IdeaPod Fall 2011

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THE PITTSBURGH PROMISE’S

what is an iPod, noun [ ī päd ] ©

“internet” “pod” (portable open database).

At The Pittsburgh Promise, we’re offering up our own “i”Pod— the idea pod—a place where ideas can grow by providing students access to information and exposure to all of the . opportunities available through

A MESSAGE FROM

Saleem Ghubril

When we launched The Pittsburgh Promise in 2008, we stated these objectives: • Mitigate and reverse the population declines in the City of Pittsburgh and the enrollment declines in Pittsburgh Public Schools; • Grow the high school completion rates, college readiness, and post high school success of all students in Pittsburgh Public Schools; and • Deploy a well-prepared and energized work force and an eager core of community volunteers.

We focused much of our effort in the first few years on fueling the reform work of Pittsburgh Public Schools, energizing our students’ visions for life after high school, and providing scholarships for them to pursue higher education. These will always be high priorities, and I don’t anticipate the day will ever come when we conclude that our work is done.

We’re now adding emphasis on the mission of promoting city living. In this and in the next four issues of Idea Pod, we will feature one region of our city in the magazine’s photo journal. In this issue, we highlight Pittsburgh’s southern neighborhoods. We will capture western, eastern, northern, and central neighborhoods in upcoming issues.

There are 90 neighborhoods in the City of Pittsburgh that feature a wide array of history, culture, languages, and style. Our topography is marked by clean rivers and rolling hills, our downtown is creative and accessible, our economy is healthy and growing, our quality of life is enviably good, our arts scene is broadly diverse and excellent, our healthcare providers lead the world, our colleges and universities attract the world, and our system of primary and secondary public education is in the throes of a thrilling renaissance.

Why not live in our neighborhoods, attend our schools, and earn up to $40,000 per child in college scholarships? If we can be of any service, please give us a call.

Saleem Ghubril Executive Director The Pittsburgh Promise

topics

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Student Internships Internships: Direct Energy Internships: Action Housing and FHLBank Student Scientists Q&A: About The Promise Ask the President Attendance Counts Advice from CAPA Graduate Michael Warren Direct Energy (TO COME) The Greatest Generation Stepping Stones to College Pittsburgh Neighborhoods: Mt. Washington Pittsburgh Neighborhoods: Beltzhoover and Beechview 26 Pittsburgh Neighborhoods: Brookline and Carrick 27 Pittsburgh Neighborhoods: South Side Flats and South Side Slopes

THE PITTSBURGH PROMISE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Franco Harris, Chairman

Luke Ravenstahl

NFL Hall of Fame Owner, Super Bakery, Inc.

Mayor, City of Pittsburgh

Candi Castleberry-Singleton

David and Cindy Shapira

Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, UPMC

Chairman, CEO and President Giant Eagle, Inc.

Mark Laskow

Edith Shapira, MD

Managing Director and CEO, Greycourt & Co.

Psychiatrist, Private Practice

Linda Lane, EdD Superintendent, Pittsburgh Public Schools

Kiya Tomlin

Anne Lewis

Olga Welch, EdD

Chair, Oxford Development Company

Dean, School of Education Duquesne University

Pamela Little-Poole

Demetri Zervoudis

Parent Volunteer, Pittsburgh Public Schools

Senior Vice President, Bayer Material Science

David and Nancy Malone

Grant Oliphant, Ex-Officio

President and CEO Gateway Financial Group

President and CEO, The Pittsburgh Foundation

Martin McGuinn

Saleem Ghubril

Chairman and CEO (Retired) Mellon Financial Services

Executive Director The Pittsburgh Promise

Parent Volunteer, Pittsburgh Public Schools

The Pittsburgh Promise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is an affiliate of The Pittsburgh Foundation.

The Pittsburgh Promise is a partnership between Pittsburgh Public Schools, the City of Pittsburgh, UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), and other key funders.

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Deploying a well-prepared and energized workforce and an eager core of community volunteers:

STUDENT INTERNSHIPS One of the top priorities of The Pittsburgh Promise is to ensure that our young people have the opportunity not only to pursue higher education but also to seek and obtain meaningful employment after graduation. The third goal of The Promise is to “deploy a well-prepared and energized workforce and an eager core of community volunteers.”

Bottom line, we want to keep or bring back our Promise scholars to Pittsburgh after graduation. This is why we began to work with local businesses and organizations to create internships that focus on providing them with practical experiences, while showcasing the career potentials that are present in and around Pittsburgh.

Having participated in my share of internships through college, and crediting my current position to a relationship that was established in my very first internship in 1994, I understand the benefits of a good internship. These benefits include real-world work experience, relationship building, professional development, and the opportunity to discover the type of work that you are passionate about.

We’re thankful to Action Housing, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, and Direct Energy for employing Promise interns in the summer of 2011. We look forward to forging new internship partners in the years to come.

Eugene Walker Benchmarks Manager The Pittsburgh Promise

2 fall 2011

INTERNSHIPS: DIRECT ENERGY This summer Direct Energy had the privilege of bringing in two Pittsburgh Promise interns. Derek Saulsbury is going into his junior year at the University of Pittsburgh and LeQuira Hutson is entering her sophomore year at Washington and Jefferson College. Our overall experience with the program and the interns was extremely positive from beginning to end.

