In light of recent events affecting our local High School Students, Teen Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo Keystone Club have expressed their concern for urban public schools in America, in particular, Buffalo Public Schools. Keystone Club is a unique leadership development experience providing opportunities for Youth to participate, both in and out of the Club, in activities focusing on academic success, career preparation and community service. With the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystone Clubs aim to have a positive impact on members, the Club and community. Recognizing that our education system is in trouble, and our youth are suffering because of it, we as an organization have decided to provide our Members with a forum to express themselves.

The Educate to Elevate project is a round table discussion focusing on chronic absenteeism, high school "drop out" rates, the lower achievement rates of African American males, parent involvement, and school reform. Allowing our Members the opportunity to be heard is the best way we can support them in their academic objectives. Members have been focusing on 5 core questions to be answered as part of the discussion. The questions were created in partnership with leading education officials throughout WNY.

To provide an even bigger impact, Educate to Elevate is being held in conjunction with our annual Lights on Afterschool event, held in partnership with the Afterschool Alliance and afterschool programs across the country in rallying for afterschool programs. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo are asking the general public to attend the forum, and listen to the needs of our youth, their concerns, fears, and suggestions.

Educate to Elevate will be held on
Thursday Oct. 20th at 5:30pm
Eggertsville Youth & Community Center
4110 Bailey Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14226


About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo
Our Mission is to provide appropriate and diversified programs and activities that serve to attract and hold area youth to the Clubhouse. We provide environments that teach children the skills needed to build positive lives, attitudes, and behaviors. Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo has been an integral part of Western New York for over 80 years. Its 15 locations provide services to over 7,000 boys and girls, ages 6-18, in the key areas of Character & Leadership, Education & Career Development, Health & Life-skills, The Arts and Sports, Fitness & Recreation.