Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology

What Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology does

Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2013 in Buffalo, New York, that delivers cost-free adult workforce training and youth arts-and-technology programming on Buffalo's East Side. The Adult Workforce program offers tuition-free pathways to nationally recognized certifications across Allied Health (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Coder, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technician), Information Technology (a CompTIA-aligned pathway covering IT Fundamentals, A+, Network+, and Security+), and Landscape Maintenance (NALP-certified, co-developed with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy). Curriculum is co-designed with major regional employers — notably Kaleida Health, which targets 100% graduate hiring for its MAA program, and M&T Bank, which hires IT graduates — and integrated with PioneerRx pharmacy workflow software for hands-on practice. The Youth Arts & Technology afterschool program serves high school students with classes in 3D printing, digital media, fine arts, mural/public art, and music production, plus tutoring, mentoring, mental health counseling, and college/career counseling. Both programs include 130-hour employer-hosted internships with 14+ clinical affiliates (Walgreens, CVS, Wegmans, Roswell Park, Erie County Medical Center, Catholic Health, Kaleida, and others).

BCAT operates from a single facility at 368 Sycamore Street in the Pratt-Willert Park neighborhood of Buffalo's East Side, relocated there in 2024-2025 after a two-year site search. The organization is governed by a 14-member Board of Directors chaired by Dr. Michael Cropp (President & CEO of Independent Health). All programs are 100% scholarship-funded; there is no tuition or fee charged to participants. Operating revenue of approximately $3.5 million annually is generated through foundation grants (KeyBank Foundation $1M in 2023; Erie County Cultural Capital Grant $189,350 in 2024; Bank of America Neighborhood Champion $50,000 in 2021; plus support from the John R. Oishei Foundation, First Niagara Foundation, and The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo), corporate philanthropy, individual donations, and an active $8 million capital campaign ($6 million raised by early 2026) that will seed an endowment. Reported outcomes include a 100% high school graduation rate for youth participants and an approximately 85% certification/job-placement rate for adult graduates. The organization is affiliated with Bill Strickland's National Center for Arts & Technology model, one of roughly 13 CAT programs nationally, and was toured by a Belfast, Northern Ireland delegation in 2024 as an international benchmark.

Name

Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology

Legal name

Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology

Website

https://buffaloartstechcenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) is a Buffalo, NY-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2013 that delivers tuition-free adult workforce training (Allied Health, IT, and Landscape Maintenance certifications) and a Youth Arts & Technology afterschool program to residents of Buffalo's East Side, funded by foundation grants, corporate philanthropy, and individual donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development and Adult Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialized Inclusive / Co-Taught Special Education Programs (EDAKAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Professional Development for Educators (Dyslexia/LD Training) (EDAKAJAK)

Keywords

• Adult workforce training
• Youth arts education
• IT certification training
• Allied health training
• Community nonprofit programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Buffalo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Foundation Grants: Major grants from foundations including KeyBank Foundation ($1M in 2023), Erie County Cultural Capital Grant ($189,350 in 2024), Bank of America (Neighborhood Champion $50,000 grant in 2021 plus additional medical billing program funding).
2. Individual Donations and Online Giving: One-time gifts, monthly recurring donations, planned gifts (stocks, IRA distributions, bequests), corporate sponsorship, gifts from donor advised funds, and in-kind support.
3. Capital Campaign Contributions: $8 million capital campaign in progress with $6 million raised; launched with $1 million KeyBank gift in 2023; funds new East Side facility, program expansion, and endowment.
4. Annual Operating Revenue (nonprofit): Annual revenue grew from $1.4 million to $3.5 million (3.5x) during CEO Gina Burkhardt's tenure; revenue is reinvested into free workforce development and youth arts programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

BCAT operates two cost-free program lines: an Adult Workforce Training Program delivering nationally recognized certifications in Allied Health (Medical Administrative Assistant/CMAA, Pharmacy Technician with PTCB/NHA, Phlebotomy, Medical Coder), IT (CompTIA ITF+, A+, Network+, Security+), and Landscape Maintenance (NALP); and a Youth Arts & Technology Afterschool Program offering high school students hands-on classes in 3D Printing, Digital Media, Fine Arts, Mural, Public Art, and Music Production. All programs include wraparound support services (tutoring, mentoring, mental health, job readiness), employer-hosted internships, and are fully scholarship-funded at no cost to students.