From an administrative perspective, it saved us so much time simply because there was no need to search for our own interns. The Pittsburgh Promise provided their resumes and we were able to quickly start the interview process.

Both Derek and LeQuira brought with them a high level of energy, willingness to learn and a can-do positive attitude.

They quickly integrated themselves into our team and were even active members of our after-work kick-ball squad.

We felt lucky in that both interns came to us already having a great baseline of useful, transferrable business skills. Derek took a lead role in developing market profiles for us and actually developed a market attractiveness

model using publicly available demographic data and zip code information. LeQuira did market research on competitor activities and the government and regulatory landscape as part of our new market investigations. In addition, both interns worked diligently on scripting, filming and editing our in-house spoof of the TV series ‘The Office’.

Having The Pittsburgh Promise interns in the office for the summer was fun and rewarding for us. We would highly recommend any company thinking about hiring summer interns to contact The Pittsburgh Promise and we are looking forward to participating again next summer.

Bethany Ruhe Senior Manager, Public Relations Direct Energy Business and US North Residential

Below: Derek Saulsbury; Scott Turner, Commercial Director for US North Residential, Direct Energy; LaQuira Hutson

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LeQuira Hutson Direct Energy Intern Senior, Washington & Jefferson College

I had the privilege to intern at a well known energy supplier, Direct Energy. I had the pleasure of working with the residential team. Within the residential team, I was able to work under the direction of many knowledgeable and passionate employees who further taught me about the energy business. I learned about the many different options of alternative electricity and gas suppliers, as well as the different benefits and savings opportunities that exist. Surprisingly, even though having options aside from the utility to buy power is very beneficial to customers, the idea is not as widely received as it should be. Learning about businesses, like Direct Energy, who guarantee savings, it became very interesting to learn about every aspect of the energy industry.

Once I was familiarized with the ins and outs of the company, I began to take on some projects with more room for my creativity and skills to become highlighted.

One of my favorite projects that I worked on during the internship was creating Market Profiles for different markets in different states. During this project, we were given an incredible amount of independence to gather information and set up presentations to report back weekly to our supervisor.

I was invited to weekly staff meetings where each person informed the team of the progress they were making and the future steps that needed to be made in order to stay on schedule. I really felt like a part of the team as I was able to report actual projects that I was working on. It was refreshing to know that I was productively contributing to the team.

I also had meetings with the Vice President where I was able to gain wisdom and advice from him. He was very genuine and was willing to share with me things about his career that were essential to his success. For instance, he emphasized the importance of creating my own brand. Each encounter I have with a coworker, the way I handle business, my work ethic, and the overall way that I approach and tackle challenges are each a component, along with others, that will create my brand and differentiate myself from mediocrity.

Derek Saulsbury Direct Energy Intern Senior, University of Pittsburgh

The internship with Direct Energy through The Pittsburgh Promise was amazing. Direct Energy was a truly great company to work for! The work environment exceeded all expectations of what working in an office environment would be like. Everyone was friendly and helpful. They encouraged team involvement through athletic events, such as weekly kickball and soccer games, as well as through charity events like Habitat for Humanity. In addition, DE gave free tickets (including all-you-can-eat food) to all employees for two Pirates’ games. As it should be becoming increasingly obvious, Direct Energy’s work–life balance and corporate culture was great. Last, but certainly not least, I was given the Friends and Family rate for my electricity supply, which will save $100+ on my electric bill—a gesture/benefit that made me feel welcome and a true part of the DE Family.

The work varied from several-week-long projects to hour-long tasks. Though some tasks may have been mind-numbing, the vast majority of the work that I did was a fulfilling and enriching experience. I greatly value the autonomy that I was granted. This was a great internship. And I now know infinitely more about the energy industry than I did prior to this summer. More importantly, the knowledge and skills that I learned are broad and are applicable to any job in any industry.

4 fall 2011

INTERNSHIPS:

ACTION HOUSING AND FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK Promise Scholars Shayla Boyce and Jacquelyn Florian share with The Promise IdeaPod the impact of their summer internship experience.

Shayla Boyce Action Housing Intern Senior, Shippensburg University

In my summer internship I filed papers, wrote numerous infographics, created flyers, stamped and mailed newsletters, as well as ripped up carpets, organized a warehouse, tore down wall paper, cleaned and painted apartments, and attended a field trip to a recycling plant. It was a very interesting and diverse summer.

Action Housing is making an impact and bringing change for the better in a person’s life. It is truly inspirational that there are so many people at this company who are willing to help all types of people regardless of background. After my time at ACTION I think I have the passion to make it in the social service field.

Overall it was a wonderful learning experience for me, and I am thankful to The Pittsburgh Promise and ACTION-Housing for allowing me to have it.

Promises made.

Jacquelyn Florian FHLBank Intern Senior, Penn State University

My internship was in the Community Investment Department of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. FHLBank is referred to as a “Bank for Banks,” meaning when regular banks need loans, they come to us. The community investment part comes in to play when the bank takes a percentage of their profit and puts it toward housing development or funding for small businesses in the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia.

The staff was not shy about assigning projects and I gained their trust by handling them quickly and efficiently.

These tasks included coordinating a learning forum in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, conducting research in investment needs for the Community Lending Plan, as well as general administrative work.

