BCAT Case for support

OPPORTUNITY WITHIN REACH

BCAT CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TEST CASE FOR SUPPORT

We’ve outgrown our home.

For more than a decade, the Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology (BCAT) has been giving people the potential to rise above inequities and come together in new ways.

We provide youth and adults with cost-free tools and training to unlock their potential. That means facilitating careers, creativity, and the confidence needed to forge lasting paths forward for each individual. It means critical connections to social services, and a nonjudgmental understanding of harsh realities. This takes resources, and requires room to grow.

Our approach works.

We’ve kindled a flame. Now we need more fuel.

Gina Burkhardt, Robert D. Gioia, President & CEO Founding Chairman

LET LIGHT IN. LET LIGHT

OUT.

Environment shapes outcomes.

Our new home will be filled with opportunity and inspiration – light streaming in through every side of the building. Our students’ light also flows outward, illuminating Buffalo with their skills and artistry. Join us as we fill our space with knowledge, hope, and determination.

BCAT Youth Arts Mural Club with their original work, “A Hand Up” at Goodwill Industries

NOT JUST JOBS. CAREERS.

BCAT adult education programs were built to match students to employment needs in the local economy. Through market research and in our work with employers, we determined the industry sectors with the most demand, and the skills necessary to fill those jobs.

From the medical sector to information technology, there are mid-level gaps in the Buffalo employment market. These roles require specific training and certification, and offer opportunity for career advancement and familysustaining wages.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

• Resume writing and interviewing skills

• Job search techniques

• Soft and practical skill development

• Professional development

• Mental health strategies

• Referrals to other resources

• Tutoring

As the employment market evolves, BCAT stays attuned. We add programs to fill emerging needs, such as landscape maintenance, or medical administrative assistant training specifically addressing requests from local employers.

LIST OF CERTIFICATIONS

• IT Network Administrator

• IT Technical Support Technician

• IT Security

• Landscape Maintenance Technician

• Medical Administrative Assistant

• Medical Coder and Health Information Professionals

• Pharmacy Technician

• Phlebotomy

Through BCAT’s professional certification programs, adults graduate with training, experience, and national credentials to get well-paying jobs that provide economic stability and a chance at a brighter future.

Dakota, a pharm tech student, is now a part of BCAT’s Community Relations team, and spreads the word about BCAT’s free training programs. Patrick graduated from our Landscape program and is now the superintendent of Buffalo Olmsted Park Conservancy Golf Courses. Anthony became certified in IT Fundamentals and IT Security and is now teaching at Trocaire College, and at BCAT.

Our adults face family and life challenges, including housing and food insecurity, jobs that don’t pay their bills, and low self-esteem. At BCAT they find an unwavering support system and the courage to go for their dreams. The smiles on our students and families’ faces at graduation tell it all.

85% of adult students earn their certification 70% are placed in new jobs

100+ adult students graduate annually

BCAT is an important partner in helping Kaleida Health fill critical health positions and in diversifying our workforce. Our partnership is a win-win in that we have a greater talent pool to choose from while BCAT students are finding careers that give them opportunity and financial stability.

— Francesca Mesiah, Manager of Outreach and Advocacy, Kaleida Health; Executive Director, Near East and West Side Task Force

MAKING ART. BUILDING FUTURES.

BCAT helps high school youth build confidence and direction through creativity. Arts programming is scarce in Buffalo Public Schools. Students need the freedom to explore their potential. We provide a space free from external pressures that allows each person to find motivation and support.

Whether their path leads to a college education or a technical career, we cultivate expression of self and deepen connection to community.

In BCAT’s creative programs and safe spaces, youth grow their talent, embrace their passion, and find their futures.

Franklin joined 3D printing and will start UB School of Architecture in the fall. Kendric won a national arts-based billboard contest. Patricia is a sophomore in the School of Fine Arts and will be a teaching assistant at BCAT this summer. Several students from our digital media class joined Leroi Johnson’s exhibit at Burchfield Penney Arts Center.

