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.

Our customized trainings build knowledge and create actionable plans to foster inclusive environments, offering groups practical opportunities to apply these concepts. What makes the READI program unique is our unwavering commitment to reinvesting all resources into our mission, directly benefiting scholars, families, and communities of color. Our support for the organizations and events that work alongside us further underscores our dedication to social impact.

Our presentations are interactive and community-focused, creating an atmosphere that feels less like traditional training and more like being part of a supportive community. Grounded in rigorous research and lived experiences, we foster organic conversations and actionable insights. Acting as thought partners, we engage in a journey with organizations rather than a check-the-box approach, collaborating to refine their policies. Our diverse team, sharing authentic and relatable experiences, ensures that every session feels genuine and connected.

Additionally, the READI program provides practical applications, tangible resources, and continuous improvement through post-session surveys. Designed for broad applicability, including youth, READI creates lasting positive change in education and community development.

Buffalo Prep has facilitated READI workshops at the following organizations:

Catholic Academy of West Buffalo | Catholic Charities | Crowley Webb | D’Youville University | Gallagher| Hodgson Russ LLP Lawley | Leadership Buffalo | Medaille University | MOOG | Mount Mercy Academy | Mount St. Mary Academy | Nardin Academy | Nichols School | The Park School of Buffalo | Pegula Sports & Entertainment | St. Francis High School | St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute | United Way of Buffalo and Erie County | WEDI| Williamsville North

Register for READI Summit!

Buffalo Prep’s READI Summit is a full-day conference designed to enhance your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) journey. This immersive event is open to all community members passionate about creating positive change in their organizations and society at large.

READI Session Examples

A,B,Cs of DEI: This module will discuss foundational concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion such as the difference between equity and equality and why we should strive for inclusion and not simply diversity. This module is useful for anyone who is just beginning their exploration of DEI issues.

Historical Aspects of Systemic Racism, Part 1: Poverty Myths of WNY: This module will examine poverty in Western New York.  We will discuss many issues that contribute to poverty in the Buffalo-Niagara region as well as several real-life implications for people who live in poverty.

Historical Aspects of Systemic Racism, Part 2: Segregation in WNY: This module is a continuation of “Poverty Myths of WNY” but examines the intersectionality between race and poverty.  We will also examine historic and contemporary systemic factors that continue to contribute to segregation in Buffalo and its suburbs.

Recognizing and Addressing Microaggressions: This module will discuss the phenomena of microaggressions, often referred to as death by a thousand paper cuts.  We will explore how microaggressions appear in everyday life and we will discuss strategies to combat microaggressions.

21st Century Racism: How Racism Shows Up Today: This module will explore the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that systemic racism affects everyday life in America.  We will discuss issues that range from health disparities to the criminal justice system and the many ways in which racial inequity affects us all.

Privilege and Power: This module will discuss the current structures in our society that grant privilege and power to certain groups of people and marginalize others.  We will discuss how to recognize these structures and how to begin encouraging a more equitable distribution of power in our spheres of influence.

Advanced Session Examples

Advanced sessions explore advanced concepts around educational and racial equity and encourages dialogue on some of the more challenging topics.

Engaging in Active Antiracism: This module features an in-depth discussion of many of the major concepts of Ibram X. Kendi’s How to Be an Anti-Racist. Though it is not a prerequisite to have read the book previous to attending the module, for participants who have already read the book, there will be ample opportunity to begin and/or continue robust conversation on some of the more challenging topics. We also explore how to use the concepts in our own personal anti-racist journeys.

Policy: How Do We Shape It and How Does It Shape Us?: This module explores the definition of policy and discusses how to recognize inequitable policies in our work-place and community. We also examine ways to shape policy in our everyday lives.

Examining the Historical Roots of American Racism (1700s Through Today): This module examines the ideas, policies, and practices that have been utilized since the very birth of the United States to establish the foundation for the marginalization of People of Color and the privileging of White people. We will begin with the late 1700s and our Founding Fathers and conclude with the G.I. Bill of 1944. Please note: this interactive session is 2-3 hours in duration with a break provided.

White Supremacy: Whose Norms are Normal?: From language patterns to systems of schooling to hiring practices and much more, there is a dominant culture in any society that determines what is normal and “correct.” This module examines various aspects of how White cultural practices and beliefs in the United States impact life for all Americans on a daily basis.

Algebra, the Traffic Light, and Other Amazing Assets: Algebra, the traffic light, popular music, and peanut butter are just a few of the amazing contributions of People of Color to our culture and community. Instead of focusing on the challenges that People of Color face today, this module focuses on examples of their brilliance not commonly realized or acknowledged even though they play a vital role in our daily lives in Western New York and beyond.

The “N” Word, Its Uses, and Other Popular Culture Myths: There are not many words more polarizing than the “N” word.  This module focuses on its linguistic history and use in common conversation as well as other racial epithets, myths, and misunderstandings about People of Color propagated by American popular culture and media.