ideapod
FA L L 2 0 1 0
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 personal message from
franco Harris, chairman of the Board
and
saleem gHUBril, executive Director,
topics
1 2 4 6 8 10 14 15 18 22 26 28 30 31 32
A Message from Mayor Luke Ravenstahl Career Exploration Dignity+Respect=Inclusion Ask the President Make Your Money Work for You In Their Own Words Are You Promise-Ready A Grateful Farewell to Mark Roosevelt Ask the Collegiate Math Gets Things Done Discover the World Early Preparation Can Help Achieve Dreams Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Brashear High School Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Oliver High School Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Westinghouse High School
THe piTTsBUrgH promise
WE ARE WRITING TODAY BECAUSE WE NEED YOUR HELP. We need the help of every parent who has a child in Pittsburgh Public Schools and every teacher or staff member who works within their walls. We need you to help make a statement: That every parent, every teacher, and every staff member has skin in the game; that all of us believe in the futures of our kids and are personally invested in them. Bottom line: We need you to make a contribution to The Pittsburgh Promise. We need all 20,000 parents and 4,000 staff members to make a cash gift of any size to support The Promise now in its infancy. A groundswell of support says to the residents of our region that The Pittsburgh Promise is not only a gift that is being given to us, but also a gift that we are giving to our kids and their kids after them. Whether you can give $10 or $10,000, please give what you can, and please give today. Every gift will be generously matched by our friends at UPMC. And every gift will make a statement that The Pittsburgh Promise is our promise to our kids. We are now only in our third year of operation and already we have more than 2,000 PPS graduates in college. They have received more than $10 million in scholarships from The Pittsburgh Promise. PLEASE GIVE TODAY USING ONE OF THESE CONVENIENT WAYS: 4 Go to www.pittsburghpromise.org and give online 4 Designate your United Way contribution to The Pittsburgh Promise by using agency number 9576075 4 Federal employees can designate their Combined Federal Campaign gift by using agency number 19130 4 Mail a check to: The Pittsburgh Promise, 1901 Centre Avenue, Suite 204, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Thank you very much for investing in the promise of Pittsburgh’s future. Gratefully yours,
Franco Harris Chairman of the Board The Pittsburgh Promise
Saleem Ghubril Executive Director The Pittsburgh Promise
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
Olga Welch, EdD
Managing Director and CEO, Greycourt & Co.
Dean, School of Education Duquesne University
Pamela Little-Poole
Demetri Zervoudis
Parent Volunteer, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Senior Vice President, Bayer Material Science
Marty McGuinn
Grant Oliphant, Ex-Officio
Chairman and CEO (Retired) Mellon Financial Corporation
President and CEO, The Pittsburgh Foundation
Luke Ravenstahl
Saleem Ghubril
Mayor, City of Pittsburgh
Executive Director The Pittsburgh Promise
Mark Roosevelt Superintendent, 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.
DESIGN:
Wolfe Design, Ltd. PHOTOGRAPHY:
Josh Franzos
idea pod? idea pod 1
A MESSAGE FROM
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl
The future of our great City rests on our shoulders, and as your Mayor, I will do what I can to help you realize your dream in your hometown of Pittsburgh. I was only 23 years old and fresh out of college when I was elected into office. No one thought it was possible, but I knew how I wanted to give back and I worked hard to fulfill my dream. And now, as the youngest big city mayor, I can tell you with confidence that anything is possible when you plan, prepare and execute your dream. You are very fortunate to have The Pittsburgh Promise at your fingertips to help you with these steps. With The Promise and with hard work from you, the financial burden of higher education is no longer an obstacle. Take hold of your future. In Pittsburgh, you have role-models and leaders who believe in you and want you to succeed. We’ve created the beginning of a promising path for you, but we need you to be inspired to mark that path. I’ve worked hard to make our City an even safer, more prosperous place in which to grow. The City’s summer youth employment program is the largest it has ever been, our parks are full of free recreational events and our crime rate is at 50-year historic low. Our City has again been named ‘a most livable city,’ and our economic transformation means that there are jobs to be filled in your backyard. I have another dream, and that is to have those jobs be filled by you. For you to be successful, and to raise the next generation of Pittsburghers who will contribute to a healthy and thriving community. Whether you realize it or not, you are at a most critical point in your life. You have the power to make a choice that will shape the rest of your life. Choose the promising path. If you want to change your course, the time is now. As you enter into a new school year, start to think right now what it is that you dream to be. What is it that inspires you to realize your full potential and live a happy life? Announcing the creation of The Pittsburgh Promise remains my proudest accomplishment. The purpose of this program is more than just to offer financial assistance; it represents a commitment to the future of our young people. Our City is at the forefront of so many great things—we are a global leader when it comes to technology research and innovation, we are creating the jobs of the future with our strong anchor institutions and universities and now, with the creation of The Promise, we are committed to giving you, our young people, the support to be the best you can be for you, for your family and for our great City. I can only ask that you do not let an amazing opportunity like The Pittsburgh Promise pass you by. Take hold of your future and may you achieve great success in the upcoming school year.
