BUFFALO, N.Y.--New York State is investing in Buffalo’s youth to the tune of $10 million.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul announced a major gift for Say Yes Buffalo Friday. 

Since 2012, Say Yes Buffalo has helped send 5,000 local students to college, and that foundation received a big boost. 

The foundation pays for tuition at SUNY and CUNY schools and a number of private schools, but there’s also the Excelsior Scholarship, the state program that pays for SUNY and CUNY education. 

 

 

The state, not wanting to be redundant in its efforts, is designating this $10 million for non-tuition expenses like books and other fees. 

This money is coming as a part of the second phase of Governor Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion initiative. The state says it’s not only investing in buildings and businesses, but also in people. 

"We can respond to the needs of the new Buffalo economy by ensuring that more students who were born and raised here right in our neighborhoods have access to college, whereas before the financial barrier was too great for them and their families," said Hochul. 

The city of Buffalo has also committed more than $2 million to Say Yes Buffalo as a part of the 2018 city budget.