BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — M&T Bank says it has donated $180,000 to Buffalo Prep to help students with support amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding will help with Buffalo Prep's new Student Success Center which allows for additional one-on-one academic support and intervention to students during periods of disruption.
“With the pandemic expected to increase education gaps in under-served communities, Buffalo Prep’s mission is more important now than ever. For over 30 years, it has helped thousands of students in our community overcome obstacles and achieve amazing things they may have never thought possible. To expand Buffalo Prep’s impact during this critical time, our community needs to come together to help,” said Tracy Woodrow, M&T Bank Chief Human Resources Officer. “We encourage other local companies and foundations to join us and support increased access to educational opportunities.”
“Launching this critical program during the pandemic was absolutely necessary to ensure our students’ ongoing success,” said Patti L. Stephen, the Robert G. Wilmers Endowed Executive Director at Buffalo Prep. “Thankfully, we have been able to rely on M&T Bank for funding support during this time of significant need for local students. Yet, given the enormous challenges facing children and families today, more support is needed to achieve our greatest impact. Our scholars need us, and Buffalo Prep needs the community’s help.”
M&T Bank says it provides approximately $5.6 million to support educational programs across the communities it serves.