2 fall 2010
4 career For many families, especially those with more than one college-bound child, the prospect of funding college education can be daunting. During the past decade, the published cost of tuition and fees outpaced the annual rate of inflation by nearly five percent each year. Now, perhaps more than ever, a change in a student’s educational path can have a substantial financial impact. Depending on the structure of the curriculum (prerequisites, order of courses, application deadlines and requirements, etc.) changing majors may result in an academic setback. While each individual situation is unique and many students successfully alter their educational plans without delaying graduation, this is not always the case. And additional semesters, summer classes, or transferring to another institution, can add to the overall cost of a college degree. Although many colleges and universities do not require that students declare a major until their sophomore year, exploration of the many available academic and career options can and should begin much earlier, ideally during high school. Students and their families might consider the following activities:
Complete a career/interest assessment and discuss results with a guidance counselor or career counselor. Typically, secondary guidance departments offer an online career exploration system, such as Discover or Career Cruising, to students. It may be introduced in conjunction with a class or simply available through the guidance office. The assessment component in this type of system usually includes an evaluation of your interests, skills, and values and, based on the results, a customized list of “best-fit” careers can be used to guide your research.
Participate in job shadowing and/or informational interviews while in high school. Both experiences require a relatively short time commitment and provide an opportunity for you to increase your first-hand knowledge of a career field. Typically, a shadowing experience is observation-oriented and conducted over a few hours, though the duration may vary by field and site. In an informational interview, the student conducts a focused meeting with a professional from their field of interest to learn more about the occupation. In addition to gathering useful information and exposure to a career area, both shadowing and interviewing are also good ways to network and develop contacts that may be helpful in the future.
idea pod 3
exploration: making college Tuition Work for You by Beth Tiedemann
Compare curriculum. The same college major can differ significantly from school to school. Sometimes, these finer points can have significant implications with regards to the length of time for completion, employability upon graduation, and your overall satisfaction with the program. During the college research process, closely consider the following questions for each major you are researching: 4
Are there prerequisites?
4
Will you be admitted directly into the program or is an additional application required?
4
Does the major offer enough flexibility (e.g. electives, double major) to satisfy your interests?
4
Do the career options typically associated with the major meet your personal goals and values (e.g. earning potential, job availability, room for advancement)?
4
Is an internship or other experiential component required? If so, will you be able to meet this commitment?
4
Is additional education required? If so, are you willing and able to make this commitment?
Gain familiarity with your major as early as possible. Make a point of meeting faculty within the department (even if you aren’t taking their class!). Most will welcome the opportunity to talk with an interested student. Speak with your academic advisor about appropriate course sequencing and taking courses in your intended major as early as possible.
When it comes to choosing a college major, knowledge IS power and it packs a one-two punch. Having accurate, detailed information about yourself and your career path is critical for making a good college choice and, ultimately, can save you time and money! For more information about a wide range of careers, visit www.careeronestop.org and the 2010 / 2011 online edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, (http://www.bls.gov/oco/)
Get a jump start by earning college credits while in high school. This can be accomplished through AP courses, a college-in-high-school program, or dual enrollment. This also gives you an opportunity to test the waters prior to starting college. Additionally, these credits provide a cushion should you decide to change majors. They can also create room in your schedule for a complimentary minor, certificate, second major, or internship.
Beth Tiedemann Director of Career Services University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
Welcome to your new support team! everyone employed on your campus has a goal to help you succeed.
4 fall 2010
Dignity +respect= inclusion by candi castleberry-singleton
Candi Castleberry-Singleton Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, UPMC and Board Member of The Pittsburgh Promise
Inclusion begins with a core belief that everyone deserves dignity and respect. “Inclusion,” defined in this way doesn’t require a “diversity and inclusion” class. It is a decision we all make every day, in every interaction. During my travels, telling the UPMC story and promoting the Dignity and Respect Campaign on campus, as well as at conferences, universities and other organizations around the country, I say to people: Raise your hand if you believe you deserve dignity and respect. Everyone raises a hand high. When I say: Raise a hand if you treat others with dignity and respect. Hands go up again, but sometimes not quite as high as with the first question. We often honor others with dignity and respect, but don’t do it consistently. Sadly, there are some of us who don’t know how to, or are out of the habit of incorporating ideals of dignity and respect into everyday interface. Hence, we’ve created the “30 Tips to Promote Dignity and Respect” to make it easy. (visit website listed below) The Dignity and Respect Campaign is an effort to promote the 30 Tips and to make us more conscious about our daily behaviors and interaction with others. It is intended to help start, reignite, and complement existing diversity and inclusion strategies. The tools and resources were created at UPMC, but are applicable to all ages and industries. Our goal? To celebrate with everyone a new era—one in which people honor each other. In this new era, there are activities throughout the year, in homes, organizations, houses of worship, schools, and communities, that promote positive interactions. This new era is highlighted and celebrated annually each October, during Dignity and Respect Month. Won’t you join us? Start today by taking the Dignity and Respect Pledge, practicing the 30 Tips, and making inclusion a part of what you do every day. What began as an internal initiative to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity and respect is quickly becoming an inspiration to many communities. Learn more at www.dignityandrespectcampaign.com. Stay tuned for the Dignity and Respect Campaign for Youth, launching in October 2010.
idea pod 5
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Campuses in Pittsburgh, Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, and Titusville
For information on admissions:
412-624-7488 | oafa@pitt.edu | www.oafa.pitt.edu
6 fall 2010
JOANNE BOYLE SETON HILL UNIVERSITY In everything we do, we are guided by the words of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, who promised her own students “I would wish to fit you for that world in which you are destined to live.” We believe that for our current students to graduate “fit for the world,” they must be independent thinkers with an understanding of our global community, who understand how to access and evaluate information in order to make informed decisions. We want our students to succeed in life, wherever their lives take them, and in whatever careers they choose. To that end, we seek to educate students to think and act critically, creatively and ethically as productive members of society committed to transforming the world.
