Closing the Gap/Say Yes Buffalo

  • Closing the Gap

    Closing the Gap (CTG) Site Facilitator Program first began in 2002 in collaboration with Catholic Charities, the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, and the Buffalo Public School District. In alignment with Buffalo Public School's Vision and Priorities, the Site Facilitator Program supports the improvement of the academic success of students in Buffalo Public Schools by addressing non-academic barriers to learning.

    Site Facilitators link school-based agency providers to students and families to deliver services that include, but are not limited to:

    • Basic needs for families (e.g. clothing, food)
    • Tutoring and mentoring
    • Mental health services
    • Grief and loss counseling
    • Parent support
    • After school and summer programming
    • Behavior and re-entry planning
    • Classroom student support
    • Peer leadership
    • Life skills development
    • Crisis intervention

    Say Yes Buffalo

    The Say Yes Buffalo Partnership is a landmark collaboration that brings together diverse education stakeholders such as the Buffalo Public School District, teachers, parents, administrators, city and county governments, higher education, local nonprofits, religious groups and community based providers, and philanthropic organizations to organize people, time, money and resources to provide holistic, year-round support to Buffalo Public School students throughout their K-12 years and beyond.

    Say Yes Buffalo partners believe every student can graduate high school and college when given the proper supports, resources, and opportunities. 

    The Say Yes Buffalo Partnership facilitates comprehensive supports, including locally funded tuition scholarships to one of nearly 100 colleges and universities for those who meet residency, graduation and admission requirements. These supports are aligned with what research indicates is needed to enable every child to achieve his or her potential and include:

    • 1:1 intensive mentoring with students and families
    • Family services
    • College and financial aid application assistance
    • Mentoring for College students
    • Tutoring
    • After school and summer programming
    • Health and mental health care
    • Legal services