ideapod
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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 .
You Can’t Change nothin’ in this World by saleem ghubril THAT IS WHAT OLD CYNICS SAY and what jaded people believe. I disagree. In fact, I know they are wrong because I spent the last 30 years of my life with tens of thousands of young people who absolutely believe that their lives matter and their choices make a difference. And I have seen them live lives and make choices that cause this world to be changed, one life and one choice at a time. At The Pittsburgh Promise, we are on a mission to transform Pittsburgh’s future and alter the trajectory that so many believe is unavoidable. In my lifetime, the City of Pittsburgh has lost over half of its population, and our schools have lost over half of their students. In 1950, Pittsburgh had a population of over 675,000 people. Today, we’re close to 300,000. We have seen a similar decline in student enrollment from more than 50,000 to around 26,000. Those who study trends and population shifts tell us that we should expect Pittsburgh and its public schools to continue to decline. We’re not buying it. We don’t think decline is inevitable. We are hopeful that you, our young people and emerging leaders, will reverse our city’s trends and our region’s fortunes. At The Pittsburgh Promise, we have three goals: 1. Reverse population and enrollment Find out at declines. www.pittsburghpromise.org/ 2. Grow high school as well as college schoollist.html graduation rates. 3. Deploy a diverse and well-prepared workforce. If we are able to add 16,500 new college graduates to Pittsburgh’s population, we believe that will introduce more than $1.5 billion to the local economy every year. We already have 1,500 students in college today receiving a Promise scholarship from the graduating classes of 2008 and 2009 alone. Furthermore, Pittsburgh is likely to experience significant retirements from its current workforce in the next decade. This creates room and opportunities for you to come back to Pittsburgh, get a decent job, and be a part of an exciting new economy. Pittsburgh needs you. You are Pittsburgh’s promise. Our common future lies in your head, heart, and hands. We’re counting on you. We believe in you. We’re here for you. We’re hopeful that your life and your choices will tell those who say you can’t change nothin’ in this world “Watch me.”
“What schools are eligible for The Pittsburgh Promise scholarship?”
Saleem Ghubril Executive Director The Pittsburgh Promise
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What Do I Need to Be Eligible For The Pittsburgh Promise? Ask the President What Type of School Suits You Best? Dreaming Big and Working Hard The 70-10-10-10 Principle Ask the Collegiate Saving For Your Child’s College Promise College Decisions Go Well Beyond Picking a Major Hard Work Can Change Lives Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Perry High School Inside PPS: Pittsburgh CAPA 6–12 Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Allderdice High School
THE PITTSBURGH PROMISE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Franco Harris, Chairman
Edith Shapira, MD
NFL Hall of Fame Owner, Super Bakery, Inc.
Psychiatrist, Private Practice
Candi Castleberry-Singleton
Kiya Tomlin
Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, UPMC
Parent Volunteer, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Mark Laskow Managing Director and CEO, Greycourt & Co.
Olga Welch, EdD Dean, School of Education Duquesne University
Pamela Little-Poole
Demetri Zervoudis
Director of Parent Education Beginning With Books
Senior Vice President, Bayer Material Science
Luke Ravenstahl
Grant Oliphant, Ex-Officio
Mayor, City of Pittsburgh
President and CEO, The Pittsburgh Foundation
Mark Roosevelt
Saleem Ghubril
Superintendent, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Executive Director The Pittsburgh Promise
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.
idea pod? idea pod 1
2 fall 2009
WHAT DO I NEED TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PITTSBURGH PROMISE? 4
Enrollment Requirement: A student needs to be continuously enrolled in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, or one of four high schools chartered by PPS, since at least the first day of 9th grade, and maintain continuous residency in the City of Pittsburgh. Award levels are: Annual cash award is UP TO a maximum of: (class of 2010– 2011)
Annual cash award is UP TO a maximum of: (class of 2012 and beyond)
Kindergarten
100%
$5,000
$10,000
1st-5th Grade
95%
$4,750
$9,500
6th-8th Grade
85%
$4,250
$8,500
9th Grade
75%
$3,750
$7,500
10th-12th Grade
0%
$0
$0
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Grade Point Average Requirement: Graduate with a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.50. Attendance Requirement: (not including excused absences for illness) Graduate with an attendance record of 90%.