Before this internship I had no idea that there were assistance programs offered by banks and now I am a team player in helping people get on track with their businesses or living arrangements. It is a good feeling knowing that I can be of service.

Promises kept.

For over 160 years, Saint Francis University has been keeping promises to students just like you. The promise of a better education and the promise of a better tomorrow. Today, 97% of all Saint Francis graduates are employed or in graduate school just six months after they graduate. That’s a promise kept. www.francis.edu | Reach Higher. Go Far.

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SETON HILL UNIVERSITY

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TUITION & AID

AN IPAD2 FOR YOU

Seton Hill U. Quick Facts Catholic, coeducational liberal arts university Welcomes students of all faiths Founded in 1885 More than 30 undergraduate programs 13 graduate programs

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

More than 2000 students 200-acre Greensburg, Pa. campus 35 miles from Pittsburgh

FACULTY

Named a great school at a great price by U.S. News & World Report A best northeastern college according to the Princeton Review

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STUDENT LIFE

ATHLETICS

6 fall 2011

STUDENT

Two young men from Pittsburgh Science & Technology Academy spent their summer in Texas, challenging themselves to achieve academic success at a level most students only experience in college. Kevin Williams and Senque Little-Poole won coveted spots in the STEMPREP Project sponsored by the Distance Learning Center, in which STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and PREP stands for preparation.

Dr. Charles Knibb, Director of Academic Affairs, personalizes the experience this way: “A common factor with many of the students is that they had a family member, a parent, an aunt or uncle, a grandparent, who was sick with a disease and they say, ‘It was never explained to me, they said I was too young or wouldn’t understand, and I want to find out about it.’” STEMPREP provides tools to find out about diseases and also about how to achieve a professional career in STEM. The program’s long history and exceptional achievement record make it very special. According to the Center’s website every single participant has graduated from high school. And if participants continue in the program during college, again 100 percent graduate with 98 percent majoring in STEM fields. More than half of those finishing the program have earned a terminal degree in the biomedical field. And finally, 43 pecent of the participants come from low income families.

Numbers quantify the impact of the program, and behind the statistics are the rich experiences of students.

The first Pittsburgh student to be accepted into the program was Joseph Williams, a 2004 graduate of Perry who went on to study at Temple and Pitt. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, he remembers a series of internships across the country giving him a distinctive edge. He recalls, “One that really stood out was the Johnson and Johnson internship where I was doing bioinformatics, mainly statistical work. That job really got me into bioinformatics. The research there was great.” His interest in bioinformatics led to an advanced IT degree from Pitt, which he translated into a job at FedEx in Moon Township. Joseph hopes to return to bioinformatics in the future.

Following Joseph, this year Kevin and Senque were chosen with the strong support of Dr. Edwina Kinchington, the lead biotechnology teacher at SciTech. With a PhD in pharmacology, Dr. K. knows what it takes to become an elite student: hard work, determination, resiliency, and people who believe in you. STEMPREP supports this exact combination, as both students and their families can attest. “It takes a commitment from the parents and the students but the payoff is huge,” she offers. To be accepted, the two eighth graders had to make a nine-summer commitment.

From the very start of conversing with Kevin, it is clear he spent his summer in a drastically different way than most students his age. “We learned a lot about normal curves,” rolled off his tongue as easily as if he were saying “I played a lot of videogames.” In particular the labs that were part of their coursework appealed to Kevin, he offered, allowing him to go into more depth on a topic than he had during the school year. And his research paper on osteoarthritis was more comprehensive than any he had done before, culminating in a ten minute presentation. He explained that though very challenging, the program was fun because of the effort you put into it. He also made some good friends, including getting to know Senque better. Asked if he is going back next summer, Kevin exclaimed, “I hope so! You have to be invited back.”

Invitations are based on achievement, in this case getting 80 percent or higher on all coursework.

Senque echoed his classmates feelings—getting deeply into challenging content was the appeal. The day started with waking up at 6:45 a.m., getting breakfast with friends, and then heading off to class. Lecture style classes were complemented with lab activities, as well as instruction on writing and presenting. Senque recalled dissecting a fetal pig during the course of a three-day lab, which students did in order to learn about the nervous system, among other things. “We made an incision on the dorsal side to look at the brain and spinal cord,” described Senque. As with Kevin, the confidence and ease with which Senque spoke made a deep impression on me. Towards the end of our conversation, Senque summed up the experience succinctly, “I loved the challenge and I made a lot of good friends.”

Both students look forward to continuing next summer. In the meantime, they will be taking Big Ideas in Science, an integrated science course at SciTech for ninth graders, in which they will be able to share their experiences and knowledge while modeling their role as future STEM leaders.

Stephen Pellathy Pittsburgh Public Schools Science Curriculum Specialist

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SCIENTISTS One of the most innovative minds, not only in the world of Science, but in our nation’s rich history, said it best. George Washington Carver was a man whose exact birth date is unknown — who was born into slavery — yet, wasn’t bound to his humble beginnings.

Both of his parents were purchased for $700 by a German immigrant. But he still became the man he was both through science and education. Fittingly, he came up with the famous quote: “Education is the key to unlock the Golden Door of freedom.”

My experience at Penn State University through The Pittsburgh Promise has been very fulfilling. I’m gaining all of the experience needed in my pursuit to become a Chemical and Biological Engineer.

