Dr. Lloyd Holmes Highlights Transformative Partnership Between SUNY Niagara and Say Yes at KeyBank Donation Event
At a powerful celebration of community collaboration and student opportunity, Dr. Lloyd Holmes, President of SUNY Niagara, joined leaders from Say Yes Niagara Falls and KeyBank at Niagara Falls High School to highlight a partnership that is expanding access to higher education for local students.
The event recognized KeyBank’s generous financial contribution supporting Say Yes programming and reaffirmed SUNY Niagara’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that Niagara Falls students have a clear, supported pathway from high school to college completion.
“Access to higher education should never be determined by zip code,” said Dr. Holmes. “Through our partnership with Say Yes and the support of KeyBank, we are creating a sustainable pipeline that empowers Niagara Falls students to enroll, persist, and graduate from college prepared for meaningful careers.”
The collaboration between SUNY Niagara and Say Yes removes financial and structural barriers for eligible students by combining last-dollar scholarships with wraparound support services. Students graduating from Niagara Falls High School can attend SUNY Niagara tuition-free after federal and state aid is applied, making higher education both attainable and affordable.
Representatives from Say Yes emphasized that partnerships with institutions like SUNY Niagara are critical to the organization’s mission of increasing postsecondary access and success for urban students.
Dr. Holmes noted that SUNY Niagara’s commitment extends beyond affordability. “Our responsibility doesn’t end at enrollment. We are focused on student success — mentoring, academic support, career pathways, and ensuring our students graduate ready to contribute to the workforce and the community.”
The event underscored a shared vision among SUNY Niagara, Say Yes, and KeyBank: building a stronger Niagara Falls by investing directly in its students.
As the program continues to grow, community leaders reaffirmed their dedication to expanding opportunity, strengthening local talent pipelines, and ensuring that every student has a viable path to college and career success.