Workforce development solutions
Building a stronger workforce by tapping into our most valuable resource: Our Emerging Talent!
Welcome to Say Yes Buffalo’s Workforce Development Solutions!
Since 2021, Say Yes Buffalo’s Workforce Development Solutions has advanced a streamlined approach to strengthening an inclusive economy through partnerships with local employers and higher education, investing directly in young talent.
Whether you are a young professional eager to develop your career or an area employer ready to develop your workforce, we have a solution for you! Now it’s time to Say Yes!
Below is all the information you need to get involved in this dynamic program. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Discover Our Programs
Modern Youth Apprenticeship
An earn-and-learn model in partnership with CareerWise to prepare young professionals for career pathways in advanced manufacturing, business operations, culinary, financial services, IT, and healthcare (with the opportunity to add additional paths).
What is a Modern Youth Apprenticeship?
In brief, an opportunity to work part-time while taking parallel college coursework that directly supports your job role.
Get paid to work and learn in this 2-3 year program for graduating seniors of Buffalo public and charter high schools. The apprenticeship combines part-time college with part-time work in fields like advanced manufacturing, business operations, culinary, financial services, IT, and healthcare.
Participants earn a certificate or an associate's degree and the chance to secure a family sustaining wage ($45K/ year) at completion of the program.
Higher education and training costs covered by the Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship for students who are Say Yes eligible.
Direct Hire
Get hired directly into employment and program opportunities for young professionals ages 18-24 who have graduated from Buffalo Public or Buffalo Charter High Schools and who live in Buffalo, NY. You do not need to be eligible for the Say Yes Scholarship to participate in this program!
Some roles require no training. Roles that require training (1 year or less) will be supported by an appropriate training provider.
Internships
The Say Yes Buffalo Internship program is designed specifically for rising college sophomores and older who are looking for paid meaningful workforce exposure during summers or even during the academic year.
Find Out More
For high school seniors and those ages 18-24 interested in workforce development programs, please contact Shara Armprester at 716-954-2401, sarmprester@sayyesbuffalo.org.
For businesses and employers interested in recruiting emerging talent, please contact Tiffany Swink at tswink@sayyesbuffalo.org.
For students and business interested in the internship program, please review the information and contact information available at our internships page.
For more general inquiries, use the button below.
Our Story
Say Yes Buffalo is an economic development engine committed to creating a healthier, more inclusive economy through direct investment in our youth. Driven by unprecedented collaboration with public and private partners, our innovative cradle-to-career programs have increased access to educational opportunities and economic mobility across Buffalo. Our impact is demonstrated through increasing high school graduation rates, postsecondary educational participation, and career opportunities.