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What does The Promise pay for? The Promise Scholarship pays for the total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, room, and board) after government grants and other scholarships have been deducted, up to the student’s maximum award amount as outlined at left, for each of four years of education.
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How do I apply? Complete The Pittsburgh Promise application, available on-line at www.pittsburghpromise.org or from high school guidance counselors. Complete the FAFSA application (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) which can be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
the facts idea pod 3
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What do I have to do to keep the scholarship once I begin school? Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and carry a normal full-time course load as defined by the school, usually 12 to 16 credits at most colleges and universities. Transcripts will be reviewed annually at the conclusion of the school year. How long do I have to use my scholarship? The Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship must be used within five years of graduation. In other words, students may defer for one year. Deferments for military service are available.
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How does my school get the scholarship? Promise-eligible schools invoice The Pittsburgh Promise for the scholarship funds. Checks are sent directly to the school. How can I contact The Pittsburgh Promise? 1901 Centre Avenue Suite 204 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 telephone: (412) 281-7605 fax: (412) 281-7638 info@pittsburghpromise.org
For links to Financial Aid FAFSA: www.fafsa.ed.gov
4 fall 2009
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6 fall 2009
JARED L. COHON CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY When asked why I think a young person would choose Carnegie Mellon University, I prefer to share those reasons for selecting our university that I hear from our students. They are the “experts” in the Carnegie Mellon experience. Our students tell me that one of the best things about Carnegie Mellon is the opportunity to follow your dreams and meet your potential. Carnegie Mellon is home to innovations that have shaped business, the arts, computer science, engineering and robotics. Many of these breakthroughs occurred because this university provides opportunities to merge technology and the arts in ways that enable students to explore new boundaries. When we say, “choose your program; change the world,” we mean it. Here you experience the benefits of a top global university right in Pittsburgh — on one of the world’s greenest campuses. Students tell me that while our programs are rigorous, classes are small and taught by expert faculty who are accessible and supportive. Our students and alumni are recruited by the world’s best companies, and land jobs even in difficult times. In fact, Disney, Google, Apple and Intel established offices on our Pittsburgh campus to be closer to our faculty and students. When making the important decision about which university to attend, I hope you will consider Carnegie Mellon. Together, let’s create the most promising future imaginable.
GRAHAM SPANIER PENN STATE UNIVERSITY Penn State is one of America’s leading universities… and one of the most popular too. Last year we received a record setting 109,000 applications from new students asking to be part of the Penn State family. Our University is known not only for the high-quality education we offer, but also for its diverse learning environment where leading-edge research and scholarly activity thrive, along with inter-collegiate athletics, the performing arts and other cultural opportunities. In addition, Penn State offers opportunities for community involvement, building lasting friendships and making a genuine difference in the world. With 20 undergraduate campuses and hundreds of student organizations to cultivate interests that extend beyond the classroom, Penn State has what you need to create a full, rich college experience. Penn State students come from every corner of Pennsylvania, the country and the world. The bonds you form at Penn State — bonds with students and faculty members alike — will be with you throughout your life; you will be a part of a loyal network of half-million Penn State alumni who proudly say, “We are…… Penn State.”
ask the president We asked nine Presidents of Promise-eligible schools this question, “WHAT ARE THE REASONS THAT
WOULD COMPEL ME, A SENIOR AT PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS, TO CHOOSE YOUR SCHOOL?”
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JOANNE BOYLE SETON HILL UNIVERSITY I am delighted that you are considering Seton Hill University as you plan for your future. You are weighing the value of attending a small liberal arts university with a strong academic reputation. This means that while you may seek a major which leads directly to employment after you graduate, at Seton Hill you will also receive a broad foundation in many fields of knowledge — to prepare you for any direction you choose to take, in your career, and in your life. Most important in many ways, you are considering a university with a rich spiritual heritage, a Catholic institution that embraces students of all faiths, where teaching occurs in the midst of concern about values, your growth, and your personal development. Much will happen here to change and shape your life. You will make new friends, find inspiration, study widely and, in the process, acquire an education that will fit you for the future and the world. I look forward to seeing you at Seton Hill. If you have questions please do not hesitate to be in touch.