Our students’ lives are tough –poverty, discrimination, bullying, and escalating violence are the norm. At BCAT they build practical skills as well as confidence, finding opportunity and joy. The pride they experience over their accomplishments is infectious.

BCAT let me explore my creativity to its fullest. It’s hard when you’re in a school led by a strict curriculum. You can’t really understand or flesh out your creativity. BCAT is a perfect outlet to throw your creativity at, and see what comes back and see what sticks.

— Franklin, 3D Printing & Design, Youth Arts & Advocacy Council, rising first year student at UB School of Architecture

100% of BCAT youth students graduate high school

100% college acceptance rate of BCAT students in 2024

100% of BCAT students are from Buffalo public or charter schools

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT.

No two students are alike. Each person has their own needs, goals, and talents.

BCAT’s one-to-one approach works.

EVERYONE RECEIVES INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION:

Personal tutoring, mentoring, and study skills training

Career counseling and job placement assistance

BCAT provided me with the right opportunity at the right time, and was available at no cost, unlike other programs, which I could not afford.

— Ahmad, BCAT Pharm Tech graduate, Tops Pharmacy employee

Social worker on site to coordinate external services

EVERYONE DESERVES A SEAT.

BCAT’s current facility simply can’t meet demand.

Adult classrooms are overcrowded and multiple programs share spaces throughout the day. Adults work long hours in rooms without sunlight. There’s no private space for personal counseling and consultation.

Youth classes are full and there isn’t enough space for everyone. Our students need space to work with their counselors and have a place where they feel like they belong.

Space is a form of respect. A beautiful space is something everyone deserves.

Having a private space to work one-on-one with individual students will give them the respect and grace they need to let their guard down.

— Callie Lewis, MSW, Youth Social Worker

INSIDE 368 SYCAMORE ST.

In our new space, adults and youth will have their own floors, and classrooms outfitted with the supplies and technology needed for each program. There will be spaces for personal counseling and coaching that give students privacy. Our art gallery will welcome in the local community and showcase the work of students and local artists.

• Dedicated classrooms for medical technology and IT training

• Private spaces for counseling and professional development

• Large community meeting room, with seating capacity for 50, a wellness room and flex spaces

• Space for on-site tutoring

• Purpose-built classrooms for the visual arts, digital media, 3D design, and an audio classroom with a true recording studio

• Private spaces for counseling and coaching students

• Library with research tools for students

• Inviting common spaces

• Art gallery

YOUTH FLOOR

ADULT FLOOR

Students and visitors will enter BCAT’s new 21,000 square-foot home through a welcoming lobby and art exhibition space. The building features sophisticated security systems, with double check-points for access.

But the greatest feature of 368 Sycamore is light. Enormous windows on all sides of the building let light flood into classes, offices and the gallery space, embodying a sense of possibility and potential.

Our new facility includes gallery exhibition space.

BCAT and Villa Maria College are committed to equitable access to quality education. BCAT offers art instruction that leads to college credits at Villa Maria, inspiring BCAT youth to stay on their path forward.

— Dr. Matthew Giordano, President, Villa Maria College

Adult and youth programs will have dedicated classrooms and ancillary spaces.

Our new building will increase square footage BY 50%

A COMMUNITY RESOURCE.

With a 10-year lease, BCAT is establishing a new home in the historic Pratt Willert neighborhood. GALLERIES, MUSEUMS AND HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

NORTH BUFFALO

Signs of revitalization are beginning in the Pratt Willert community — more affordable housing, engaged neighbors, and much needed economic investment.

BCAT will be an educational anchor that adds resources to this deserving neighborhood.

It’s no secret that the racial and economic realities of our city have led to fewer educational and cultural institutions on the East Side.

When another workforce development organization didn’t deliver on plans for this location, it was another blow to the community.

