Brainy Bulls tutor-mentoring program expands support for local students

With Western New York students back in the classroom, UB’s Brainy Bulls program has returned for its third year with more resources, expanded partnerships and a renewed focus on providing academic and social-emotional support to local youth. 

A tutoring mentorship program housed within the Graduate School of Education, Brainy Bulls aims to provide personalized academic support and bridge the learning gap for students in grades 5-12. The program offers free virtual tutoring services to local students, helping them accelerate learning, achieve academic success and build confidence in their studies.

Students are paired with UB tutor-mentors for online sessions tailored to students’ specific needs. Whether it’s English language arts, math, science or social studies, the tutor-mentors are equipped to offer comprehensive academic guidance, ensuring that each student can master essential skills, stay on track for graduation and feel encouraged in their educational journey.

“With this being our third year — and second full year of programming — our goal is to continue to provide quality academic and social-emotional support to students across Western New York,” says Wil Green, assistant dean of community relations at GSE who leads the program, noting there are a significant number of tutor-mentors returning to the role.

“We credit the power of the experience in making a difference in someone’s life as the major reason we see so many UB students eager to rejoin the program.”

All tutor-mentors are current UB students who have been vetted, received culturally responsive training and completed all New York State fingerprinting requirements. They earn volunteer, work-study hours or internship credit. This year, Brainy Bulls expanded its collaboration with the UB Teach program to hire students enrolled in teacher preparation, alongside an additional $50,000 in federal work-study funding to support more tutor-mentors.

Efforts are made to pair students with the tutor-mentor who best connects with them. Parents and guardians receive follow-up notifications after each session and can provide feedback or request additional communication.

Initially serving Buffalo Public Schools and Erie 1 BOCES, Brainy Bulls is now open to students across eight Western New York counties at both public and charter schools. The program is also exploring partnerships with after-school providers to embed tutoring as a resource for participants.

“This year, now that we have a solid handle on recruitment, hiring and training, our main goal is to spread the word about Brainy Bulls so that we can connect with students in need, no matter where they may live in Western New York,” Green says. “By the end of this academic year, I’d like to see an increase in the number of students served and in the number of students who attend multiple sessions.

“I am extremely proud of the work that our tutor-mentors have done in forging strong relationships that result in Brainy Bulls participants being encouraged about their academic journey,” Green adds.

The program was developed as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s effort to introduce 250,000 tutors and mentors into American schools over the next three years, aiming to support students in their academic recovery following the disruptions caused by pandemic-era schooling. 

Partners for the program include New York State Mentoring, as well as UB's Gifted Math Program, Center for Literacy and Reading Instruction, Student Life, Financial Aid, Parking and Transportation, Career Design Center, and the Teacher Residency Program and Teacher Education Program.