Say Yes Buffalo and the Diocese of Buffalo Department of Catholic Schools announced today that they are collaborating to learn from each other's experiences with the goal to strengthen student support services and professional development for educators and administrators across the city's Catholic and public schools.

"Say Yes and the Diocese of Buffalo have the same objective," said Carol Kostyniak, Secretary for Catholic Education for the diocese.  "We want to give all students every opportunity to be the very best they can be as they pursue their educations."

A working committee including representatives from Say Yes and the diocese was established to guide their joint effort.  Specific collaborations being considered include:

• Sharing research to better understand how families across Western New York are receiving support services and how those support mechanisms can be strengthened in both the Buffalo Public and Catholic schools 
• Augmenting professional development of guidance counselors and strengthening services to high school students as they apply to college
• Expanding information regarding the financial aid and college application processes across both systems

"A key aspect of the Say Yes approach is to collaborate with organizations already doing great work in the community and find ways to build off of and strengthen those efforts," said Eugene Chasin, Chief Operating Officer of Say Yes to Education, the parent organization of Say Yes Buffalo. "We are pleased to be working with the Diocese of Buffalo which has so many programs that serve children and families in the city of Buffalo."

About Buffalo Catholic Schools

The Catholic Schools (http://www.wnycatholicschools.com) in the Diocese of Buffalo are Christ-centered private schools that are focused on nurturing academic excellence, Christian character and service to others.  The mission of Catholic schools of the Diocese of Buffalo is to educate individuals to reach their full potential in an atmosphere rooted in Catholic tradition and Gospel values.  Buffalo Catholic schools are considered among the best private schools in Western New York.

About Say Yes Buffalo

Say Yes Buffalo (http://buffalo.sayyestoeducation.org) is dedicated to increasing high school and postsecondary graduation rates among students attending Buffalo public and charter schools.  Say Yes Buffalo provides comprehensive supports, including the promise of a locally funded full college or vocational education, aligned with what research indicates is needed to enable every child in the program to achieve his or her potential.  Say Yes Buffalo is made possible by the generosity of Western New York individuals, families, businesses and foundations and Say Yes to Education, Inc., a national, non-profit education foundation.