Imagine if a man like George Washington Carver and many other pioneers of the past had opportunities such as The Promise?

I’m so grateful for the many ways that the program is able to accommodate the things that I need that will make me a success in my collegiate experience. Not only do they cover my tuition, they also help with books and summer classes. With that kind of support, I’m able to focus on my electricity and magnetism labs in my Physics class, which is not the easiest thing to grasp at times.

When I was student at Perry High School, I knew in my heart that I always wanted to be a Nittany Lion. I put it all on the line. I saturated my schedule with extra-curricular activities, studied hard, and immersed myself with all the things that I knew would help me qualify for the institution.

It was rough to be able to do all of that and still have a social and family life. But I was able to push through and luckily get the assistance that I needed from The Pittsburgh Promise. The rest has been history and I’m now looking forward to my senior year in college.

During my college experience, I was able to give back and use the knowledge that I attained through being an instructor at the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program at the Allegheny YMCA. My task was to create curriculum based on exploring science through nature. It focused on various wild plants as well as everyday fruits and vegetables. Though teaching the science aspect was fun, I also was able to bring the engineering side of things out through the design squad—the students and I used everyday household items to design space shuttles, cars, and boats.

As I reflect on the first three years of my education, I realize that all of my hard work, namely in the fields of math and science are going to pay off in my pursuit of a career in Engineering. It has been so important in helping me to lay down the foundation that I need to make the necessary solutions that everyday people see in normal life.

Charlynn White Promise Scholar and Senior, Penn State University 2008 Graduate, Perry High School

8 fall 2011

Q&A

by Ethan Buscko Pittsburgh Promise Summer Interns 2011 (left to right) Ethan Buscko (Carrick), Sara Zahorchak (Brashear), Niger Little-Poole (Obama), Teireik Williams (CAPA), and (center) Shanda Snyder (CAPA).

Not pictured: Rachael Deis (Obama), Rashi Price (CAPA), and Mark Byars (Perry).

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Does The Pittsburgh Promise really dish out up to $40,000 for college?

I used to ask myself this question. As a current senior at Pittsburgh Carrick High School, I was skeptical.

There had to be a catch. However, this summer, as a Pittsburgh Promise Summer Intern, I learned that there is no catch. I only need a 2.5 GPA and 90 percent attendance rate in order to be eligible for a scholarship.

Now that I know this, I want to make sure that every high school student in Pittsburgh knows too.

“I like meeting the people behind the curtains who manage The Promise.”

Sara, Promise Ambassador Program Designer

What is The Promise doing to get students’ attention, and who are The Pittsburgh Promise Summer Interns?

It turns out that I was not the only high schooler in Pittsburgh who was skeptical about The Promise. After hearing tons of questions, the staff at The Pittsburgh Promise office began to wonder why students were puzzled. So they decided to go to the source and ask high school students directly, “What can we do to get the message out to you?” This is how The Pittsburgh Promise High School Internship Program began.

This summer, student leaders from each Pittsburgh Public high school came to The Promise headquarters once a week. As summer interns, we evaluated student questions about The Promise, and we brainstormed how to better communicate with our peers. We, as Promise representatives, or “Promise Ambassadors,” endeavored to bring the message out of the office and into our schools.

“I was glad that I could partake in such a special opportunity, especially since it makes you strive to become a better and more responsible person.” Shanda, Promise Video Project Coordinator and Actor

“I enjoyed learning about how involved The Promise is in our communities.

They are really passionate about what they are doing.” Teireik, Video Project Actor Okay, so how did we decide to get the message out there?

As Summer Interns, we used our individual talents to design a student brochure, film Youtube videos, program an interactive college map for the website, and, most exciting, launch the Promise Ambassador Program this fall. As Carrick’s Ambassador I enjoy writing letters and essays and was asked to write this article. Obama High School’s Ambassador, Niger Little-Poole, is tech-savvy and created the interactive web-map of all 300+ schools that are Promise-eligible. Brashear and Obama High School Ambassadors, Sara Zahorchak and Rachel Deis, thoughtfully designed the 2011 Promise Ambassador Program. CAPA’s three ambassadors, Teireik Williams, Shanda Snyder, and Rashi Price, expressed themselves by playing roles in multiple videos as a class nerd, a school flirt, and a hysterical Promise applicant. All of The Promise videos were creatively scripted by Perry High School Ambassador Mark Byars.

This summer we had fun with our assignments.

Bloopers from our videos are hilarious. Completing an assignment always felt exhilarating. In the Fall, other Promise Ambassadors and I will be running contests, setting up informational tables, and bringing speakers to our schools to make sure that every freshman, sophomore, junior and senior in Pittsburgh knows about The Promise and what they need to do to be Promise-Ready. If your school doesn’t have a Promise Ambassador, think about becoming one!

“I feel that what just started as a summer internship program will really grow into an important part of The Promise’s interaction with the students in the city and it feels great to be a part of that beginning.” Ethan, Writer and Publication Designer

10 fall 2011

DR. JOANNE BOYLE SETON HILL UNIVERSITY Seton Hill University students can count on receiving a high quality education in an environment that embraces mobile learning. Acting on our belief that mobile technology would become one of the most powerful teaching tools of our time, Seton Hill took a bold step into the future, becoming the first university in the nation to provide the iPad to all faculty members and to every student. Since then, we have seen energizing change in the way faculty teach and students learn. In the classroom students and faculty are co-explorers. Mobile devices at our fingertips and a wireless environment equal to few others, make this a transformative time for education on our campus.