GREG DELL’OMO ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY Why study at Robert Morris University? That’s simple. Because we promise that the experiences you have outside the classroom at RMU will be as meaningful to your education and your career as what you learn inside it — whether it’s starring in a Colonial Theatre production, producing a newscast for RMU-TV, building a house with Habitat for Humanity, or taking a study trip to Ireland. That’s why we are the only university in western Pennsylvania to offer the Student Engagement Transcript, which allows you to formally document your participation in student organizations, athletics, study abroad, arts and cultural activities and community service — to name a few. The Student Engagement Transcript is something that you can show employers along with your academic transcript to demonstrate that you not only have the knowledge to succeed, but the character, teamwork and leadership skills as well. It’s one of the reasons that 92 percent of RMU graduates have jobs or are enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. That’s what we mean when we say that at RMU, we are in the business of changing lives.
TIMOTHY R. THYREEN WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY With 160 years of tradition, Waynesburg University is a place where students are nurtured and challenged to positively affect their world through faith, learning and serving. As service is the very hallmark of this great institution, the University is continually being recognized here and throughout the world for the many creative and practical ways in which it responds to the needs of people. Through study abroad, mission trips and experiential learning opportunities, Waynesburg University’s academic programs and extracurricular activities are designed to give every student a strong sense of the international and multicultural aspect of their studies. Through these opportunities, students learn to appreciate God’s unique design for the world and every person’s place in it. You will find that the people at Waynesburg University care for one another like family. Waynesburg takes sound measures to ensure reasonable tuition costs, making it one of the best values in Pennsylvania. Consider joining our strong tradition of students who are making a difference with their lives.
RAYMOND ANGELI LACKAWANNA COLLEGE Students participating in the Pittsburgh Promise will find an academically challenging, student-centered, affordable learning environment at Lackawanna College. Through state and institutional aid, we are committed to helping students achieve a fully-funded college experience that prepares them to achieve their own personal goals. Our curriculum is designed to seamlessly transfer to four-year schools, which is especially advantageous to our student-athletes, who regularly advance with athletic scholarship opportunities at Division I and Division II programs. Through other, unique, two-year Associate Degree programs, Lackawanna also prepares students to directly enter the workforce. Those graduates find immediate employment in high demand careers requiring the specific degrees and skill sets that we offer. Our range of support services and student-centered approach to learning help us meet the needs of each student. With a small faculty-to-student ratio, we ensure that each student receives the individualized attention that he or she needs to excel.
DENNIS WILKE ROSEDALE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE The most important thing for young people to consider is to identify a career that they will enjoy. There are lots of good schools to choose from, but it has to be the right fit for the student. At Rosedale Tech, our students are generally people who like to work with their hands, enjoy the opportunity to fix or build something and who want the satisfaction and job security that careers in the trades can provide. Education at Rosedale is exciting and interactive. Our students work on real live vehicles and electrical projects. We believe that a live project provides a better learning experience than training boards. Since we work on real vehicles here as part of the training, our students can even get their own cars fixed during the school day. Plus, our electrical students work on real projects inside the building such as installing new panel boxes or lights. At Rosedale, we keep it real, because that’s the best way to learn.
8 fall 2009
HUNTER H. HOPKINS KAPLAN CAREER INSTITUTE At Kaplan Career Institute, we understand you’re going to college for an education that will propel you into a successful career. Kaplan offers career-focused education in some of the most in-demand employment fields. Our programs are designed to prepare you to enter the workforce quickly and with confidence. Our unique approach combines classroom learning with hands-on training utilizing materials and equipment you are likely to encounter on the job. Interested in criminal justice? At Kaplan, students have the opportunity to train on our Fire Arms Training Simulator. Thinking about health care? Students practice taking vitals and drawing blood. Drawn to fashion? Our students participate in an annual fashion show at Macy’s department store. Many of our programs include an externship, providing students with on-the-job experience. We know one-on-one attention and student support is important to your success. We understand our students juggle family and work responsibilities while pursuing their education. We offer flexible schedules, tutoring and a student services department. Our career services department works with students and graduates to assist them in their job search. At Kaplan Career Institute, we want our students to have a fun, positive and productive education experience that leads to a career. We’re building futures, one success story at a time. We hope you’ll join us.
