Our Youth Services Division empowers children and young adults in our community.

Cherrina Kelly is like many kids these days. Although raised by loving grandparents, she was out of touch with most of her family and surrounded by difficult circumstances. She began making poor choices in school, and in friends, and was headed for trouble. Then she found the Buffalo Urban League’s Youth Programs.

“My math grades were in the fifties,” she said, “and I knew I had to rebuild the trust I’d lost with my family.” She found a safe place to do that at the Urban League. “I’ve been here for four years. By working with a tutor my math grades are now in the high eighties. And I have friends here and people who care about me.”

Cherrina is one of approximately 475 students helped through the Buffalo Urban League Youth Department in 2005. The department was able to collaborate with the NYS department of Labor, Buffalo Public Schools, NYS Department of Education, Youth Opportunity Program of Buffalo and NYS Office of Child & Family Services to provide a comprehensive, holistic network of youth development programs designed to foster academic achievement, college and career exploration and essential life skills.

Education Support Services

Supplemental Educational Services- Tutoring in math and reading provided to students in various Buffalo Public Schools. Tutoring is provided weekdays after school for grades K-12. Classroom instruction is provided utilizing certified teachers, tutors and state of the art learning systems which are aligned with New York State standards.

Adolescent Vocational Exploration Plus Program- Provides job and career readiness preparation for students aged 14-18. Program participants research careers and develop post-secondary plans and many have completed internships in the career of their choice. Over the past 10 years, 85% of students completing the program have graduated from high school, entered college or obtained full-time employment.

Youth Engagement Services- Serves economically disadvantaged, at-risk, matriculating youth from the Buffalo Public School District. The program ensures that students are equipped for economic self-reliance and social and personal development.

21 st Century School Grant- Program provides career learning opportunities and education awareness activities for school-based facilitations. Also offers tutoring to students in math and reading.

NULITES- The National Urban League Initiative to Excel and Succeed is a leadership training program for high school age students. The program teaches youth the importance of good leadership skills. Participants must maintain good school attendance, grades and behavior.

Public Service and Community Collaborations

Over the past year, the Youth Department has collaborated with several groups and businesses to provide a well-rounded learning experience for students. Volunteer projects included the MS Walk, Great American Clean-Up Buffalo, Sister-to-Sister Leadership Conference, Holiday Basket Give Away, Seat Belt Safety, First Night Buffalo and Thanksgiving Community Dinner. In addition, internship opportunities were provided by a number of companies and community-based organizations throughout Buffalo, including the Better Business Bureau, WBLK, Children’s Hospital, Kiddieland Day Care, Gloria J. Parks Community Center and Lincoln Child Care Center.

The combination of structured educational programs, community activities and internships of the Buffalo Urban League offers students what they need most: guidance and support. Or as Cherrina Kelly says, “It’s a safe haven.”