New programs of national prominence, including the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) opportunity and our premier Physician Assistant program, bring students from near and far. Similarly, Seton Hill’s investment in the visual and performing arts, our still-new Performing Arts Center and the achievement of All-Steinway status have drawn increasing numbers of exceptional students.

Students can count on Seton Hill to move forward by remaining “mission centered,” our planning is always guided by our sense of ourselves as a leading Catholic liberal arts university.

MR. GREGORY DEFEO PITTSBURGH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE For 60+ years PTI has provided the skills graduates need to succeed in their chosen profession. In today’s economy, practical, handson education makes more sense than ever.

While some institutions may be tightening spending, PTI has invested more than $20 million in student housing and educational facilities over the past three years. This fiscal commitment to education means students can expect labs that reflect industry, comfortable housing on and off campus, and a wide array of activities on our 180-acre suburban campus.

PTI invests in the student experience. Even though students can complete their degree in two years, sometimes less, the time they spend outside the classroom is just as important as the time they spend in labs and on projects. Students need to have a little fun, too. PTI offers seasonal parties, intramural sports on recently improved fields and courts, and events such as Humans V Zombies, Carnival, and Backyard Bash.

All this—campus fun, comfortable housing, updated academic facilities—leads to graduation and the job search. PTI’s dedicated Career Services team makes sure students are armed with the tools they need: succinct resumes, robust portfolios, and the confidence to walk into an interview ready to work.

ask the president We asked six Presidents of Promise-eligible schools this question,

“TIGHT BUDGETS ARE CAUSING ALL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES TO TIGHTEN THEIR BELTS. WHAT CAN STUDENTS COUNT ON YOU TO DELIVER, EVEN IN THE FACE OF LIMITED RESOURCES?”

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DR. CHARLES J. DOUGHERTY DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY For many colleges and universities, the past several years have been a time of belt tightening, with students and their families feeling the pinch. That is simply not the case at Duquesne.

In fact, we are experiencing an exciting period of growth and achievement, and we are offering our students a better educational experience than ever before.

The ability to do so is the result of a long-standing tradition at Duquesne of managing finances wisely and making decisions that will help us guarantee that our students’ education always comes first.

Currently, we are hiring professors and developing new academic programs in high-demand fields. Our campus is larger and more attractive than ever, and we are proud to be part of the exciting improvements taking place in Pittsburgh’s Uptown community. We are especially proud of the fact that at the same time we have grown physically we have been able to improve academically.

Perhaps most satisfying is the knowledge that, along with growth and increased academic achievement, we have been able to keep a Duquesne education affordable by offering scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students and their families.

DR. KENNETH A. SMITH GENEVA COLLEGE In any economic climate, Geneva College remains committed to providing students an academically excellent, Christian education. Since being established in 1848, our goal has always been to offer students programs and services that help them achieve their potential and fully develop their God-given abilities. Because every member of Geneva’s faculty, staff, and administration shares this commitment, students can be certain that they will receive a quality professional preparation even during times of economic uncertainty.

Even in the face of tightened budgets, our academic departments continue to be innovative, developing in-demand programs like the new environmental science major and recently-added environmental engineering concentration. Also, Geneva provides services to assist students secure employment. The Career Development Office provides personal career counseling and we host the Geneva Job Link, an online job and internship resource for students looking to obtain vital work experience.

Finally, we offer a valuable integration of faith and learning. All classes at Geneva are taught by Christian professors, ensuring that our students learn how their studies relate to God’s word. And with Geneva’s liberal arts foundation in humanities, the social and natural sciences, and biblical studies, our well-rounded graduates are positioned to serve as productive contributors wherever God leads them.

DR. ROBERT M. SMITH SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY Students can count on Slippery Rock University to focus our investments in the Rock Solid education they want to be successful in their lives and careers.

That investment assures students can expect great teaching. At SRU only fully credentialed faculty teach, 92 percent with doctorates or equivalent in their profession. Graduate assistants do not teach our students. Instead, our faculty members’ first priority is teaching and learning. And, because of our small class size, students can expect to study and research with faculty members that mentor and provide the personal attention recognized by an SRU education.

To build for great careers, our educational focus goes beyond just earning a diploma. As a residential university, the campus becomes a living laboratory for students to explore the real-world skills and values necessary to tackle universal global problems that enrich our students throughout their life.

Community building and student leadership development are still hallmarks of an SRU education and the door opener for great careers.

Our belt-tightening has not impacted our students’ educational quality. We are still half the cost and more than twice the value in this region. Come see for yourself how we focus on your education.

MR. DENNIS WILKE ROSEDALE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE Rosedale Tech is actually in the middle of an exciting capital expansion initiative. We are making extensive investments in new equipment and in our facilities, including the addition of a 42,000 squarefoot property nearly adjacent to our current campus. We plan to move our Diesel Technology programin to the new building, which is about twice the size of our current Diesel space. This expansion will allow us to increase the scope and size of our Diesel program as we anticipate the need for Diesel mechanics will grow in this region due to the natural gas industry boom.

The room created in our current facility by the move of Diesel has allowed Rosedale to create a new HVAC program in it's place. We are excited to offer this program, which will specialize in diagnostics and troubleshooting of HVAC systems.