DR. MARY E. HINES CARLOW UNIVERSITY Carlow University develops students in “values, scholarship and vision.” We recognize that a college education is — but is also more than — the acquisition of scholarly and applied knowledge for personal and professional success. Full student learning also includes the contexts of values and vision which address not only what we learn, but why and how we learn. Well educated persons learn in order to understand the larger issues and values of life, and to improve their lives and the lives of others in their society within the context of a vision of achieving social justice. The Sisters of Mercy, founders of Carlow University, grounded a Carlow education in the firm foundation of values: responsibility, compassion, inner awareness, moral strength, discovery, hospitality and service. These values prepare students for leadership, and are integrated into the learning experience of Carlow University students.
ask the president We asked seven Presidents of Promise-eligible schools this question,
“ASIDE FROM ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, WHAT ARE THE KEY TRAITS YOU SEEK TO DEVELOP IN A STUDENT WHILE THEY ATTEND YOUR SCHOOL?” DR. KENNETH A. SMITH GENEVA COLLEGE Among the specific traits we seek to develop are: •The ability to think from a Christian perspective •Knowledge of self, including gifts, talents, strengths, abilities—and weaknesses •The ability to self-manage and be a positive influence on those around them •A love for lifelong learning •And the ability to live and work as productive members of an increasingly diverse community 1 Chronicles 12:32 describes the sons of Issachar as, “… men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do.” In like manner, we provide our students with an education that helps them understand the fallen nature of the world, the sovereignty of God, and that they are called to obediently serve Him in whatever place, time or circumstance they are in.
idea pod 7
MR. GREGORY DEFEO PITTSBURGH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE Recently I learned the world series of pinball is held annually in Pittsburgh. Growing up, I spent hours launching that silver ball through the game’s hypnotic maze of levers, rails, and flippers. Curious how I might fare against some of the best, I entered this year’s contest. What propelled me to a playoff finish are the skills I had honed as a teenager, my drive to compete, and the belief I could do it. This is what PTI strives to develop in students — workready skills, accountability and confidence. Identifying work-ready skills is the easy part. PTI has longestablished connections with hiring managers. Developing accountability and confidence is not so straightforward. It starts with the student’s desire to learn and excel. Then it becomes PTI’s responsibility in the classroom. PTI classes can be challenging; there are assignments, team projects, presentations, and tests. PTI instructors expect responsibility; they demand good work and regular attendance. This is what builds confidence and instills accountability. When a PTI graduate tests your diagnostic equipment, books your trip, or details specifications, you can count on accurate readings, efficient arrangements, or meticulous guidelines. Could I repeat my pinball prowess? Probably not. Do PTI graduates enter the workforce with the skills, confidence and accountability they need to do their job well? That is a repeat performance I can count on.
MR. HUNTER H. HOPKINS KAPLAN CAREER INSTITUTE Kaplan Career Institute’s ICM campus in Pittsburgh is dedicated to providing students with not only the skills necessary to enter the workforce, but with the skills required to succeed in life. Many of our students juggle the demands of home, family and busy jobs. It is important that they receive training and guidance in areas that go beyond their program workload. Professionalism is an attribute that rests at the core of the Kaplan learning philosophy. Our campus combines classroom learning with hands-on training. Many of our programs require an externship with a local employer before graduation. To develop the skills to assist students with securing a position after graduation, our career services department provides resume workshops and conducts mock interviews. Members of the local community also work to ensure that our graduates will meet professional standards upon graduation. Campus advisory boards, comprised of seasoned industry professionals, meet regularly to discuss the curriculum and how the campus can better meet the needs of students and the local economic community. Kaplan Career Institute’s ICM campus provides the knowledge and practical job skills students seek out for successful employment. We build futures, one success story at a time.
DR. ROBERT M. SMITH SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY At the heart of a Slippery Rock University education is our commitment to prepare students to think globally and act locally in their careers and communities. SRU delivers a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with hands-on learning opportunities focused on five profound global needs: environmental sustainability; population and demographic changes; cultural literacy; societal development through technology and science; and educational accessibility for economic independence. At our core is academic excellence. SRU’s faculty is exceptional. More than 90 percent have an earned doctorate or terminal degree in their specialty. They devote time outside the classroom engaging students in discussion, research and service. This translates into helping students develop the intellectual skills and confidence needed to succeed. This is one reason why virtually every degree program has earned national accreditation. But that is not sufficient. The SRU experience expects our students to live on campus to engage a myriad of leadership, community building and cocurricular activities through which they’ll hone communication and decision-making skills necessary to be global change-agents in their careers and civic lives. We challenge our students to understand the world around them from a variety of perspectives and to become participants, not spectators, in their lives.
MR. DENNIS WILKE ROSEDALE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE Everything we do at Rosedale is geared towards helping to create graduates that employers will want to hire. Of course, good technical skills are a must, and Rosedale’s industry recognized training programs help students acquire the knowledge they need to succeed. However, we also know that employers want more than just technical skills, and the Rosedale experience prepares students in other ways too. The three most important “soft skills” that students learn at Rosedale are analytical skills, work ethic, and the importance of lifelong learning. In the trades, analytical skills mean troubleshooting. Our students learn that good trouble-shooting skills can save both time and money, and can make them a highly valued employee. A strong work ethic is engrained in our students by our instructors and the way we teach. It’s a very hands-on approach here at Rosedale. Our students learn by getting their hands dirty, and by the satisfaction of a job well done. Finally, the importance of lifelong learning is stressed everyday in the classroom and in the shop. Our instructors model this behavior by the many hours of continuous education they participate in to stay current in their field.
