October 6, 2025

Say Yes Buffalo Launches Saturday Academy in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, October 6, 2025

The Say Yes Buffalo program has extended its initiatives into Niagara Falls City Schools with the launch of a new Saturday Academy, engaging over 200 students in activities focused on academic improvement and extracurricular involvement. The program, supported by a $5 million grant, partners with local universities to provide specialized resources in tutoring, STEM workshops, and arts classes. Early feedback indicates positive responses from families and students, highlighting a commitment to bridging educational gaps in the region.

Niagara Falls, NY – Say Yes Buffalo Launches Saturday Academy in Local Schools

The Say Yes Buffalo program has expanded into Niagara Falls City Schools with the launch of its new Saturday Academy, aimed at improving academic outcomes and increasing student participation in extracurricular activities. More than 200 students from kindergarten through 12th grade took part in the first sessions, which included tutoring, hands-on STEM workshops, and arts-based classes. This initiative represents a significant step toward addressing educational challenges in the region by providing accessible learning opportunities outside regular school hours.

The Saturday Academy sessions kicked off recently, drawing strong attendance despite being the inaugural event. Held at LaSalle High School, the program offers a convenient format that eliminates the need for additional transportation, making it easier for families to participate. Early feedback from participants highlights increased enthusiasm and better attendance rates compared to similar programs, suggesting a positive start to the effort.

Program Structure and Funding Details

Funded by a $5 million grant, the Saturday Academy partners with nearby universities to deliver specialized resources focused on college preparation. These partnerships ensure that sessions cover essential topics like advanced math tutoring and science experiments, alongside creative outlets such as drawing and music classes. Volunteers from Canisius University and various local businesses facilitated activities, including sessions on financial literacy and career exploration tailored to regional opportunities.

The program’s design emphasizes holistic student development, connecting academic support with practical skills for future success. For instance, career-focused workshops introduce students to job sectors like manufacturing and healthcare, which are vital to the local economy. This approach not only boosts immediate learning but also prepares participants for post-graduation pathways, helping to bridge gaps in workforce readiness.

Impact on Student Success and Community Engagement

By targeting students across all grade levels, the Saturday Academy seeks to foster long-term growth and empowerment among youth. Initial evaluations indicate that participants are showing greater engagement, which could lead to sustained improvements in grades and school attendance. Parents have expressed appreciation for the free access and central location, which remove common barriers to extracurricular involvement.

As urban school districts like those in Niagara Falls continue to face achievement disparities, this expansion serves as a potential model for broader support systems. The program’s scalability could inspire similar efforts in other areas struggling with educational inequities. Registration for future sessions remains available, with upcoming plans to introduce one-on-one mentorship pairings by the middle of the semester.

Background on Say Yes Buffalo and Regional Context

Say Yes Buffalo originally focused on Buffalo’s public schools but has now extended its reach to neighboring Niagara Falls to maximize impact across Western New York. The organization’s mission centers on providing comprehensive support to underserved students, including academic enrichment and community resources. This latest development aligns with ongoing efforts to combat achievement gaps that affect many urban districts in the area.

The Saturday Academy builds on proven strategies from the program’s Buffalo operations, where similar initiatives have contributed to higher graduation rates and college enrollment. By integrating economic development goals, such as preparing students for local job markets, the expansion addresses both educational and community needs. Opportunities for further involvement, including volunteering or partnering, are open to the public.

In total, this launch underscores a commitment to equitable education in Niagara Falls, with over 200 students already benefiting from diverse, engaging activities. As the program progresses, its influence on student performance and regional vitality will likely become clearer through continued assessments and participation growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Saturday Academy?

The Saturday Academy is an expansion of the Say Yes Buffalo program into Niagara Falls City Schools, designed to boost academic performance and extracurricular engagement through tutoring, STEM workshops, and arts classes.

How many students attended the first sessions?

Over 200 students in grades K-12 attended the inaugural sessions of the Saturday Academy.

Where are the sessions held?

The sessions are held at LaSalle High School in Niagara Falls.

What funding supports the program?

The program is funded by a $5 million grant and partners with local universities to provide college prep resources.

What activities are included?

Activities include tutoring, STEM workshops, arts classes, financial literacy sessions, and career exploration focused on manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

Is the program free, and does it require transportation?

Yes, the program is free and held in a central location that eliminates the need for additional transportation.

Are there plans for future expansions within the program?

Plans include integrating mentorship pairings by mid-semester, with registration still open for upcoming sessions.

Key Features of the Saturday Academy Program

Feature	Description
Student Attendance	Over 200 students in grades K-12
Core Activities	Tutoring, STEM workshops, arts classes
Funding	$5 million grant
Partnerships	Local universities and businesses (e.g., Canisius University)
Focus Areas	Academic support, college prep, financial literacy, career exploration in manufacturing and healthcare
Location	LaSalle High School, no transportation needed
Future Plans	Mentorship pairings by mid-semester; open registration