The ERIE21 Effect

We believe that when a student succeeds, a community thrives. That’s the ERIE21 Effect: every person—regardless of age—who gains access to education, training, support, and opportunity sends a ripple of positive change to transform individuals, families, workplaces and Syracuse. With the support of foundations and community partners we are not only changing individual lives, but building a stronger, more equitable community.

Partnering with ERIE21 goes beyond providing program participants with workforce training and education opportunities. It also

  • Provides companies with access to a local, diverse and skilled talent pool 
  • Strengthens corporate social responsibility efforts
  • Positions companies as leaders in workforce development 
  • Enhances community engagement
  • Betters the Syracuse community by providing lasting change

Overall, ERIE21 provides a lasting impact on our community.

Why Invest in ERIE21?

By creating a STEM education program that goes beyond the classroom to support the whole person—from securing stable housing to ensuring access to technology—our wrap-around services break down barriers so students can focus on learning and building futures full of possibility. 

We use our funding to intentionally surround each student with comprehensive, holistic support that meets real-life needs:

  • Housing Security
    Ensuring students have safe, reliable places to live.
  • Food Security
    Eliminating hunger so no one has to learn on an empty stomach.
  • Transportation Support
    Bridging the gap between opportunity and access.
  • Technology Access
    Providing laptops, internet, and digital tools for success.
  • Mentorship & Guidance
    Connecting students with leaders who champion their futures.

 

How to Donate Today?

If you’re ready to help fund ERIE21 today, please make checks to:

ERIE21
Attn: Jeannine Baker
1419 Salt Springs Road
Syracuse, NY 13214

ERIE21 creates tangible pipelines for local talent. For employers like Metis, it means opportunities to engage with students who are better prepared, more confident, and more aware of technology career paths. For the community, it helps keep opportunity local and ensures that underrepresented groups see themselves in tomorrow’s workforce.
Jim Jurista, CTO, Metis Consulting Group

Join the Movement

With your help, we can remove these barriers and create meaningful change for the community. You are the key catalysts in making this ripple effect grow. With your partnership, we can 

  • Sustain our offerings
  • Scale our services to reach more students
  • Ensure Syracuse becomes a place where every person has the resources to thrive

Your investment can fuel systemic change. By backing STEM education and wrap-around support in underserved communities, you’re not just helping individual students—you’re addressing the root causes of poverty and inequity across Central New York. 

Together, we can turn opportunity into lasting change.

  • Syracuse City School District
  • Syracuse Academy of Science
  • Onondaga Central School District
  • LaFayette Central School District
  • Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Creativity
  • Syracuse Crunch
  • Onondaga County
  • Department of Labor
  • The Equitable Foundation
  • KeyBank
  • Onondaga County Public Libraries
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Excellus BCBS
  • CenterstateCEO
  • Westcott Community Center
  • The MOST
  • Garam Group
  • Indeed
  • ITOlogist
  • Lisa Melara Career Connections
  • Usherwood
  • Le Moyne College
  • NYS DOL
  • NYS Empire State Development
  • M&T Bank