8 fall 2010
1
1
WORK FOR YOUR MONEY MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK
$ FOR YOU Aunt Stella always told me to get a good job. And I did. I do. I went to college and worked as a teacher for many years. It took me much longer to understand what it meant to make a paycheck. Here’s a definition for you: A paycheck is earned income. Earned income is money you make in exchange for your time and effort. There are no shortcuts when it comes to making money—you have to start by working for it. And you have to make sure what you earn is more than what you spend. So, Aunt Stella had it right from jump, but I needed Mr. Raymond Suter to take it to the next level. We called him Fats. The thing about Fats was that he worked in construction for 20 years, but, by the time he was in his 40’s, he spent more time playing video games than working from 9 to 5. Fats had two simple rules: 1. Pay yourself first. 2. Make sure your money is making money for you. For him, that meant gaining interest on the income he earned and later investing in a coin-operated arcade. When most grown-ups I knew only made money by giving their time, Mr. Suter figured out that those video game machines kept collecting quarters even when he was away. Passive Income is money you make from savings, businesses, properties, and stocks. It’s income you gain in your sleep.
by felix lloyd
There are a few primary ways in which you can earn passive income in your college years: Earn and Save: Before spending any of the money you earn, make sure you set some aside in savings. We suggest 10%—a dime out of every dollar. Save with Interest: By putting your money in a high interest checking account or certificate of deposit, your bank or credit union will pay you interest. The money will still be there if you need it (with a CD, you’re letting the bank hold onto the money for a longer period of time), but it will be making money for you in the meantime. Do What You Do: For me, it is this. I love learning and teaching about money so I started a business that makes financial literacy games. Those games make money for my family in addition to what my wife and I earn from our jobs. Understanding passive income and viewing earned income as a means to an end is a way of thinking and a plan of action. You can’t know what’s now or what’s next if you don’t know where you’re going. There are still no shortcuts, my Aunt Stella might say. Too many of us think that creating wealth is a Magic 8-ball. If we just shake things up, then we’ll hit big. Or we just won’t hit at all. But if a man called Fats can make money in his sleep, then we can do it too. Time to get to work and get your money working for you.
Felix Brandon Lloyd Vice President & General Manager of MoneyIsland by BancVue
idea pod 9
What the world needs now is you. The world can sometimes appear to be pretty empty. Perhaps it’s because the world desperately needs what only you have to offer. Perhaps the world simply needs an irreplaceable, indispensable you. The you who looks at the world and asks: why is it like this? What’s in me that can make it better – rather than just “what’s in it for me?� We’re Grove City College. We have a reputation as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the country – and yet we’re one of the most affordable. Our graduates succeed not just in their careers, but at life. God gave you a mind for higher things. We’ll help you learn to use it well. And that is the first step to changing the world.
To Do:
6:45 — Hit the gym
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Donovan Daniel
8:00 — Healthy Breakfast 10:00 — Biomechanics class
Philadelphia Exercise Science Major Core Philly Scholarship Recipient
8:00 — Teach aerobics class at student union
GET HIS STORY.
IUP.EDU/DONOVAN
10 fall 2010
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
by saleem ghubril
On a recent Friday afternoon, I had the wonderful gift of meeting with eight of our college students, all of them are 2008 UPMC Scholars of The Pittsburgh Promise, and all of them are performing at high levels in their higher education. They were engaged and engaging, and they gave a great lift to an old man’s spirit. I am delighted to know them. They are: STUDENT Nick Beckas Julia Cahill Michelle Crozier Victoria Glass Erin Hager Janay Hayes Devon Jackson Joshua Perri
HIGH SCHOOL Langley CAPA Brashear Allderdice Perry Peabody Allderdice Brashear
COLLEGE Duquesne University Carnegie Mellon University Duquesne University Community College of Allegheny County Carlow University Carlow University University of Pittsburgh Community College of Allegheny County
In addition to being fulltime students, each of them also holds a job. In fact, four of them hold two jobs, and one has three. And somehow all of them manage to make time for volunteer service at the community library, the church, fixing houses, or mentoring kids. They are giving breath and life to our motto: Dream Big, Work Hard. Their dreams are inching their way to becoming reality. Their aspirations continue to drive them to reach further. Their work ethic is impressive at any age, and inspiring at their age.
VICTORIA ERIN
JULIA
DEVON
idea pod 11
I am pleased to share with you their voice, and it is certainly worth hearing.