BCAT seized the opportunity.

I didn’t know if I would make it through my BCAT class, but they helped me at every step. Now that I am working full-time, I wanted to show other students that anything is possible. I am proud to be a BCAT instructor.

Teria Newell, BCAT graduate, now fulltime medical employee at Kaleida Health and BCAT Phlebotomy Instructor

The teachers here have changed my perspective on my abilities and how I feel about myself. I didn’t really think I was as good but coming here and learning more and building on my skills, I feel like I’ve begun to appreciate who I am and what I can do.

— Daria, Fine Arts, Digital Arts, Youth Arts & Advocacy, Mural Club

SUSTAINING FAMILIES. ACCESSING CONNECTIONS.

Economic stability leads to stable homes, and in turn stable homes create healthy neighborhoods. Living wages and career continuity are essential to sustained communities.

Our students face many obstacles. Many have been told that they are unworthy. We help build self esteem as well as skills. Some are unemployed, underemployed, or must juggle multiple low-paying jobs to make ends meet. They may lack transportation, childcare, or adequate food and housing. BCAT finds solutions for those things and more.

We address the misconceptions employers may have of our graduates, working with corporate leaders to change working environments into hospitable places. We continually build on relationships with employers to prepare students for emerging areas of need in the workforce.

Moreover, BCAT’s exponential growth in programs and services is tied to demand. Inspiring students, building a needed workforce, enriching college campuses – that’s how you sustain lasting change.

ENSURING OUR FUTURE.

BCAT is not just a building, it’s a supportive community that helps to build lives.

That requires the space needed to grow. And because our programs are free, BCAT does not have earned income. We require working capital to further serve our community. We can’t do it alone.

BCAT is at an inflection point in its natural evolution as a nonprofit — a moment of growth and opportunity.

— Blythe Merrill, Executive Vice President at The John R. Oishei Foundation (Retired)

THE COURAGE TO ASK.

Every student who attends BCAT is taking a bold step forward. They are reaching out for a new opportunity, or the support, training or affirmation necessary to affect change. That’s not easy.

BCAT provides an environment that is nonjudgmental, safe, and affirming. We accommodate student-specific needs, and facilitate the connections and enduring relationships that communities and careers are built on.

But make no mistake, the work students undertake is arduous. BCAT provides the space to do that work.

Workforce development necessitates building new, needed skill sets. Graduating high school requires a sense of purpose and an unfettered view of what’s possible.

BCAT students are courageous in asking for help and the tools necessary for their future.

BCAT is asking for help, too.

OPPORTUNITY IS WITHIN REACH.

For more than a decade, BCAT has forged pathways and launched careers.

From inception, we have witnessed BCAT’s impact, changing lives every day. The First Niagara Foundation and KeyBank have proudly supported their work since they opened their doors and are honored to support BCAT’s new home on Sycamore Street.

— Elizabeth Gurney, Executive Director, First Niagara and KeyBank Foundations (Retired)

— Chiwuike “Chi-Chi” Owunwanne, Corporate Responsibility Officer & Community Relations Manager, KeyBank

OPPORTUNITY IS WITHIN SIGHT.

FREE. IN EVERY WAY.

BCAT knows where opportunity exists.

We know which Buffalo industries and companies need the most skilled and certified workforce.

We know how to link our adult students to these opportunities, and how to secure the necessary training.

We know our youth have tremendous potential, and that creative work opens them to possibility. We know they need a supportive, empowering environment to realize their talents.

We know warmth, respect, and an accommodating place are essential for everyone.

Our new space affords an open view to a broader horizon. When you unlock someone’s potential they see themselves and the world around them in a new light.

Our programs are free of charge, and they empower students to be free:

FREE IN THEIR CREATIVITY. FREE IN THEIR CAREER PATHS . FREE TO FOCUS ON THEIR FUTURES . FREE TO BE THEMSELVES .

