About EdCo
The Education Collaborative of WNY, Inc. (EdCo), renamed in 2015, was established in 1998, under the name Buffalo Independent Secondary School Network (BISSNET). The organization was created in partnership with The John R. Oishei Foundation as a network of schools, where private and independent high schools in Western New York could work together on common challenges and goals that benefit students. Seventeen high schools formed the original network that twenty-six years later includes twelve schools.
Initially, the organization played a critical role in facilitating a grant from the Oishei Foundation to enhance technology infrastructure and educational resources in the Partner Schools. Concurrently, The Oishei High School Scholarship was established in 1998 as a four-year scholarship, for students with economic need with a preference for students of color. Since 2006 the scholarship has specifically supported students of color with financial need. Since its inception, the scholarship has supported more than 400 students through $16.3 million in financial support.
Throughout its history, EdCo has provided a platform for Partner Schools to collaborate on various educational endeavors such as STEAM, technology integration, and professional development. Partner Schools benefit through shared purchasing of school & office supplies, and educational research software. Activities facilitated by EdCo include various professional development opportunities and collaborative groups comprised of faculty and staff from schools.
In 2017, EdCo focused its efforts in working with Partner Schools to create schools of belonging through diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. With funding from the John R. Oishei Foundation, The Cullen Foundation and other sources, EdCo has provided various professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, created Student Leadership Conferences & Events, created an instructional coaching program, established a network of DEI Coordinators, developed school climate surveys and more.
In 2024, the EdCo Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan that provides a path towards expansion allowing the organization to partner with new schools, organizations and institutions that will ultimately impact more students in positive ways.
