buffalo scholarship plays a crucial role in helping to ensure that students get the education they need to succeed in higher education and enter the workforce,” said SUNY Erie President Dr. Adiam Tsegai. “It is important to make sure these funds continue to be available to students, now and in the future.”
As the Say Yes Buffalo scholarship continues to evolve, the organization remains focused on its mission to remove financial barriers to education and expand access to postsecondary opportunities for all scholars in Buffalo. By focusing on longterm sustainability and equity, Say Yes Buffalo is taking the necessary steps to ensure every scholar has the support they need to succeed.
For more information about Say Yes Buffalo’s recommitment to its scholarship program and other initiatives, please visit www.sayyesbuffalo.org