Breaking down the College Choice & Application Process
About the College Success Centers
The College Success Centers were designed to serve students in middle and high schools in the Buffalo Public School system to educate and encourage them about their opportunities and ability to attend institutions of higher education. The centers are staffed primarily by graduate and undergraduate students who are committed to helping high school students understand the holistic college application process.
Dr. Nathan Daun-Barnett
Board of Directors, Chair
Dr. Daun-Barnett is an Assistant Professor of Higher Education Administration in the Educational Leadership and Policy Program at the University of Buffalo. His research focuses on college access, the transition from high school to college, and state policy as it affects the opportunities of students. He earned his doctorate in higher education administration with an emphasis in public policy at the University of Michigan Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education. Learn more about Dr. Daun-Barnett here.
Theresa Bonito
Director, GEAR UP
A lifelong resident of Buffalo NY, Theresa is a graduate of Bennett High School and Buffalo State College where she completed both her Bachelor’s in Social Work and Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration. She has spent the majority of her career in community and student support service programs that focus on increasing early college awareness and access for under-represented students. She has worked closely with the Buffalo Public Schools on behalf of local colleges and universities, creating opportunities for students to receive academic and social-emotional supports, with a focus on college and career readiness. Theresa joined the NYGEAR UP staff in September 2015 and is thrilled to have the chance to work with the University at Buffalo, the College Success Centers and Say Yes Buffalo~ together preparing students for their future!
Our Offerings
We offer students guidance throughout the college choice process, assisting schools in organizing college visits, registering students for the SAT exams, helping students in researching institutions and much more!