John Wesh fitting a dress on a form

"My favorite activity has been volunteering...During the weekdays, I helped kids with homework. On the weekends, I helped older people with their citizenship class."

Meet John

Fashion and Textile Technology

Building Active Citizens

Buffalo State is SUNY’s urban-engaged campus.

We provide unique leadership opportunities through hands-on research, community-engaged learning, and internships. We strive to foster a sense of civic responsibility and empower our students to become active citizens who make a positive impact in Buffalo and beyond!

Students holding hands in a circle
Anne Frank Project
Anne Frank Project

Our social justice festival, school workshops, and international study trips use stories as vehicles for community
building, conflict resolution, and identity exploration.

Student group outside on Alternative Break
Alternative Break Program
Alternative Break Program

Spend winter-, spring-, or summer-break engaging in a week of service, learning about community and social issues, and gaining leadership skills.

500K+

Hours of community engagement

2,500

Students in service-learning courses

100+

Community partners

900+

Student internships

Students working in the community
Bengals Dare to Care Day
Bengals Dare to Care Day

Our annual service day assists our city with projects like neighborhood beautification, garden planting and maintenance, and painting.

Take Back the Night quilt
Take Back the Night
Take Back the Night

Campus comes together for an event designed to give back power to victims of sexual and domestic violence and their allies.

Engaging News

$1.625 Million in Federal Funding for Buffalo’s West Side

Congressman Brian Higgins, ’85, announced the award of two Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants to Buffalo State to prevent drug and alcohol use among youth on Buffalo’s West Side.

Read the Story
Cars and buildings on Grant Street, Buffalo, NY
Professor showing student lab

Academic Impact

Our engaged faculty, dedicated to student learning, prepare students to positively contribute to their local and global communities.

Convocation students cheering

Economic Impact

More than half our alumni live and work in Western New York, increasing the economic value of our region's labor force.

Student planting in a community garden

Social Impact

Social commitment has been embedded in our campus culture for more than a century.

Students dance performance on stage

Cultural Impact

We’re proud to partner with local arts organizations in celebrating creativity.