M&T Bank's commitment to the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood initiative will continue after the death of Chairman/CEO Robert Wilmers. The program helps provide educational opportunities to students in one of the poorest parts of Buffalo (the Northeastern corner). Hear from a teenager who is now attending The Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart without cost - thanks to Wilmers' funding of the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood scholarships.
Bob Wilmers first started the initiative twenty-four years ago with the goal of improving educational opportunities for children in an area that had high poverty and poor performing schools.
According to the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood, 90% of high school students in the Northeastern part of the City of Buffalo are at high risk of not graduating on time - and many of those will not go to college.
Thanks to Wilmers' leadership, M&T Bank now provides resources and services to Westminster Community Charter School, Highgate Heights Elementary School and the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood Children's Academy.
Plans are in the works to open another early childhood center next year as part of the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood initiative.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly has more in his report.
