A $1 million gift will fund Cornell University's High Road Buffalo Fellowship program for the next five years, supporting paid student work with community organizations across Buffalo.
The donation to the Buffalo Co-Lab at Cornell's ILR School came from alumnus James E. Miller and his partner at the law firm Miller Shah LLP, James C. Shah. Cornell said most of the money will subsidize fellows' salaries.
The High Road Buffalo program began in 2009 and places more than 20 Cornell students each summer with local groups, labor unions and community leaders.
Participants work with organizations focused on workers, sustainability, resilience, equity and neighborhood revitalization while gaining hands-on experience outside the classroom.
Cathy Creighton, executive director of the Buffalo Co-Lab, said the funding will allow the program to continue providing assistance to community groups while creating engaged-learning opportunities for students.
Cornell said Miller, a 1988 ILR graduate, has supported ILR students throughout his career. The new commitment will cover the full fellowship program for five years.
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