Product overview

Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) is a nonprofit workforce development and youth empowerment organization offering two core cost-free program lines — the Adult Workforce Training Program and the Youth Arts & Technology Afterschool Program — together with an underlying Capital Campaign and East Side Facility Expansion. The Adult Workforce Training Program is delivered as a portfolio of stacked certification pathways: the IT Pathway Program (with CompTIA IT Tech+, IT A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications), the Medical Administrative Assistant Program (CMAA certification), the Pharmacy Technician – Entry Level Program (PTCB/NHA certification, delivered in partnership with PioneerRx pharmacy workflow software), the Phlebotomy Evening Program, and the Hybrid Landscape Maintenance Technician Program (developed with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and The Riverline). The Youth Arts & Technology Afterschool Program provides high school students with hands-on classes in 3D Printing, Digital Media, Fine Arts, Mural, Public Art, and Music Production, plus tutoring, mentoring, mental health services, and college/career counseling. Both programs are supported by an organizational infrastructure (including a Capital Campaign that has raised $6M toward an $8M goal and a new East Side facility on Sycamore Street) and operate together as a single integrated offering under the BCAT mission "to build pathways toward work that matters."

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BCAT Youth Arts & Technology: Cost-free high school afterschool program offering hands-on experience in arts and technology for high school students on Buffalo's East Side.
• BCAT Adult Workforce