GREGORY DEFEO PITTSBURGH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE Students attend college for different reasons. In the end, it’s a personal decision. As I talk with many of the 1200+ new students on PTI’s campus every year, I discover common threads I can share with you. As first-time visitors, students and parents like the friendly, inclusive atmosphere and openness of our buildings and campus. As students, they appreciate that 50% of our classrooms are hands-on labs where they can create computer animation, edit video, design buildings, practice injections, build networks, recover data, manage a hotel, evaluate a crime scene, build a robot, or install a security system. Students quickly learn faculty care about them. Full-time instructors are here all day, every day, which means students can get help when they need it without waiting for posted office hours. When graduates return to visit, their perspective has widened. Although they miss hanging out in the café, student lounge, residence halls, and ball fields, they realize the added value of career services from landing internships to securing career employment. Ultimately, you will choose the path that is right for you; it may or may not be PTI. You owe it to yourself to consider all your options. We hope PTI, a unique two-year career college right in your backyard, is one of them.
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10 fall 2009
JANAY HALL When I graduated from Perry High School, I wanted a school that was small and was close to home. I also wanted a four-year college, so Chatham University was the best choice for me. To go to trade school, you have to know exactly what you want to do. A four-year school lets me explore what I might want to do. I was always good at math and I love it, but I’m considering a major in business and accounting.
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What type of school suits you best? technical institute?
art school? community college?
trade union? graduate school? four-year college or university?
by Christine o’toole
You want to continue your education after high school. But you’re not sure whether you want to learn a trade, earn a two-year degree, or enroll in a four-year college. Here’s a guide to the many choices you have.
GRADUATES OF THE PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS may use their Promise scholarships at more than 240 private and public institutions all across Pennsylvania, and each one offers dozens of courses of study. (You can see the full list at www.pittsburghpromise.org.) Choosing among so many possibilities is a little like choosing an iPhone app — there are lots of options to consider, so take your time. You’ll begin to find out which ones will work best for you. As we learn, we change. So don’t be worried that your choice is permanent. As you discover new interests, you can change what you study, or even change schools. The Pittsburgh Promise guarantees that it will give scholarships for up to four years of study to all students who maintain a 2.0 grade point average while in college. Here is an introduction to the kinds of institutions that are included in The Pittsburgh Promise. Technical institutes teach career skills that can lead to full-time jobs. They offer practical courses in fields like computer programming, web design, or surgical technology. Students who complete two-year programs earn associate degrees, like those offered at community colleges. Many technical institutes help graduates find local jobs in their chosen field. If you want to train for a well-paying career as a skilled electrical worker, ironworker, or automotive technician, you’ll apply for apprenticeship programs offered by local trade unions. Many of these programs are now taught at community colleges and lead to associate degrees. Surprise! Art schools and art institutes aren’t just for people who like to draw. They offer associate degrees and bachelor’s
12 fall 2009
degrees in creative programs ranging from computer animation and filmmaking to interior design and even cooking (culinary studies). Community colleges award associate degrees. These programs, usually two years of full-time course work, give you several options. They allow you to gain practical training that quickly leads to full-time employment. They also make a good bridge between high school and a four-year college: when you complete an associate degree, you will have the option to transfer to a college or university to continue your studies. Four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees to students who have completed a series of courses concentrated in one subject. Private colleges and universities are not operated by the state of Pennsylvania; public ones are. Your Promise scholarship is accepted at both types of schools.
RAY STEWART I was in Brashear High School’s computer science magnet, so I already had four years of programming—Visual, BASIC, Java— and lots of computer parts lying around the house. At Pittsburgh Technical Institute, I am halfway through a two-year program in information technology with a concentration in network administration. The school is very tuned in to what industry needs. The job prospects are really exciting.
