Buffalo Promise Neighborhood

Buffalo Promise Neighborhood (BPN) is a unique public / private partnership bringing together local business, community and philanthropic leaders to help build and sustain stronger communities within the city of Buffalo. Our focus is two-fold: • Provide opportunity, support and services to help parents achieve the best for themselves and their children; and • Build a strong educational foundation that carries children from cradle to career. In the early 1990s, M&T Bank Chairman, Robert Wilmers, was concerned about the state of education in Buffalo’s public schools. This led to the idea: if M&T were to adopt a struggling school and invest in it, could that make a difference? In 1993, that idea was put to the test when Mr. Wilmers led a group of M&T Bank employees to help revitalize Buffalo Public School 68 – at the time, one of the city’s lowest performing schools. The group brought a new perspective, viewing it through a business lens, in addition to education. As School #68 transitioned to Westminster Community Charter School and achieved success, M&T ultimately brought the national Promise Neighborhood model to Buffalo in 2012, officially creating , and Buffalo Promise Neighborhood.