WHY HERE WHY NOW

In 2023, a real estate dream became a reality.

A spacious, accessible facility at 368 Sycamore Street suddenly became available. After looking at 26 potential sites, this one filled every need. It was too good to pass up.

For the past 10 years, BCAT has supported individuals as they’ve embarked on new pathways and found new opportunities to grow and succeed. We’ve supported Buffalo’s employers in their quest for talented, trained mid-skill workers as the healthcare and IT sector drive the economy. We invest what’s needed in each and every individual.

NOW THE COMMUNITY NEEDS TO INVEST IN BCAT. THIS IS THE MOMENT. THE NUMBERS WORK AND THE SPACE IS PERFECT. WE TAKE OCCUPANCY THIS YEAR.

A CAMPAIGN THAT BOTH EXPANDS AND SUSTAINS BCAT.

BCAT is launching an $8 million campaign to fund the renovation and completion of two floors of BCAT’s new home — an affirming, encouraging environment worthy of our incredible students — and to lay the foundation for our future.

With $2.5 million already raised, BCAT’s campaign is off and running. The balance of these funds will be raised in the next three years and pledges are payable over five years. In recognition of community investors and donors, BCAT will offer Commemorative Naming Opportunities beginning at $25,000 and a Wall of Honor will recognize donors of $10,000 or more.

THE CAMPAIGN WILL ALSO:

• Invest in BCAT’s programs and growth

• Provide wrap around support that keeps students coming back

• Build working capital and reserves

• Enhance BCAT’s longterm sustainability by seeding an endowment

Total Hard Costs

$4,436,513 Total Soft Costs (IT, data upgrades, classroom tech & engineering)

Ramp Up Costs

Capital & Endowment Seed Funding

ABOUT BCAT

BCAT was launched in 2013 by community leaders from The John R. Oishei Foundation, The First Niagara Foundation, M&T Bank, and The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

They recognized that many Buffalo residents need targeted access to high-quality, accessible workforce development training that leads to careers in the growing industries driving Buffalo’s economic revitalization.

They also recognized that Buffalo’s high school students need broader access to arts and technology programs supporting their motivation to stay in school, graduate, and follow a pathway forward into college and careers.

BCAT has a proven track record of helping adult and high school students build better futures. 100% of BCAT high school students stay in school, graduate, and in 2024, 100% have been accepted into the college of their choice. 85% of BCAT adult students earn national certifications in their field of study and head work-ready into mid-skill careers.  BCAT’S APPROACH WORKS .

BCAT STUDENTS WORK . BCAT WORKS .

For more information contact: Sean Crawford, Director of Development

716.259.1680 www.bufcat.org

BCAT LEADERSHIP

Gina Burkhardt

President & CEO

Robert D. Gioia

Chairman

Past-President - The John R. Oishei

Foundation

Pamela Hokanson

Vice Chair

CEO & President - Buffalo Promise

Neighborhood

Joseph Bach

Past CIO - Hospice and Palliative Care

Buffalo and IT Strategy Consultant

William Wells, CPA

Treasurer

Chief Financial Officer - Explore & More

Cynthia Bass

Chief Diversity Officer - Erie County Medical Center

Laketa Cooper

Community Advocate, former BCAT Medical Coding graduate

Michael Cropp

President & CEO - Independent Health

Luke Cusack

Vice President - Savarino Companies

Nickole Garrison

Chief Client Service Officer & Vice PresidentGarrison Murphy Wealth Management

Denis Guerin

Executive Director, BOMA Greater Buffalo

John “Jock” Mitchell

Retired Marketing Executive & Community Leader

Chiwuike “Chi Chi” Owunwanne

Corporate Responsibility Officer & Community Relations Manager - KeyBank

Stephanie Rivera

Community Volunteer

Rachel Stenclik

Community Advocate

Scott Stenclik CEO - Aleron

Kevin Szczepanski

Partner - Barclay Damon