It takes most students about four years to complete all the courses required in their “major,” or major field of study, if they are enrolled full-time. Even full-time students get some vacations, usually around the holidays in December and during the summer. Many colleges offer students a brief work experience in their chosen career through internships, which also earn college credits. If you are thinking of becoming a lawyer or doctor or want to pursue another profession, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree. Graduate schools require several more years of intense study and are offered at a select number of universities. Generally speaking, a university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, while a college offers only undergraduate degrees. Pennsylvania has two kinds of public universities, which are supported by taxpayers and generally charge lower tuition to Pennsylvania residents. The state system of
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higher education includes fourteen universities. None of these are in the city of Pittsburgh, but several are within an hour’s drive. (See the full list at www.passhe.edu.) Another four schools are called state-related universities. They include the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Lincoln University, and Pennsylvania State University. These large schools offer many different majors and have slightly higher tuition than the state universities. You may hear people say “liberal arts college” to describe some four-year institutions. They are private schools that usually have a smaller number of students, and smaller class sizes, than universities. Generally speaking, liberal arts colleges ask students to develop their minds by reading and analyzing many subjects, rather than preparing for a specific technical subject (such as engineering or computer science).
What path will you choose? The decision’s up to you, but people who know you and your talents can help you decide. Talk to your parents, older friends and teachers. And be confident. As Promise scholar Janay Hall says, “You know your own abilities. If you think you can do it, do it.”
Pittsburgh Perry High School
Christine O’Toole
dream
14 fall 2009
and working hard to achieve success by Mark roosevelt
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PITTSBURGH IS A CITY rich with tradition and a proud history of influencing the world. Our city was not built by small thinkers—it was built by people who dreamed big and worked hard. It’s that same ethic—to dream big and work hard—that I challenge you to demonstrate, as you prepare for success in a rapidly changing world. The Pittsburgh Public Schools embrace the challenges of a changing world, and are working hard on behalf of the many children that we are privileged to serve. Over the past three years, we have seen substantial gains in student achievement, and for the first time ever the District made the national standard for improvement: Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Your achievement, and that of your friends and classmates, provides evidence that everyone’s hard work is taking hold. But our ambitions are much higher, for we know that today more than ever, education defines life opportunity. It used to be that a high school education could provide you access to good paying jobs with benefits. In the 21st century, however, a college degree or workforce certification is required to access those same jobs. The completion of not just high school, but education beyond high school is the new standard of attainment for every student. We want you to be Promise-Ready and to pursue education after high school with a scholarship from The Pittsburgh Promise.
Dreaming big and working hard to achieve success means setting a vision for your future and practicing the dayto-day work habits that promote success. We want you to realize that your hard work and effort will produce success. Attendance, good behavior, and the completion of homework are all work habits that will pay-off for your future. This year, you are hearing more about Pathways to the Promise, the steps we are taking to build a culture of excellence through programs and initiatives that reinforce high expectations. Pursuing excellence is essential, because today’s students are the leaders of tomorrow. Your generation will discover a cure for cancer, invent the next iPod, start the next Google, and take us to new frontiers in space travel. As you explore the articles and information in this magazine, think about your big dream and how The Pittsburgh Promise opens the door to opportunity. Your potential is limitless. From here you can go anywhere. Mark Roosevelt Superintendent Pittsburgh Public Schools
16 fall 2009
the 70-10-10-10 PrinCiPle by Felix lloyd
What if your money was a pie? All of it. One, lovely money pie.
Now, think of how you would slice that pie. Would you slice the pie at all? A lot of high school students (and far too many grownups!) seldom divide their money into deliberate pieces and almost always eat up all of it too soon. There are four basic things you can do with your money—spend it, save it, invest it, and share it. Most of us spend, spend, spend, but, really, we should only use about 70% of our money on wants and needs like food, fun, and cell phone bills. So, what about the other $30 out of every $100? That’s where we get into slicing the pie into smaller pieces, each around 10%:
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SAVE some of your money for emergencies or for more expensive things you want down the road like those new kicks.
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INVEST some of your money today so that there’s more of it tomorrow. That’s a big, hairy word—“invest”— but it can be as simple as regularly putting $10 into a student savings account so that next year that money is worth much more because it has collected interest.
