The Heckscher Foundation supported Say Yes Buffalo’s youth-apprenticeship initiative delivered in partnership with CareerWise Greater Buffalo. It places graduating high-school seniors or recent graduates into structured, paid work-based learning with employer partners. Through multi-year apprenticeships, participants combine on-the-job paid employment, classroom-based instruction and ongoing wrap-around supports (career coaching, mentoring, transportation assistance). Targeting in-demand sectors like business operations, information technology and advanced manufacturing, the model engages employers who commit to converting apprentices into full-time roles.