Program gives free college to students

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) - Students in Buffalo Public Schools received one of the greatest Christmas gifts of all Tuesday.  Starting with the class of 2013, students will receive free college tuition.

The program that will make this possible is called "Say Yes to Education".  The program will allow children who graduate from a City of Buffalo high school to go to college for free.

The founder of the program, George Weiss, came to Buffalo to make the announcement, which was part pep rally, part revival.

Students cheered and applauded when Weiss announced "I've got some great news for you - a free college tuition!"

The "Promise Scholarships" are for any Buffalo student, beginning with next year's graduating class, who lives in the city, has attended Buffalo Public Schools, or a charter school in the city for 4 straight years.

The scholarships are only for SUNY or CUNY colleges with the exception of a few private schools that are participating.

Proponents of the program call it a "game changer" for students in Buffalo, which is one of the poorest cities in America.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said that the announcement will transform students' lives and even transform the City of Buffalo.

"Say Yes to Education" also provide $15 million for after-school programs, summer camps, and more.

The program has existed in Syracuse for almost 4 years.  However, Syracuse civic leaders say the impact on test scores needed to be accepted into college has been minimal but they say the program is improving the quality of life in Syracuse.

For more information, please visit the Say Yes to Buffalo website.