Like all of our programs, the HVAC program will train students for jobs included in the PA High Priority Jobs list.

We’ve also been busy enhancing the equipment and facility in our existing campus. We now have Smart Boards in every classroom and dozens of laptop computers are used by students in various classrooms and labs. In total, Rosedale Tech has invested over $650,000 in facilities and equipment just this past school year, not even counting the new building.

In summary, students can expect Rosedale to be leading the way in providing the latest training equipment in an updated and energizing learning environment.

12 fall 2011

We can help.

We’re Geneva College.

If you’re trying to figure out what to do next with your life, consider this. We believe God has big plans for you. And that includes becoming everything He meant you to be.

A challenging Christian college that prepares you to challenge the world. And succeed.

We have the majors and graduate programs you need to compete. A rigorous academic environment in a Christian atmosphere that helps you keep the faith—no matter what life throws at you.

Discover a whole new take on your life.

Together, we can meet the challenge.

geneva.edu • 800-847-8255

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Have fun. Make friends.

Build your future.

IN 2 YEARS OR LESS.

Hands-on education Career-focused programs On-campus residence halls Student activities Intramural sports

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Success YOUR W Way ay

Apply online. No application fee.

14 fall 2011

ATTENDANCE COUNTS

MAKING UP IS HARD TO DO! High attendance in school is one of the most important requirements to qualify for the piles of free money being offered by The Pittsburgh Promise to Pittsburgh’s public school students. Showing up for school every day is very important for many other reasons as well, not the least of which is the instruction you miss when not in class.

You can make up a test. You can make up a homework assignment. You can make missed readings. What you can’t make up is all the new information you miss by being absent. Instruction is cumulative. Information presented in class is connected to prior lessons and necessary for the lessons to come.

While missing school occasionally may not seem like a big deal, it really is. High school students who were late to school more than six times in a year had significantly lower GPAs than those students who were on time. The GPAs of students with six or more all day absences were

more than an entire grade point lower than their classmates who were in class each day!

Being in school, every day, on time is serious business.

Making high attendance a habit is essential to a successful life after school and critical to getting, and keeping, a job in the field of your choosing. Your teachers will tell you that the students who are in class every day are far more likely to have far more options when they leave high school. Parents who insist on their children attending school every day will tell you that their children learn more, earn higher grades, and report feeling better about themselves as learners.

Unless you are truly sick or have an emergency that prevents you from attending school you need to be there.

There are some things in life you can’t make up and classroom time is one of the most important!

Charles Slayton Pittsburgh Public Schools Project Manager Oliver High School

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Greetings, parents and students of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, my name is Michael Warren and I am a 2011 graduate of the Pittsburgh School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) 6–12. Formerly from the Southside area of Pittsburgh, I previously attended Knoxville Elementary School and Rogers CAPA Middle School. From the moment it was introduced to me, The Pittsburgh Promise was more than just $20,000 for all the graduating classes up to 2011, or $40,000 for the future graduating classes; it has represented that little bit of hope that someone such as myself needed to know that I can, and now will make it.

Financially, college never seemed possible for me. Still, college was a definite goal. I’ve been dedicated to my big dreams of becoming a music educator here in the Pittsburgh Public School District. This dream started partly because of the influence of a teacher I had in the fifth grade. Ms. Flick did not just invite me into the choir; she invested in me, and revealed to me the nature of my vocal gift, which I hadn’t even noticed in myself. It is because Ms. Flick recognized and nurtured my gift that I was afforded the opportunity to attend Rogers CAPA Middle School. It was there that I met that “teacher for me.”

Thanks to Mr. Biggs, I was able to successfully complete my college auditions, and was even accepted into not only one, nor two, but three colleges.

I leave our students with the following advice: take advantage of what your teachers have to offer.

Keep in mind The Promise, not only because of the money, but because it can help you reach your dreams. Each and every person has something great to offer to this world; now do the things necessary to offer them.

Michael Warren First Year Promise Scholar at Geneva College 2011 Graduate of CAPA

Mount Aloysius College is a comprehensive institution offering master, bachelor and associate degree programs.

888-823-2220 www.mtaloy.edu Cresson, PA

A Mercy College

“

I like the atmosphere on campus.

It’s very friendly.

”

— Maria Costanza of Pittsburgh, a public relations major who is a guard on the women’s basketball team.

You can earn a degree from the University of Pittsburgh on a friendly, safe campus. And, with our many scholarships, it will be more affordable than you think.

Bradford

you can go

beyond www.upb.pitt.edu

16 fall 2011

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idea pod 17

18 fall 2011

SPECIAL ELECTRICITY RATE SAVINGS FOR THE PITTSBURGH PROMISE COMMUNITY We recognize the contribution that you make to our children, the Pittsburgh Public Schools and the city in which we live and work. That is why Direct Energy has partnered with the Pittsburgh Promise to provide you with a special electricity supply offer that is 20% off of Duquesne Light’s current residential supply rate.* As a member of the Pittsburgh Promise community, you’ll get: UÊ Ê20% off of Duquesne Light’s current residential supply rate* UÊ Ê Ü]ÊwÝi`Êi iVÌÀ V ÌÞÊÀ>ÌiÊ vÊf°äÇ{ Ê«iÀÊ 7 Êv ÀÊ£ÓÊ Ì Ã UÊ Êi>À ÞÊV> Vi >Ì Êviià UÊ /Ê iÊ>ÃÃÕÀ> ViÊÌ >ÌÊ>Ê« ÀÌ Ê vÊÌ iÊ«À Vii`ÃÊÜ Ê} ÊL>V ÊÌ ÊÌ iÊ* ÌÌÃLÕÀ} Ê*À Ãi]Ê making this a win-win offer for all!

