BY DANIELLE LEGARE

During the 2025–26 school year, Brainy Bulls expanded to include in-person academic support and mentoring at Nichols School. The program also worked with UB’s Gifted Math Program to pilot an accelerated learning initiative at Math Science Technology Preparatory School in Buffalo. The pilot focused on helping students strengthen foundational algebra skills.

Brainy Bulls plans to build on those experiences by identifying additional opportunities to provide customized support to schools and community partners.

“Our tutor-mentors take the work seriously, and they make every effort to show up and support the youth they come across in this program,” he said. “I believe that this experience adds to their overall college experience and helps contribute to a greater worldview because they connect with so many different students from different parts of the area.”

• Tutoring for grades 5–12: Personalized sessions are available at three learning levels: grades 5–6, 7–8 and 9–12.
• Virtual appointments and drop-in support: Tutoring appointments are offered Monday through Thursday from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., depending on tutor-mentor availability. Drop-in hours may also be available Tuesday through Thursday during the same period.
• Qualified tutor-mentors: Tutor-mentors are current UB students who have been vetted, received culturally responsive training and completed New York State fingerprinting requirements. They will also receive ongoing professional development and may earn volunteer or work-study hours or internship credit. During the 2025–26 school year, Brainy Bulls expanded its collaboration with the UB Teach program to recruit students enrolled in teacher preparation.
• Individualized sessions: Each session lasts 40 minutes. Students are encouraged to bring the work they need help with and prepare specific questions to make the most of their time.
• Continuity and follow-up: As students participate in additional sessions, the program works to pair them with the tutor-mentor who connects with them best. Parents and guardians receive a follow-up notification after each session and can provide feedback or request additional communication.

While Brainy Bulls initially served students only in Buffalo Public Schools and Erie 1 BOCES, the virtual program is now available to students in schools throughout Western New York, and the newer partnerships allow Brainy Bulls to provide additional support in specific school settings.

To participate virtually, students must attend a Western New York school, have internet access and a computing or electronic device, and provide a valid email address.

Appointment scheduling is now open, with tutoring sessions starting Oct. 5. Families can learn more and schedule an appointment through the Brainy Bulls website. Those without an appointment may also join available drop-in hours through Zoom.

Brainy Bulls is supported by New York State Mentoring and partners across UB, including the Gifted Math Program, Center for Literacy and Reading Instruction, Student Life, Financial Aid, Parking and Transportation, Career Design Center, and Teacher Education Programs.