Join a community of passionate leaders who are creating opportunities for kids in Buffalo.
In Buffalo our pride is strong, we are known as the city of good neighbors. Buffalo is home to a thriving innovation economy, however half of all students in Buffalo come from a low-income background and are not receiving the same resources and opportunities as their more affluent peers. Of the nearly 33,000 low-income students growing up in Buffalo, 1 in 3 will not graduate high school, and only 9% will receive a bachelor’s degree by the age of 25. While the statistics seem daunting, we have seen evidence in classrooms, schools, and districts that when students in low-income communities are given the educational opportunities they deserve, they excel.
This is a unique moment for Buffalo. The community has never been more focused on the state of our public schools and the urgency to improve them. Parents and families are more engaged in the progress of our public school system than at any time in recent history.
Buffalo is home to a large immigrant population, stemming largely from the active resettlement of refugees from around the world. Many alumni who teach here have an opportunity to work with students who are English language learners.
Buffalo is a city with a small-town feel. Locals are welcoming and are excited about being surrounded by positive change and new construction. There has never been a more exciting time to explore the Queen City.
Neighborhood Highlights
Street view of Elwood Village, a neighborhood in Buffalo. Many of our corps members live in the Elmwood Village which has a lot to offer! Filled with over 200 small businesses and restaurants, it is a great part of the city to explore. The world-famous Albright Knox Art Gallery and Delaware Park sit at the north end of this neighborhood. The walkable Elmwood Avenue is always in motion with people from the neighborhood and visiting from other places. Live here and get involved with the Elmwood Village Association, attend local events and shop on Saturday mornings at the Elmwood-Bidwell farmers' market.
View of MLK Park Splash Pad, a central aspect of the Masten District Neighborhood. Buffalo is home to several parks designed by well renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted including Martin Luther King Jr. Park (also known as Humbolt Park). This park is home to Buffalo’s historic Museum of Science and also one of the nations longest running Juneteenth Festivals. From Summer to Winter, there is always something to do - from finding refuge from the heat on the splash pad (pictured above) to ice skating when the pond freezes over.
Aerial view of University Heights, a neighborhood in Buffalo. Home to the South Campus of SUNY University at Buffalo, University Heights offers a mix of attractions that cater to its residents - students and families alike including local diners, coffee shops, parks, and community gardens.
View of the North Park Theater, a staple in the North Buffalo Neighborhood. Located adjacent to University Heights, there is loads to do in North Buffalo. From taking a trip to the historic Buffalo Zoo, to catching a film at the North Park Theater (pictured above), and even taking a stroll down Hertle Avenue. Like the livelihood of the Elmwood Village but want something a bit more residential? North Buffalo is the place for you.
Canalside is at the heart of downtown Buffalo's waterfront revitalization. Located at the 1825 terminus of the Erie Canal, the site's storied history is just as exciting as its future! Canalside hosts hundreds of events throughout the year, many of which are free or low cost to the public. You'll find concerts and festivals, summer fitness classes and ice skating, children's programming, history tours, and outdoor winter activities.