The Saint Augustine and Saint Monica Scholars Programs are making a difference in the lives of middle school students from diverse backgrounds whose families might not otherwise have access to the quality education provided.

In a structured and supportive single gender small class setting, the Saint Augustine and Saint Monica Scholars develop the character, strength and skills they need to succeed in high school, continue on to college, and become successful members of the community.

Description:
Our goal is to make a profound difference in the lives of low-income middle school children exposed to “street life” and the pressures of inner-city living. This is accomplished through an educational intervention timed to develop their gifts and talents to the point necessary to get into quality high schools. Specific goals are (1) to raise student skills to the point necessary to get them in a quality high school that will prepare them for college; (2) to instill personal and academic habits that will sustain our graduates through the remainder of their education and guide them through the rest of their lives; and (3) to provide financial assistance to families who would otherwise be unable to afford the quality of education provided.

History:
The St. Monica and St. Augustine Scholars programs have been offering intervention in the lives of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students in Buffalo since September 2004. They are patterned after the Nativity/San Miguel Model, first started on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 1971 and based on research demonstrating that the key years for a student to be able to escape the “street culture” that can drag down children even of the most caring families, occur at the age at which they enter Grade Six. Since 1989, this model has been replicated in more than 60 underserved communities across the United States. The essential elements of the model, which we have duplicated here in Buffalo, include formation in values and civic responsibility; improving academic performance regardless of grade level; separate educational classrooms for boys and girls to maximize learning potential in these critical years of adolescent development; extended day, week and year programs; financial support; increased parent involvement and continued academic, personal and financial assistance for graduates though high school. Our graduates are currently some of the best public and private high schools in Western New York including Hutchinson Central Technical High School, St. Joseph’s Collegiate, Canisius High School, Holy Angels Academy, Sacred Heart Academy, Cardinal O'Hara High School, Bishop Timon-St. Jude, Tapestry Charter School and DaVinci High School.

Contact person: Nancy Langer, President, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (716) 852-8410

Address:

1955 Genesee Street Buffalo, NY 14211 (See a map)

Directions:

Our main office and the home of the Saint Monica Scholars is located behind Queen of Peace Church at 1955 Genesee Street in Buffalo between Forman and Theodore Streets. Enter the parkng lot at the foot of Peace Street. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: none   Nearest Bus Stop: Genesee and Forman, 2 minute walk