About how they decided to go to college: “Mom drilled into me ‘You got to go college’ since I was in elementary school.” ERIN “My 12th grade English teacher was great and helped me with my essays. I didn’t know my full potential until I applied to colleges and got accepted to all the schools I applied to. I thought I was barely average, but now I know I am just as capable as anyone else to do this.” MICHELLE “The Pittsburgh Promise helped me make my decision. If it wasn’t for The Promise I would not be at CMU, let alone in college.” JULIA “I only started thinking about college in early high school. I really enjoy learning. Why would I want to stop my education? I want it to go forever.” DEVON
About factors that helped them succeed: “The advantage of going to a small school is you get to know and interact with your teachers. They personally care about your education, and they push you. My mom also pushes me. She really pushes me.” ERIN
NICK
“My parents are wonderful and they work really hard to provide for us. They don’t have a college education, and sometime it’s a struggle. This motivates me to work harder at school so that I can get a good job and make a decent salary.” MICHELLE “So many of my friends had children when they were kids. I’ve seen them struggle and have hard lives. My parents had kids when they were young too. Watching all this makes me want to wait to have kids. Education first!” JANAY “Since I go to a private university, I had to borrow to supplement The Promise scholarship. I owe a lot of money. I want to make sure I graduate so that I can pay off my debts.” NICK “Pick a program that fits who you are. I love biology and can never get enough lab time. Doing research with graduate students and even post docs helps me perform better.” DEVON “My dad bet me that I could not get a 3.5 college GPA, and said he would take me to a fancy restaurant if I did. I did it, and he paid.” VICTORIA “I am pretty self motivated. Everybody in my family is in one of the trades and they pushed me to do that too. I pushed myself to go to college and open new doors in my family.” JOSHUA
SALEEM
JOSHUA
12 fall 2010
About lessons learned: “You’ve got to make time for leisure. I am a driven person and in my desire to do well in school and life I can do more than is healthy.” NICK “Be involved. Show your face. Let your professors, classmates, and administrators know who you are and what you care about.” JULIA “I am not in high school anymore. I have to step it up. Work hard. I have to learn to manage my time. A “planner” is a college student’s best friend.” JANAY
About advice to younger students: “Live in the dorms. I live at home because it is cheaper. The networks are so much greater if you live at school.” MICHELLE
“It would have been really helpful if as a college freshman my school had some counselors or staff that really understood what it was like to come from an urban district and be the first in the family to go to college. I was lost in the beginning. I had a lot of catching up to do. I wish I had a mentor from The Pittsburgh Promise. I would be willing to mentor young Promise students.” MICHELLE “I agree. There just weren’t a lot of people at my school who shared my urban public school background. The Promise should set up a way to communicate with each other more—online interaction, Facebook, etc.” JULIA “It would also be good if The Promise released the money earlier.” MICHELLE
MICHELLE
“Learn to think. In high school, I got away with just repeating back what I was taught. In college, you have to think for yourself.” JANAY “Build a network of Promise scholars. Don’t let The Promise be just a scholarship.” DEVON “Join some clubs and study groups. This way you make better friends and you get help with your studies.” JOSHUA
About things they wish were different:
JANAY
“I wish our public schools pushed us more and expected us to reach higher. Make us take AP courses. Those should be a requirement.” ERIN “Similarly, push us to reach higher in pursuing college. Sometimes I felt like my teachers were telling me to lower my expectations about which colleges to apply for.” NICK
Promises made.
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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www.carlow.edu Accounting Education Humanities Management Nursing Psychology Science Social Sciences
Values. Scholarship. Vision.速
14 fall 2010
are you promise by mark roosevelt
At Pittsburgh Public Schools, you’ll hear a lot about being Promise-Ready. What does that mean? And how will you know when you get there? Being Promise-ready means you graduate prepared to take advantage of our extraordinary scholarship program: The Pittsburgh Promise®. It means maintaining a minimum 2.5 grade point average and a 90% attendance record. It means you’ll study math, science, English, and history. It means you’ll have dreams and aspirations for your future, as well as the habits, skills, and knowledge to get you there. Pathways to the Promise™ is what we call our coordinated effort to help guide you through the many adventures as well as challenges you’ll experience on your way to graduation. None are more critical than the transition to high school.
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-ready? High school is an exciting and challenging time. It marks one important transition toward the responsibilities and expectations of being an adult. The habits you develop as you make this transition—learning to work independently and outside of school time, prioritizing homework, and a willingness to tackle new and difficult assignments—are the habits that will successfully carry you through college and beyond. During 9th grade, you’ll participate in the 9th Grade Nation program. 9th Grade Nation is designed to ease the transition to high school and create a culture where students are valued, inspired, and prepared to achieve in an environment of high expectations. Beginning with the 2010–2011 school year, we’ll have another tool to make sure you arrive at graduation ready to pursue your dreams: the Promise-Readiness Corps. The charge of the Promise-Readiness Corps is to ensure that every 9th grader transitions smoothly to 10th grade and arrives in 11th grade Promise-Ready, on track to graduate and equipped with the resources to step confidently into a rapidly changing world. The Promise-Readiness Corps will be implemented in the District’s eight comprehensive high schools— Pittsburgh Allderdice, Brashear, Carrick, Langley, Oliver, Peabody, Perry and Westinghouse—and will include a tightly knit team of teachers and a counselor/social worker who will connect to incoming 9th-graders and support them through the critical early high school years. This team will loop with a group of students from 9th grade to 10th—they’ll get to know you, track your academic development, and deliver more effective instruction based on your unique learning style. Each student will also be assigned an advisor who they will meet with regularly to discuss their progress, strengths, and needs. The Promise-Readiness Corps teachers will model the same culture of hard work, creativity, and persistence that we expect from our students. Pittsburgh is no stranger to hard work. And at Pittsburgh Public Schools, your hard work will be rewarded. With up to $40,000 in Pittsburgh Promise scholarship money available to eligible PPS students, we’ll work together so that you arrive at graduation ready to take advantage of higher education or workforce training. Dream big and work hard, because from here, you can go anywhere.
