BUFFALO, NY – Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming work, society and education. A group of local partners spanning talent, tech and education believe this can be an opportunity for a new generation of builders and leaders in Buffalo.
Today, Nichols School and TechBuffalo are proud to announce a strategic partnership to continue integrating AI into the Nichols experience, enhancing instructional design and curriculum while ensuring students are prepared for a tech-driven world. The initiative is supported by Radial Ventures, a venture studio created by the 43North Foundation, and the University at Buffalo’s Graduate School of Education.
Together, the partners will design a system that helps educators use AI more effectively to personalize learning, while preparing students to apply these tools thoughtfully, creatively, and responsibly. As the inaugural partner for this model, Nichols is leading one of the first K-12 responses in the region to the vast changes brought about by generative AI.
“Nichols is proud to embrace the opportunities afforded by AI with a proactive strategy that gives our students a distinct edge in the competitive world they are entering,” said Daniel Dolan, Nichols’ associate head of school. “By collaborating with established partners in technology and higher education, we are ensuring this initiative is delivered with the academic rigor and human-centered focus expected of a Nichols education.”
Nichols will serve as the blueprint for this model. Additional pilots across Western New York public and charter schools will be announced in the coming months.
“Talent powers modern economies,” said Jeffrey Botteron, TechBuffalo president and CEO. “This is how we connect classrooms to the innovation economy, creating better outcomes for students and a stronger, more competitive regional economy.”
The partnership will introduce tiered, age-appropriate integration across the school:
The initiative builds on TechBuffalo’s Innovation Fellowship approach, which embeds educators in real-world industry contexts, connects them with subject matter experts, and supports the design and launch of new learning pathways aligned to the innovation economy. As part of the effort, Nichols, TechBuffalo, and the University at Buffalo will work toward aligning new pathways, creating a direct bridge between K–12 education, higher education, and the region’s innovation economy.
This is a new way to develop and identify high-achieving high school students with technical and entrepreneurial skillsets, present them with an appropriately challenging curriculum and prepare them for specialized pathways through higher education and employment.
“Education does not stand still, and our goal at the UB Graduate School of Education is to remain at the forefront of pedagogy and student needs,” said Suzanne Rosenblith, dean of UB GSE. “By equipping teachers with these skills and investing in the development and identification of high-performing students, we’re so excited to watch this project make a difference in Western New York.”
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About TechBuffalo: TechBuffalo is a nonprofit organization building a sustainable, inclusive, and accessible tech ecosystem – creating the talent density needed for companies to thrive right here in Western New York.
About Nichols School: Founded in 1892, Nichols School is a nationally recognized, coeducational independent school serving 565 students in grades 5 through 12. Nichols’ aim is to train minds, bodies, and hearts for the work of life, and to carry into all we do the highest ideals of character and service.
