University at Buffalo

Forty-five UB students participated in the WNY Sophomore Externship Experience this summer - a program that matches local college sophomores with paid externship opportunities at Western New York's top companies. The externship program, run by the university's Startup and Innovation Collaboratory (CoLab), aims to prepare students for the workforce earlier in their college careers. It was funded by the Bryant Foundation in 2025 and the Prentice Family Foundation in 2024. Participating students earned $4,000, course credit and experience exploring career paths and opportunities throughout WNY. "In its third year, the nationally recognized Western New York Sophomore Externship Experience has continued to provide students with meaningful experiences throughout our vibrant community while enhancing our regional workforce," Provost A. Scott Weber says. "UB is proud to host this program and grateful to the Prentice Family Foundation and Bryant Foundation for their continued support of the program and their investment in WNY students and economic development." A total of 84 students were selected to work with 41 host organizations for the second year of this program. In addition to UB students, the cohort also included sophomores from other Western New York universities, as well as college sophomores elsewhere, if they graduated from a local high school. "The impact of the University at Buffalo is felt well beyond the boundaries of our campus," Brian Hamluk, vice president for student life, says. "We take great pride, and feel significant responsibility, in helping to advance our communities around us: through workforce development, service and partnerships. The Sophomore Externship Experience is a great example of the leadership role UB plays in the community, and by partnering with philanthropic organizations, community businesses, and organizations, we are building a stronger Western New York." View the full list of participating students and their placements. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

Fifty-three University at Buffalo students were selected to participate in SUNY Empire State Service Corp - an opportunity that allows New York State students to be paid for meaningful work that provides lifelong skills and creates lasting impact in their community. Participating students are placed in a cohort aligned with their interest area and engage in paid public service work for 300 hours over the course of the academic year. "The SUNY Empire State Service Corp program gives students the chance to turn learning into action through hands-on service in the local community," Hannah Giarrizzo, assistant director of community and civic engagement at UB, says. "Participants foster meaningful collaboration with community members, strengthen their communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills and deepen their commitment to leading and inspiring others to create positive social change." Students are placed at either an on-campus or community-based host site in one of the following cohorts: K-12 Education, Peer Mental Health, Sustainability, Civic Engagement, Student Success Coaching, FAFSA Completion or Food Insecurity and SNAP. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

The University at Buffalo welcomed nine Student Engagement peer mentors for the 2025-26 academic year. Peer mentors are a select group of students dedicated to fostering a culture of involvement and growth at the university. They connect students with professional development opportunities and offer mentorship to those seeking to enhance their campus engagement. "Finding opportunities that align with your wants, needs and goals can be tricky at a large institution like UB," Ally Sievers, Student Engagement leadership and development coordinator at UB, says. "Student Engagement peer mentors help bridge that gap by helping their fellow students connect with extra-curricular opportunities and unique academic experiences around the university." Peer mentors are responsible for developing and facilitating three leadership, community engagement or experimental learning-themed workshops for student organizations and campus partners each semester. Peer mentors also serve as advisors for the Developmental Experiences and Leadership and Development Foundations micro-credentials and help facilitate the university's Next Level Leadership Mentoring Conference. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

The University at Buffalo welcomed 10 Student Engagement event interns for the 2025-26 academic year. Event interns are a dynamic group of undergraduate students who play a key role in bringing campus events to life at UB. As a team, they promote and implement campus-wide events, creating meaningful experiences that enrich student life. "Finding belonging and community on campus is incredibly important," Ally Sievers, Student Engagement leadership and development coordinator at UB, says. "Student Engagement event interns help to bring our programming to life, helping create student-centered spaces where belonging is encouraged and cultivated." Throughout the year, event interns collaborate with other student leaders and Student Engagement staff to market events and engage the student body through multiple communication channels. Event interns also help facilitate the university's Next Level Leadership Mentoring Conference. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.