Mark Roosevelt Superintendent Pittsburgh Public Schools
The Pittsburgh Promise Bids Superintendent Mark Roosevelt a Grateful Farewell With profound gratitude, the UPMC Scholars of The Pittsburgh Promise, along with our Board and staff, wish Mr. Mark Roosevelt and his family the very best as they prepare to commence a new season and conclude their tenure among us in Pittsburgh. In his five years as Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools, Mr. Roosevelt undeniably accomplished remarkable feats, in partnership with the Board of Education, the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, the Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh, UPMC, and the philanthropic and corporate communities of our region and nation. Among his great and, we trust, enduring contributions is the gift of helping us in Pittsburgh see ourselves a little differently; see the possibilities that lie before us, the potential that exists among us, and the promise that lives within us. As a result, our community made a promise we call The Pittsburgh Promise. It is our promise to our children. Pittsburgh promises its children a first rate public education that plays second fiddle to no one. We promise them safe and nurturing communities that surround and undergird them with all the needed building blocks to grow up healthily, hopefully, and responsibly. And we promise that, if they dream big dreams and are committed to work hard to reach them, we will provide them with the needed financial support to pursue higher education and receive the training and tools needed to work toward their dreams. Remarkably, UPMC seeded The Pittsburgh Promise with a $100 million dollar commitment. Foundations, corporations, and individuals quickly added another $40 million to give The Promise the ability to turn dreams, which are infused with effort, into results. And, our community continues to come to the plate with sleeves rolled up and hearts opened in order to ensure that the promise Pittsburgh made is a promise Pittsburgh keeps. We will undoubtedly miss Mark Roosevelt and his strategic leadership, keen insight, tireless service, and organic humor. We will equally undoubtedly press on toward the promise of a great Pittsburgh, with superb public schools, within vibrant communities, among engaged neighbors and nurturing families, where our children fare well and grow up greatly into a future full of promise.
16 fall 2010
SUPPORT THE PROMISE NOW!
We need the help of Pittsburghers to make a statement:
That every parent, every teacher, and every staff member has skin in the game; that all of us believe in the futures of our kids and are personally invested in them. A groundswell of support says to the residents of our region that The Pittsburgh Promise is not only a gift that is being given to us, but also a gift that we are giving to our kids and their kids after them.
YoU
4
Whether you can give $10 or $10,000, please give what you can.
PLEASE GIVE TODAY USING ONE OF THESE CONVENIENT WAYS:
4
4 Go to www.pittsburghpromise.org and give online 4 Designate your United Way contribution to The Pittsburgh Promise by using agency number 9576075 4 Federal employees can designate their Combined Federal Campaign gift by using agency number 19130 4 Mail a check to: The Pittsburgh Promise, 1901 Centre Avenue, Suite 204, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
4
idea pod 17
Congratulations Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship Recipients This is your year. Make the most of it.
Angela Finke
Ashley Chatman
Kayla Devers
Shawniece West
Willesha Miller
Tayja Copeland
Fashion Merchandising Allderdice High School
Medical Assisting Carrick High School
Fashion Merchandising Oliver High School
Business Management Langley High School
Criminal Justice Schenley High School
Fashion Merchandising Oliver High School
Your Time Is Now If you are looking for an education that could help you unlock the door to new career opportunities, consider Kaplan Career Institute, ICM campus. Our programs are designed with your future in mind. We provide career-focused training designed to give you the training needed to graduate and pursue your career goals. We limit our class sizes, which are taught in a hands-on learning FOWJSPONFOU CZ B TVQQPSUJWF TUBGG *O BEEJUJPO XF PGGFS DBSFFS QMBDFNFOU BTTJTUBODF XJUI kOBODJBM aid available for those who qualify.
Call now at
412.261.2647 or visit us online at www.kci-pittsburgh.com to get started.
10 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222
18 fall 2010
What do i know now in college that i wish i had known in high school? When I first came to college, I was up to learning any and everything; and that is just what I did. I learned how to live with someone I had never met, sacrifice my space and time for someone else’s needs, sacrifice sleep during finals week to get the best grades possible, and balance a job, an internship, and college classes. One thing I wish I knew about college before I got here is that I would be meeting new people, with new ideas, different cultures, different religions and different ways of thinking. I wish I was taught to be more open-minded about it all. Learning this has allowed me to meet new people from all over the world, make new friends, and learn their cultures, as well as teach them my own. I encourage all students to be opened minded and explore.
VANESSA THOMPSON
4 ask SARAH WALSH
the
Looking back at my high school career I wish that I had realized how important it was to keep good relationships with teachers, coaches, and counselors. I have learned that college is an ocean of opportunities but they are not just handed to you. You have to work hard to get what you want. It is also very important to keep in mind that every person you meet has the potential to help you reach your goals. Social networking is one of your biggest assets in life. You never know when you might need your 10th grade English teacher or your soccer coach to write you a recommendation for a job or a scholarship opportunity. Just remember you’re not alone. There are so many people willing to help you.