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SHARE some of your money for the common good. Your money and time can make a difference to people in need, the environment, or other important causes. Call it the 70-10-10-10 Principle! It’s a simple enough concept to start with, but one that so many teenagers get wrong as they head into college and adulthood. Spend less money than you make and then save for rainy days, invest so that it multiplies into more when you are older, and share because the world is bigger than us alone. Now, it’s time to get cooking. Make that pie just right. Felix Lloyd
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18 fall 2009
I am 19 years old, and I am a Business Management sophomore at Robert Morris University. As soon as I got here I immediately got involved in college life: I am the Black Student Union Treasurer, the Vice President of Leadership Development in the Pittsburgh Promise (RMU Chapter), and first runner up in the Miss RMU Pageant 2009. I am also going to Australia in the spring of 2011. In college you meet tons of people, learn all about different cultures and backgrounds, and get a lot of exposure to multiple career opportunities. You also develop people skills as well as text book skills; it is truly a great experience that you cannot miss out on. Whether you believe it or not, your mind is the most powerful tool in your possession; use it to your advantage, especially with a Pittsburgh Promise scholarship waiting for you at graduation. You may think that it’s too early to start thinking about college, but it’s never too early to plan for your future. It is your future after all. Don’t just let life drag you along and take you to negative and destructive places. It’s up to each and every one of you to do better, to put an end to dropping out, and to make a change happen. You owe it to yourself, family, and community to be part of the solution, not the problem. Focus on your education throughout high school, create your ultimate plan, and whatever you do let nothing stand in the way of your dreams!
CIERA WILSON
4 ask
JAHMIAH GUILLORY
the
As a young African American male growing up in public housing, life had been very difficult for me. When I was a child, school was my main focus, but as I grew older and began to understand the environment around me, many other options presented themselves. I was one of eight siblings raised by a single mother, so when money became an issue I had to try my hardest to do the right things. I did not allow myself to become a negative product of my environment, but instead I looked into job opportunities. When I was 14 years old, I secured a position as a youth counselor at Bethany House Academy, which is an after school program designed to help children maintain focus and succeed in school. This position helped me to understand that while everyone has a chance to do well, it’s the desire and will power that a person applies that will produce success. However, as my freshman year in high school progressed, I gradually lost the desire and will to maintain my vision. I became more involved with the negative aspects of my environment, which led to a serious decline with my grades and my motivation. Not making it to my first period class on a weekly basis and skipping other classes further diminished my effectiveness within school. This continued until my senior year, when I finally turned on the light.
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JOHN TOKARSKI
College is very different than high school. There is a lot more freedom and fun during college than there is during high school. However, with that freedom comes more responsibility and more work. I had it a little bit easier than most because I had four weeks of football to help me ease into the transition of waking up on time, setting aside time for work, and also setting aside time for some fun. I think that is the biggest change that faces most college freshmen. Time management is extremely crucial for maintaining the workload assigned. If you wait too long, your overall grade will suffer. If you plan ahead, then there is no problem. As a habitual procrastinator throughout high school, I know how strong the appeal is to have fun rather than work. But it pays dividends to do all the work first. That way you can have fun afterwards and not worry about what assignments you are forced to do tomorrow. College is fun, and it is an opportunity of a lifetime, but managing everything and organizing it is crucial in achieving that diploma. It did not take me long to learn that!
collegiate As I entered my senior year, many people encouraged me to look deep within myself and unleash the potential that I truly possessed. I also understood the severity of my situation. I was at a point where I had one last chance to increase my grades so that I could enter college. The Pittsburgh Promise was a new scholarship program that gave public school students up to $5,000 a year for tuition to post-secondary schools. My grade point average at the beginning of my senior year wasn’t strong enough to get the scholarship. But, I learned that if I worked hard and got straight A’s all four grading quarters, I would be able to get my GPA up to the required minimum. Throughout my whole senior year, I regained my vision of what was at stake and focused on school. I worked very hard and in the end, I did what was needed to receive the scholarship. Bottom line: stay focused, do the right thing, and work hard. It really does pay off in the end.
