A New Immersive Local College Prep Program
By Annette Pinder
Buffalo Seminary (SEM) is celebrating its 15-year anniversary campus residential program with a new certificate program that allows female high school graduates to participate in an additional year of study and exploration before starting college. Students enrolled in the program select a core subject, postgraduate seminar, an elective, must pass all courses, and complete a capstone project to qualify for a postgraduate SEM certificate.
According to Helen L. Marlette, Head of School, “The program was inspired by the need created by local and global disruptions to education during the pandemic. Thus, it attracts local, national, and international students seeking to hone their critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills on a topic of their choosing. Working with an advisor, students receive help in securing a community internship related to their topic for an immersive experience that fosters individual growth and development, self-awareness, and civic responsibility. Each student also receives the benefit of working with an advisor to assist them in identifying colleges that best serve their unique talents and interests.” Marlette calls the hands-on experience that include internships and service commitments a fantastic opportunity.
Many choose SEM’s campus because of its unique family atmosphere within Elmwood Village, in a small city with many big city offerings, and its proximity to Toronto and major airport hubs
in New York, Detroit, and Philadelphia. “What started with two homes for the Head of School, Residential Director, and a few students has blossomed into five on-campus houses for 20 students from near and far, including this year from Germany, South Korea, Kenya, and the Bahamas,” said Marlette.
Students have expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to live with friends from around the world, to grow and learn together, understand each other, make lifetime friendships, and interact with people from all over the world in a safe and supportive space. Lulu Vaillancourt, a freshman from Jamestown, NY, chose SEM and its flexible residential program because it allowed her to pursue her talent and passion for horseback riding. “I love that I can ride after class, then eat dinner with my housemates, and enjoy time eating and shopping with my friends in Elmwood Village on weekends. We don’t have anything like that in Jamestown,” said Lulu.
SEM students are also excited about living in private, historic homes that are anything but dormitories, while experiencing the charm of Buffalo’s Elmwood Village and Bidwell neighborhoods. They include the Wendt and Oishei houses on Potomac Avenue, and the Niscah, Lipke, and Jody Douglass homes on Bidwell. The homes and academic buildings are connected by a courtyard for year-round gatherings. SEM also provides a five-day boarding program for students with the flexibility of returning home or traveling with family on weekends. Sometimes students enjoy bringing an international student home with them for weekends and holidays.
Committed to diversity and inclusion, SEM’s goal is to make programs and opportunities accessible, and welcomes inquiries regarding available scholarships. Visit www.buffaloseminary.org, and learn more about participating in SEM’s unique post-graduate high school program by calling 716-885-6780.