Products and services

• Adult Workforce Training Program Cost-free adult workforce training program delivering nationally recognized certifications and meaningful employment with family-sustaining wages across Allied Health, IT, and Landscaping fields. Includes tutoring, mentoring, mental health services, workplace skill development, and job placement support.
• IT Pathway Program Multi-level IT training pathway preparing students for entry-level IT careers in Technical Support, Networking, and Security, with up to four CompTIA certifications: IT Tech+, IT A+, Network+, and Security+. IT Network+ coursework is NYSED-approved.
• Medical Administrative Assistant Program Comprehensive training on administrative functions in healthcare settings — patient interaction, healthcare documentation, medical billing, and healthcare technology — preparing students for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification; covers HIPAA compliance. Curriculum co-designed with Kaleida Health with a goal of hiring 100% of graduates who successfully complete the class.
• Pharmacy Technician – Entry Level Program 17-week intensive accelerated program in pharmacy practice including anatomy/physiology, pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, and a 130-hour internship with clinical partners, preparing students for the PTCB or NHA certification exams. BCAT partners with PioneerRx to provide real-world pharmacy workflow software training at no cost to students.
• Phlebotomy Evening Program 12-week evening program teaching basic phlebotomy including blood specimen collection and venipuncture, with theory and hands-on instruction; covers anatomy, compliance, safety, infection control, and workforce readiness.
• Hybrid Landscape Maintenance Technician Program Paid hybrid training program combining 30 hours of on-site training with professional landscape firms and 30 hours of online classes with live instructors. Students qualify for up to $1,500 upon completion and receive a Landscape Maintenance certificate from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).
• Youth Arts & Technology Afterschool Program Cost-free high school afterschool arts and technology program engaging students in classes including 3D Printing, Digital Media, Fine Arts, Mural, Public Art, and Music Production. Includes tutoring, mentoring, mental health counseling, presentation/interview skills, and conflict resolution to support on-time graduation and postsecondary transition.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% high school graduation rate for BCAT youth program participants
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Beau Fleuve Music & ArtscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 July 2025Beau Fleuve Music & Arts co-hosted the first Summer Tech Day with M&T Tech Academy and BCAT on July 25, 2025 at BCAT's facility. Founded by Lindsey L. Taylor, Beau Fleuve is a multidisciplinary organization that empowers youth and supports Buffalo's creative community.
• SENSES Medical WellnessminorOthers · 1 June 2025Melissa Archer, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with SENSES Medical Wellness (a behavioral health organization), was elected to BCAT's Board of Directors in June 2025 for an initial three-year term.
• Kaleida HealthflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024Kaleida Health partnered with BCAT to co-design the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant training program beginning mid-2024. The curriculum is designed with significant input from Kaleida so BCAT students graduate with the critical training required by the healthcare institution. Kaleida provides guest speakers, site visits, and aims to hire 100% of BCAT graduates who successfully complete the program. Dr. Ian Barrett (EVP & CHRO) leads the partnership. Kaleida is also a clinical affiliate for Medical Coder and Pharmacy Technician internship sites.
• Strickland Global Leadership InstituteflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 March 2024Strickland Global Leadership Institute, led by Bill Strickland (creator of the CAT model and founder of The National Center for Arts & Technology in Pittsburgh), recommended the Belfast delegation visit BCAT to learn from one of the most successful of thirteen CAT programs in the U.S. and internationally. The visit was hosted by State Representative Timothy Kennedy.
• Just Buffalo Literary CenterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 July 2021Just Buffalo Literary Center selected BCAT youth artist Millie to serve as a youth fellow in 2021. The Just Buffalo Writing Center Youth Fellowship offers young writers the opportunity to develop their craft and includes a $1,200 stipend. BCAT also contributed writers to collaborative exhibitions such as DreamCore.
• Horizon Health ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 April 2021BCAT partnered with Horizon Health Services to design and install a public art mural at Horizon's mental health and substance use center in the Bailey-Kensington neighborhood in 2021. Six (later eight) BCAT youth artists, mentored by Buffalo muralist Tyshaun Tyson, designed and installed the mural to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month. Unveiled May 21, 2021 with Mayor Byron Brown and Anne Constantino (Horizon President & CEO).
• Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy (BOPC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerBCAT partnered with Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy to develop and run the Landscape Maintenance Technician program. The conservancy co-designed the curriculum, hosted 60 hours of classroom learning and field training (including a 4-week paid internship in the parks), and hired the majority of program attendees as seasonal workers. Stephanie Crockatt (Executive Director) and Brian Dold (Senior Associate Landscape Architect) lead the partnership.
• The RiverlinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Riverline co-developed and funded the Landscape Maintenance Technician program alongside the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. The Riverline provides ongoing funding for the landscape training program.
• Cornell University High Road Fellowship Program (Partnership for the Public Good)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFor several years, BCAT has hosted a Cornell University High Road Fellow (e.g., Sam Curtis in summer 2021) who helped develop recruitment strategies and contributed to program research. The program was created by the Partnership for Public Good.
• PioneerRxcoreTechnology or IntegrationBCAT partners with PioneerRx to provide real pharmacy workflow software for the Pharmacy Technician training program at no cost to students, ensuring industry-current practice experience.
• Catholic Health SystemscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCatholic Health Systems serves as a clinical affiliate providing 130-hour pharmacy technician internship sites and 3-week Medical Coder internships for BCAT students.
• Independent HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent Health is a local health insurer serving 400,000 customers. Dr. Michael Cropp (President and CEO) chairs BCAT's Board. Independent Health has been a major employer partner, donor, and board supporter of BCAT's mission.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Center for Arts and Technology (NCAT): Pittsburgh-based founding organization of the CAT model created by Bill Strickland; BCAT is directly affiliated with NCAT and is described as one of the most successful of 13+ CAT programs in the U.S. and internationally. NCAT and BCAT share the same workforce training plus arts education mission and operating model.
• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free IT training and career placement to adults from underserved communities; directly comparable to BCAT's IT Pathway Program (CompTIA-aligned curricula, employer-hire model, no cost to students, with wraparound support services).
• NPower: National nonprofit offering tuition-free technology training and job placement to underserved young adults and veterans; directly comparable on the IT training plus wraparound support model, including certification prep and employer connections.
• Year Up: National workforce development nonprofit providing young adults with skills training, stipends, and corporate internships leading to employment; directly comparable to BCAT's adult workforce and youth programs in serving opportunity youth and connecting them to employer partners.
• STRIVE: Workforce development nonprofit providing job-readiness training and placement to adults facing barriers to employment; comparable to BCAT on the trauma-informed, wraparound support model for adult learners seeking family-sustaining wages.
• Phipps Neighborhoods: New York City-based nonprofit providing education, workforce, and community development programs to underserved residents; comparable to BCAT in offering a portfolio of cost-free workforce training and youth programs in an under-resourced urban community.

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill Industries International: Large, established nonprofit operating workforce development, training, and placement programs nationwide; comparable to BCAT in providing tuition-supported job training to underserved populations, though Goodwill operates a much broader portfolio including retail and staffing services.
• Jewish Vocational Service (JVS): Established national network of nonprofits providing workforce training, career coaching, and education across multiple cities; comparable to BCAT in providing sector-specific training (healthcare, IT) and wraparound support to adult job seekers.

Regional players

• Buffalo Employment and Training Center (BETC): Buffalo-based workforce development organization providing job-readiness training and placement services to Erie County residents; comparable to BCAT on local workforce training mission and target population, though operating with a different programmatic model.

Others

• CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association): Industry-credentialing body whose certifications (ITF+, A+, Network+, Security+) form the backbone of BCAT's IT Pathway Program curriculum; not a direct competitor but a critical ecosystem partner whose certification standards shape BCAT's curriculum design.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/bufcat716
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/buffalo-center-for-arts-and-technology

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology