Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown donated BAK Board tablets to Say Yes Buffalo scholars. He appeared at the BAK USA headquarters in Buffalo to make the presentation. WBFO's Focus on Education Reporter Eileen Buckley says the city's partnership with Say Yes and Bak is an effort to bring technology and educational opportunity to students.
"We are rewarding those Say Yes college scholars with 500-tablet computers," said Mayor Brown.
The BAK tablets, purchased by the city for Say Yes students, were assembled right inside in Buffalo at the headquarters on Michigan Avenue. BAK USA is a START-UP New York company founded by JP Bak. "This Renaissance -- I just think it started when I came," joked Bak.
Bak praises the work of Mayor Brown and was thrilled to deliver the tablets to Say Yes students. "This is the coolest mayor I know," stated Bak.
Say Yes provides college tuition to students who are eligible from Buffalo Public and city charter schools.
Say Yes student Afhnen Ahmed of Buffalo is attending Erie Community College. She spoke on behalf of the other say yes students during the tablet presentation.
"And I think it's going to help us to do our homework easily. We can carry it every where, do everything swiftly," noted Ahmed.
$75,000 in city funding was used to purchase tablets. But the Mayor says it is important to invest in the Say Yes scholars like Ahmed to prepare them for future success.
After presenting the tablets the mayor was walked through to the assembly area and he learned how to place material inside the tablets that make them operate.
Mayor Brown successfully completed the task and the tablet turned on. Bak joked he was ready to offer the mayor an 'internship'.
