Buffalo Prep announces READI Summit

Press Release

Buffalo Prep, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing academic enrichment programming while promoting educational and racial equity, announced the launch of READI Summit – a series of full-day conferences designed to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) journeys throughout the community.

The READI (Realizing Equity, Access, Diversity, and Inclusion) Summit follows a successful soft launch of the program with Buffalo Prep's board, committee members, staff and faculty last year. While DEI training has been mandated for years for all stakeholders of the organization, the READI Summit is now welcoming participation from community members passionate about creating positive change in their organizations and society at large.

"At Buffalo Prep, we believe that education and collaborative efforts are key to fostering more inclusive environments and driving meaningful change," said Patti Stephen, president. "READI Summit is designed to empower individuals and organizations at every stage of their DEI journey, providing them with the knowledge, tools and connections needed to transform their communities. At Buffalo Prep, we believe knowledge is power, and the READI program is our answer to being a part of creating a more equitable community for our scholars, friends and peers. "

READI Summit will take place on the following dates at Buffalo Prep: Friday, Oct. 4; Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025; and Friday, March 21, 2025.

READI Summit will offer tailored learning experiences, engaging facilitators, practical application opportunities, networking sessions, and expert insights from Buffalo Prep alumni and DEI professionals. Workshops include "ABCs of DEI," "Privilege and Power" and "Re-Train Your Brain: Recognizing Your Own Implicit Bias." These immersive events are open to all community members, including business professionals, educators, community leaders, HR professionals, and anyone committed to promoting equity and inclusion. 

Individual sessions are priced at $250, with a special rate of $650 for those who register for all three days (a savings of $100). Group pricing is also available. To learn more about READI Summit or to register, visit buffaloprep.com/readi or contact [email protected].

Founded in 1989, Buffalo Prep advocates for educational access and equity and provides programming to academically ambitious scholars of color. Buffalo Prep has grown exponentially since inception and now serves over 750 students and alumni annually. Through its unique pipeline of enrichment programming, Buffalo Prep empowers its scholars as they strive toward their most vivid potential and become shining examples of what a powerful, more inclusive, and more equitable community should look like.

Launched in 2021, Buffalo Prep’s READI program is an internationally recognized mission-driven initiative dedicated to enhancing educational and racial equity through collaborative efforts with companies, schools, and organizations. The READI program offers customized trainings and practical opportunities to build knowledge and create actionable plans for fostering inclusive environments. READI Summit is the newest offering under the READI program.