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ERIC POPEK diverse groups of people. These skills were taught, and translated well into other classes, and they came in a handy when beginning new employment opportunities. The world is diverse; it is not all-male or all-female, it is not all-middle class. In the world, you need to know how to work with people with different backgrounds, and Pittsburgh Public Schools prepared me for that. Additionally, at Allderdice, I was part of The Healthy Class of 2010, the wrestling team, the school’s musical, and I took a number of advanced placement classes in Science, English, History, and even Music Theory. I know a number of private schools in the area that don’t offer all of those opportunities. Not that I’m trying to downplay other schools, of course. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. But the biggest difference that I found at Pittsburgh Public Schools, more than anything, was the people. The strength of our school district is its diversity in student body, because there are people there for everyone. I wasn’t forced to be athletic to be accepted. I didn’t need to sit in the library with my nose in a book to find something social to do. There’s something to find at Pittsburgh Public Schools for every student. In addition to that, I felt support at Allderdice. Pittsburgh Public Schools does give you the freedom to pass or fail on your own, but I
collegıate In my journeys through the world, I’ve spoken to many people. Some are delighted to see a young man actually making conversation with them, maintaining eye contact and having a sincere interest in the subject matter at hand. Then inevitably they ask the one question I dread answering so much: “What school do you go to?” Every single time, I answer with an enthusiastic “Allderdice!” And yet, more often than not, I’ll see someone’s brow furrow, or their face drop with disappointment. They never say it aloud, but you can tell what they’re thinking. You can see them looking down on the Pittsburgh Public School district, and you can see the disappointment in their eyes when they learn that the young man they were talking to came from a City School. The reason I dread answering that question, though, is exclusively because of the common response. Because, believe it or not, I love the experiences I’ve had attending a Pittsburgh Public High School! In my thirteen or so years of schooling, I’ve attended a myriad of different schools. I went to parochial schools, a private school, and of course, a City public high school, and I can wholeheartedly state that I’ve had the best experience at public school. In my four years at Allderdice, I was introduced to a myriad of different social and educational opportunities. As a student of the Pre-engineering magnet, I learned a great deal about Engineering, public speaking, and creating synergy in
could tell that the administration wanted me to succeed. Teachers would give you help if you asked for it. If you were struggling, you could find help and support. You just needed to ask for it. One of the best parts of Pittsburgh Public Schools is the dynamic between teacher and student. In other schools, I found that I had only a professional relationship with my educators, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but at Allderdice, I found that teachers just didn’t want to know Eric the Student, but they wanted to know Eric the Person too. They wanted to find out my aspirations and my interests, and that helped them better understand me. English teachers could recognize my writing style because they KNEW me. Teachers would ask how a certain interview or event went, because they knew I was involved. Occasionally, I would discuss life with them, and they’d provide whatever worldly advice they could. Teachers weren’t just authority figures who graded papers, but they were mentors and even friends at times. So the next time you ask someone what school they go to, and they reply with Allderdice, or Schenley, or Carrick, or CAPA or wherever, remember all of the positive aspects of Pittsburgh Public Schools and then maybe you’ll be as enthusiastic as I am.
20 fall 2010
summer 2011 internships 4 for promise scholars If you are interested in: 4 Connecting with potential employers 4 Gaining practical experience in your field 4 Earning a decent summer wage
And if you can bring: 4 College GPA of 3.25 or higher 4 Experience in campus leadership 4 Evidence of community service
Then, you might qualify
for a summer internship with one of The Pittsburgh Promise’s supporting corporations. If interested, please email your resume and cover letter to: Eugene Walker, Benchmarks Manager eugene@pittsburghpromise.org
I am a world-changer. In Kenya, Sarah is known as “Mekena” in tribal language. It is a Kikuyu name that means “ever smiling girl” and to the Camba tribe it means “shining one.” It’s fitting, considering this “ever smiling girl” came to bring love and laughter to residents at Hekima Place, a Kenyan orphanage for girls who have lost their parents to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Sarah Markwardt Biblical & Ministry Studies www.waynesburg.edu
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Discover
W H Y GE NE VA ? Ask our students how they knew God was calling them to Geneva College, and you will hear this answer again and again: “When I came to visit the campus, I knew Geneva was the place for me.” Our mission is to help you find God’s purpose for your life. Through challenging academics and leadership opportunities, we’ll help you grow into the person you were created to be. Campus visits are a great way to find out if Geneva College is right for you. Explore our campus, sit in on a class, eat in the dining hall and get to know current students.To schedule a visit to Geneva, contact the Admissions Office.
GEN G E N E VA C CO O LLLEG L EG EGE 3 2 0 0 C o llege l l e g e Avenue, Av e n u e , B Be e ave a v e r Falls, F a l l s , Pe P e nnsylvania nnsylvania 1 15010 50
8 800.847.8255 00.847.8255
w www.geneva.edu ww.geneva.edu
G Geneva eneva College College
@Geneva_College @ Geneva_Co
22 fall 2010
MA H
GETS THINGS DONE
Students Understand the problem. Be a reader, a thinker and an analyzer. Ask yourself: What am I trying to find or do? What are the unknowns? What information can I find from the problem? What is missing or not needed? Can I state the problem in my own words?
Balancing a checkbook, making change, cooking, following sports, planning a trip—almost everything we do involves math. High paying careers of the future—like those in technology—require solid mathematical thinking skills, and colleges expect freshman to be mathematically proficient. More than ever, being “Promise-Ready®” means being “math ready.” Pittsburgh Public Schools Math Specialist Nicole Murray (above) says students like math because it puts them in charge. “Kids talk about this all the time—how numbers are part of their day. They see numbers as relevant to their lives. This includes kids who don’t like school ordinarily, but with math, as long as they know what to do, they feel they are going somewhere and are accomplishing something. This encourages them to try harder. Math gets things done.” Murray says math is an easy habit to build. Here’s how:
Pick a Strategy and Make a Plan. 4 Look for a pattern. 4 Make a table or diagram. 4 Write an equation or number sentence. 4 Use guess and check. 4 Work backward. 4 Use or draw a picture. 4 Use actions; such as add, subtract, multiply, divide. 4 Make or use a list.
Solve. Use your strategy to solve the problem. Reflect. Look back at your work. Reread, revise, organize!
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Parents
Suggested Courses
Ask your children to share their ideas with you. What do they notice about numbers in the real world in daily routines you share, the places you go?
Suggested Sequence of Math Courses for Graduation
Play games with them—like the District’s online First in Math®. Encourage your children to explain what they are doing and why. This reinforces “thinking about thinking” talk their teachers have them doing in the classroom. Ask questions: What did you do to the number to get your answer? Can you do it another way? Is there a pattern? Let your child grapple with the problem. Do not be afraid to let her/him struggle a little bit to work it out. Avoid rushing in with the answer, but do support your child as he/she talks out the problem by asking questions like—Can you state the problem in your own words? What strategy will you use?