As a customer in the Duquesne Light service territory, you have the right to choose your own electric supply service.

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idea pod 19

MANFRED HONECK, MUSIC DIRECTOR

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live green. Develop an entrepreneurial spirit. And get involved in the world on a MANFRED HONECK

more meaningful level. Small class sizes and dedicated professors let you soar and explore in unbelievable ways. Think you want to know more? Visit chatham.edu.

CHATHAM CHA ATHAM ADVANTAGES ADVANT TAGES • Experience a distinctive education built upon women’s leadership, environmental awareness, THE PARIS FESTIVAL

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Eden Hall Campus north of Pittsburgh • SA AT/ACT optional admissions adm policy available for first-year students • Nearly 95% of Chatham undergraduate students receive some form of merit or need-based scholarship • All first-year and transfer students are provided with a new 13 inch MacBook Pro laptop computer for use in the classroom and throughout our wireless campus • Most students have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Chatham in as few as five years from many of our graduate programs • Study abroad almost anywhere in the world during Maymester term, a full term, or a full year

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20 fall 2011

In 1945, World War II ended, and 16 million soldiers who were serving in Europe and the Pacific came home to America. When these men and women left to fight in the war a few years earlier, some were working in factories, some were farmers, and some had not even graduated from high school yet. What were they going to do when they came home?

In 1944, a lawyer named Harry Colmery sat in his hotel room.

With a pen and a piece of scrap paper, he drafted a bill to present to the United States Congress called, “The Serviceman’s Readjustment Act of 1944.” The act became known as the “GI Bill of Rights.” The GI Bill was designed to help soldiers coming home from the war find jobs, buy homes, and go to school. On June 22, 1944, President Roosevelt signed the bill into law.

GREATEST GENERATION THE

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When Mr. Colmery wrote the first draft of the GI Bill in his hotel room, he did not know that his proposal would change the history of America. Nobody could have predicted that the GI Bill of Rights would spark a revolution in science and technology, leading to the invention of computers, televisions, and rockets capable of traveling to the moon. No one could have predicted that the money from the GI Bill would educate the leaders of the Civil Rights movement, or doctors who would revolutionize modern medicine. How were all of these things possible? Well, it was very simple. The GI Bill gave scholarships to men and women, of every background, race, and religion to go to college.

What did the soldiers do when they came home? They went to school. For the first time in America’s history, you did not have to be wealthy to go to college. Before the GI Bill, most Americans did not have the money or opportunity to go to school after high school. But, with the money from the GI Bill, half of the soldiers who returned from World War II, about 8 million people, used the scholarships available to them from the GI Bill to pursue higher education. In fact, so many people used scholarships from the GI Bill to go to school, that universities throughout the country were too crowded and had to put bunk beds in cafeterias to house the new students! The students on scholarships became some of the best students at the schools, majoring in engineering, medicine, fashion, history, and law. After graduation, these students became teachers, doctors, judges, physicists, and musicians. The students on scholarship became known as America’s Greatest Generation.

For the first time in America’s history, your future did not depend on where you grew up, who your family was, or how much money you had. Anybody who used the scholarship could become anything he or she put his or her mind to. Most of the GI Bill students were the first people in their families to go to college, and after they received their education, these students returned to the communities they came from. Their sons and daughters went to college, and their legacy lives on today. Every time you turn on a computer or use a cell phone, think about the Greatest Generation, because without the soldiers who went to college on scholarship, these things would not exist today.

And now the question is: what are you going to do with your scholarship? Whether its science, law, or the arts, you can use your Promise scholarship and be a part of The Greatest Generation.

Becky Grinstead Student, University of Pittsburgh Law School Volunteer, The Pittsburgh Promise

DOVEY ROUNDTREE Dovey Roundtree used her GI Bill scholarship to go to Howard University and become a lawyer. After graduating from Howard, Roundtree became the lawyer for Sarah Keys, a young woman who was forced to get off of a bus in North Carolina because of segregation laws in the South. Roundtree fought for Sarah Keys in the courtroom for three years and eventually won a landmark victory. Segregation on interstate bus travel became illegal. Dovey Roundtree went on to become a distinguished civil and criminal lawyer, and in 2009 First Lady Michelle Obama saluted Roundtree in a public letter, stating, “It is on the shoulders of people like Dovey Johnson Roundtree that we stand today, and it is with her commitment to our core ideals that we will continue moving toward a better tomorrow.”

LEON LEDERMAN Leon Lederman was the first in his family to go to college. He used his GI Bill scholarship to go to Columbia University and study physics. In 1988, Lederman won the Nobel Prize for his contributions to the field of physics, and his studies are said to have ushered in a golden age of science and research, contributing to the technology of computer chips, lasers, and cancer-curing particle beams. Today Lederman is an advocate for public schools in America. He believes our schools need to instill the love of math and science into young people so that public school graduates can keep America competitive in the field of global technology innovation.