What key life lessons are you learning in your first year in college? do you have questions for our Promise scholars? Please send your questions to: Marsha Kolbe The Pittsburgh Promise 1901 Centre Avenue Suite 204 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219 marsha@pittsburghpromise.org
20 fall 2009
SAVING FOR YOUR CHILD’S COLLEGE PROMISE by tom dickson
“ I ask every American to commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training…every American will need to get more than a high school diploma.” President Barack Obama Here are three parent tips for saving money for your children’s education:
1. Just Start Now—Even modest savings make a difference when you start early. Investing just $25 a week for 18 years will yield $48,000, assuming an 8% average annual return.
2. Save Automatically—The best way to ensure you will save is with an automatic deduction from your checking account or paycheck. COMPLETING HIGH SCHOOL is only the first step for a child to achieve the dream of becoming a skilled tradesperson, a doctor, or even a President. For Barack Obama, the dream of becoming President was achieved in part because early in his life his mother established high education expectations by tutoring him daily at 4:30 a.m. What sacrifice! Similarly, your sacrifices will help your child realize his or her dreams. The Pittsburgh Promise scholarship program starts to secure the financial viability of college for your child, but you will need to do more. The average cost of public college is $14,333 per year, and increasing every year. Parents can and should ensure college affordability with savings.
3. Find a Low Cost 529 Plan—Find a plan with low fees that has mutual funds with a track record of results. Pennsylvania residents can deduct up to $13,000 on their state tax return for contributions to any 529 plan. Consider Pennsylvania’s Guaranteed Savings Plan, as you can buy future tuition credits with today’s dollars. As exemplified by President Obama, the gift of a college education can help your child achieve his or her dreams!
Tom Dickson College Savings Consultant
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For more tips please visit: www.savingfor collegepittsburgh.org/
22 fall 2009
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Choosing a college is a detailed endeavor—and it should be, considering the impact your college education can have on the course of your life.
College deCisions go Well BeYond PiCKing a MaJor by gerald l. Zahorchak
HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS typically spend hundreds of hours surfing the Web and scrutinizing catalogs to figure out where they’re going to college. Yet many of them will base their decisions on their current circumstances, not realizing that they are more likely to change their major within the first two years of enrolling, work at least part-time while in college, and earn credit from more than one school before earning their degree. The Pennsylvania Department of Education is doing its part to help students make wise decisions about the path to take after high school. Within the past year, Pennsylvania launched a new college transfer initiative to make it easier and less costly for you to earn a college degree, and we are taking steps to ensure the diploma seniors receive on graduation day truly represents preparedness to tackle the challenges beyond high school. Still, much of the college experience will be dictated by decisions made before you ever set foot on campus as a college freshman. If you are a college-bound high school student, here are some of the things you should consider: What do you really want out of college and what kind of school can best meet those needs? Focus on where you want to be at the conclusion of your post-secondary program, not just where you want to be next year. What are your long-term goals? Can the schools you are considering deliver those results in 2, 3, 4 years or more? Work with your parents, teachers and guidance counselors to set goals. And yes, having a goal of “exploring many options in college” is acceptable. Just make sure you select an institution that has the academic and student services to support “undecided” students and the expertise to assist students who might make a decision that requires them to transfer.