HARRY BELAFONTE Harry Belafonte used his GI Bill scholarship to go to The New School in New York City and study acting. Belafonte went on to become a famous singer and actor, winning a Tony award and an Emmy award. Belafonte also became an outspoken leader for the Civil Rights movement. He is considered a humanitarian and activist and has used his career to raise awareness about issues of discrimination worldwide. Today he is an ambassador for UNICEF, the United Nation’s Children Fund, and defends the rights of children around the globe. Harry Belafonte says that without his scholarship from the GI Bill, “I’m not quite sure what I’d have been.”

22 fall 2011

STEPPING STONES 444TO COLLEGE Ninth grade students have a special opportunity for a fresh academic start, and as parents, you have a special opportunity to help your student along a pathway towards college. Colleges and universities review your student’s high school academic performance carefully; however, colleges and universities begin considering your academic performance starting with your student’s ninth grade transcript.

Juniors and seniors in high school receive an abundance of advice about course selection, preparing for entrance tests and which colleges will be the right match.

However, college preparation begins when your student enters high school.

Colleges and universities appreciate academic rigor, so it is important to take the most advanced classes possible. If your student has the opportunity to take advanced, honors or AP (advance placement for college credit), it will assist the student in preparation for college admission and college.

Additionally, students who achieve high scores on the AP exams often receive college credit, shortening the number of additional credits needed towards college graduation.

As your student begins considering college, you will begin to see there are a variety of options to consider. There are technical, vocational, community, and two-year and four-year options. Additionally, there are public and private, and in-state and out-of-state selections. More than a dozen choices are conveniently located in the Pittsburgh area; make a point to visit them with your student. Start by driving through a few institutions when your student is in ninth grade. Take advantage of the signs you see on the highway highlighting colleges off nearby exits. It is an inexpensive opportunity to promote higher education to your student without making a special trip.

Colleges and universities often have labels identified with their strengths. I am frequently asked what “liberal arts” means. Institutions who are labeled as “liberal arts” colleges emphasize learning in a range of disciplines, including literature, languages, philosophy, history, mathematics and science. Liberal arts colleges are terrific choices for students who have several areas of academic interest.

I am also often asked if standardized tests reveal a student’s potential. Standardized tests are just one measure of a student’s potential and not all students are able to reveal their potential through standardized tests. If you or your student is concerned about standardized tests, consider asking colleges or universities you are considering how much weight is given to the standardized test or if they are Test Optional. Many institutions review applicants through a holistic review (they consider items in the file beyond a student’s grade point average and test score).

The most important advice I can offer is to encourage your student to take tough courses in high school. Tough courses prepare students for the rigor of college. Encourage your student to attend classes and do his/her homework.

Finally, always seek extra help when your student does not understand the material, and save for college. Research reveals that consistent saving for college improves academic success of students in high school and college, regardless of the amount saved.

Wendy Beckemeyer Vice President of Enrollment Management Chatham University

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24 fall 2011

PITTSBURGH’S NEIGHBORHOODS In this issue of the IdeaPod we feature seven of the South Pittsburgh neighborhoods: Mt. Washington; Beechview; Beltzhoover; Brookline; Carrick; South Side Flats; and South Side Slopes

Southside Flats and Southside Slopes

Mt. Washington Beltzhoover

Beechview Brookline Photography: Joshua Franzos

MT. WASHINGTON

Carrick

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BELTZHOOVER

BEECHVIEW

26 fall 2011

BROOKLINE

CARRICK

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SOUTH SIDE FLATS

SOUTH SIDE SLOPES

28 fall 2011

Promise fulfilled.

Your future looks promising, and Penn State can open doors. Take advantage of all we offer to help you achieve your potential. > Twenty campuses and more than 160 majors for undergraduates > Tools for success: academic advising, career planning, internships, scholarships and other funding options > Leadership opportunities through a variety of student organizations > Resources for multicultural students: educational services, guidance, support Contact one of our campuses and take the first step toward fulfilling your promise.

PENN STATE IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA Penn State Beaver Monaca, PA 724-773-3800, 877-JOIN-PSU beaver.psu.edu

Penn State Greater Allegheny McKeesport, PA 412-675-9010 ga.psu.edu

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College Erie, PA 814-898-6100, 866-374-3378 behrend.psu.edu

Penn State New Kensington New Kensington, PA 724-334-LION (5466) 888-968-PAWS (7297) nk.psu.edu

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.

Produced by the Penn State Department of University Publications U.Ed. ADV 12-08

Pittsburgh Community Recruitment Center Pittsburgh, PA 412-263-2900 E-mail: pghcrc@psu.edu

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EXPERIENCE TRADITION. EXPECT SUCCESS. Find out why so many Pittsburgh students and their families have made Duquesne their top choice for higher education.

Pittsburgh, PA 15282 800-456-0590

www.duq.edu/promise

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

1901 Centre Avenue Suite 204 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219 www.pittsburghpromise.org

PAID PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO. 205

BRIANA 2008 UPMC Scholar of The Pittsburgh Promise Robert Morris University Class of 2011 Future Business Analyst PNC Bank

:

LIVE 4 ATTEND

IN OUR CITY.

EARN

OUR SCHOOLS.

$40,000 FOR COLLEGE.