Consider the pace of your postsecondary education. The college experience has more variations than ever before— full-time, part-time, online, technical institute, private college, public university, etc. There is a program/institution for just about everyone’s needs—find one that suits yours. Don’t panic over a change of plans. These days, attending more than one institution is the norm, not the exception. Increasingly, students earn credit from more than one college, whether that involves formally transferring or picking up courses at home over the summer. Finding out about transfer policies now can save headaches later. The Department of Education has a great Web site, PACollegeTransfer.com, that can be a valuable resource into researching options at dozens of Pennsylvania colleges and universities. Remember that tuition and fees at any post-secondary institution likely will increase from year to year. To get a good sense of how much your education will cost by the time you graduate, ask about a school’s tuition changes over the past few years and assume similar increases will occur when you enroll. College can be a tremendous learning experience, inside and outside of the classroom, and preparing well for that experience will make it all the more enriching. Good luck! Gerald L. Zahorchak PA Secretary of Education
Pittsburgh CAPA 6–12
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Hard Work Can by anne W. Caffee
left to right: Guy Sanchioli, Jesse Townsend, Andrew Macurak
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Change Lives Give your dreams all you’ve got and you'll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you. William James
ATHLETIC TRAINER ANDY MACURAK would do his job for free; that’s how much he loves it. “I have so much fun at my job, it doesn’t ever seem like work,” he says. But he almost gave up on his dream before it started. A native of the South Side, Andy graduated from Carrick High School and went on to Duquesne University. He vividly recalls his own doubts when he failed a chemistry test during his first year at Duquesne University. When he saw his grade, he was shaken. “Maybe I’m not cut out for college,” he thought. “Maybe I should just drop out and work.” Instead, Andy decided he hadn’t been studying hard enough, and he doubled his efforts—and finished the semester with a B. After graduation, he earned a master’s degree in athletic training from California University of Pennsylvania. Now an athletic trainer for the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine, Andy works with students to help them overcome challenges every day—not just from injuries and physical disabilities, but also helping them grapple with their own fears and doubts and personal challenges. The rewards of Andy’s job come in many forms. As an athletic trainer at Central Catholic High School, he once worked with a senior basketball player who injured his knee at the beginning of the season. Working with Andy every day for a month, the athlete recovered in time to start in the final playoff game—and tip the ball at the buzzer to win the WPIAL championship for Central Catholic. A year later, Andy is happy with his chosen profession. “Can you imagine if I had quit?” he muses. Athletic trainers like Andy, and his colleagues Guy Sanchioli and Jesse Townsend have, time and time again, seen the power of hard work change lives. Not just the lives of their student athletes, but their own. Guy Sanchioli, an athletic trainer at Keystone Oaks High School, has first-hand knowledge of the work it takes to make a comeback. He suffered a stroke at age 13 brought on by a congenital defect. He spent six months in the hospital and two more in rehabilitation where he had to re-learn how to walk, balance, and speak. Now, when he works with students with big challenges, especially one of his athletes who is now recovering from a spinal tumor, it’s personal. “Seeing him back on the field makes my job that much more rewarding,” says Guy.
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Jesse Townsend another of UPMC’s athletic trainers, faced different challenges. He grew up in Portage, Pennsylvania, a mining town about two hours east of Pittsburgh. His father worked as a coal miner and later, in a steel mill. Jesse remembers the challenges his family faced as these industries faltered. “He was on strike or laid off a lot while I was growing up,” remembers Jesse. Fortunately, Jesse pushed himself in high school, and received a full scholarship for his first year at Slippery Rock University in 1993. Jesse graduated with a degree in athletic training, and went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He was hired by UPMC Sports Medicine as an athletic trainer at Greensburg Salem High School. That’s where he met Donnie Jones, a wrestler who sustained a serious elbow injury, whom he would help rehabilitate back to health—and a state wrestling title. Starting twelve days after Donnie’s elbow surgery, Jesse and Donnie began working together for 90 minutes every day. Through all the pain and stiffness, they worked on. “He came into it knowing he needed to work hard to realize his potential.” Within six months, Donnie was back on the mat,
Pittsburgh Perry High School
and came away with the state wrestling championship title that season—and the following season. “It was a great learning experience,” recalls Jesse. “It was so rewarding to help an athlete come back to his sport not only to play, but to win.” “If you set goals, and work hard, you can achieve them,” he says. “I’ve seen it happen over and over.” Through The Pittsburgh Promise, UPMC and other funders are helping remove the financial barriers to students pursuing their dreams. They have to add the “Give your dreams all you’ve got” part.
Anne W. Caffee Communications Specialist UPMC Public Relations
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INSIDE PPS In this issue of the IdeaPod we feature the students of three of the Pittsburgh Public Schools: Pittsburgh Perry High School; Pittsburgh CAPA 6–12; and Pittsburgh Allderdice High School. Photographs by Josh Franzos.
PittsBurgh PerrY
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PittsBurgh CaPa
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PittsBurgh allderdiCe
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1901 Centre Avenue Suite 204 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219 www.pittsburghpromise.org
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WHITNEY 2009 UPMC Scholar of The Pittsburgh Promise Slippery Rock University