Pittsburgh Public Schools requires four (4) math courses before awarding a high school diploma. Here is the recommended sequence of courses many students follow: 9th 10th 11th 12th
Grade: Grade: Grade: Grade:
Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Elementary Functions OR: Advanced Topics, Elementary Functions/Statistics, Statistics, or Standards Based Math
Build a sense of pride in children. Reassure them. “You CAN do this.” Help them plan ahead as they move into high school. Talk to your child about the courses he/she will take next year and check with the school about schedules. As students go on to higher grade levels and more complex thinking challenges, course sequence matters. Make sure your child takes Algebra I before 10th grade and at least three other upper level math classes before graduating.
College is Just Around the Corner Ranked again in the Top Tier and Great School, Great Price categories by U.S. News and World Report, Gannon University, located along the scenic Lake Erie bayfront in Erie, Pennsylvania, is close to home, family and friends. Gannon University provides an exceptional education at an affordable price with nearly 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in all of the most sought-after areas of interest, taught in small classes by dynamic professors who love what they do. Put Gannon on your list of “things to do.” Schedule a visit by calling 1-800-GANNON-U or visiting www.gannon.edu today! Gannon University can get you anywhere you want to go...around the corner or around the world.
Believe in the possibilities.
www.gannon.edu | 1-800-GANNON-U
24 fall 2010
SETON HILL UNIVERSITY
Your Dreams. Your Career. Your Future.
Y
our choice of university will set you on a course that will change your life. Since 1885, Seton Hill has been preparing students like you to succeed in life, whatever you choose to do, wherever your life takes you. From the arts to the health sciences, from business to psychology, at Seton Hill you will begin a career path with the potential to transform lives. Beginning with your own.
Athletics From football to basketball to soccer – if you played (or enjoyed cheering for) a sport in high school, chances are you’ll also find it here at Seton Hill. Seton Hill competes in Division II of the NCAA and offers 21 varsity sports for men and women; we are proud members of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) and the East Coast Conference (ECC). Go Griffins!
Career Opportunities Our goal is your success - in your life, and in your career. Seton Hill has a 94% career placement rate so you can expect to graduate with an understanding of where you’re headed, and with the knowledge, contacts and resources to get you there.
Faculty Seton Hill’s faculty members are researchers, poets, clinicians, writers, scientists, artists and businesspeople. They are award-winners and sought-after experts in their fields, but they are educators first - and they have dedicated their careers to preparing you for yours.
Technology Seton Hill just introduced the Griffin Technology Advantage, a program that provides every incoming first-year student with a MacBook Pro laptop and an iPad - along with a campus-wide wireless network to support whatever you need to use them for.
Student Life Try out for a play, or a team. Make some new friends and invite them to play your favorite video game (on a giant screen) in our MediaSphere. Enjoy a movie, a concert, a great meal, a comedy act, a basketball game or a play – or curl up with a book (or your iPad) in one of our new student lounges or residence hall suites. Take a hike, learn to paint, or join a group taking a trip to another city – or another country. You can do it all right here.
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idea pod 25
26 fall 2010
Have you ever sat in class and wondered why you are studying a foreign language or culture? Who needs to know what’s going on halfway around the world anyway? For starters, the world isn’t “over there” anymore. The world is coming to Pittsburgh—nearly 340 international companies now do business in the city— and Pittsburgh is reaching out to the world, with local companies now operating in over 25 countries around the globe. So, what does this mean for you? As American companies, both large and small, look for business opportunities abroad, and as Pittsburgh attracts more foreign companies, the need for employees who can speak foreign languages and understand different cultures is growing. And who will these employees be? Students like you! In order to succeed in the truly global economy of the 21st century, it is important to understand what’s going on in the rest of the world. And, it’s never too early to start! One way to learn about other countries and cultures is through travel. In 2004, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh launched its Global Travel Scholars Program. Since then, 53 students from 18 area high schools have been able to spend 4–5 weeks traveling abroad during the summer between their junior and senior years. Scholars have been to 21 different countries, including Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, China, Ecuador, Germany, Italy, Mongolia, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand. Many of the students leave Pittsburgh without knowing what to expect from the experience. As a matter of fact, most of them have never even been on an airplane! But that nervousness turns into sheer excitement when they set foot in their host countries and embark upon their many adventures. Imagine sailing through the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, riding an elephant in Thailand, or eating gelato with your group members in Italy, just to name a few! And the best part about this program is: it’s free! Thanks to generous support from local corporations, foundations, and private donors, students are able to travel abroad at no cost to them or their families. When the Scholars return, they have a newfound understanding of the world around them (and some really awesome stories to tell). These students are ready to take on the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world; they are truly global citizens. The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh has a special focus on the region’s secondary schools, and works with nearly 300 schools to help students and teachers gain insights into how the world is evolving. Through discussions, webcasts, and student summits, the Council brings experts into direct contact with students to help them acquire and develop the tools they will need when they are ready to join the workforce. The Council collaborates with The Experiment in International Living on its Global Travel Scholars Program.
ALLYCE PINCHBACK 2004 Global Travel Scholar to Japan; 2005 Graduate of Pittsburgh Schenley High School; 2009 Graduate of University of Pittsburgh; Education Program Manager at the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh “ Even though it has been six years since I was a Global Travel Scholar, I’m still just as excited about the program as I was the day I arrived in Japan. This experience has taken my life on an indescribable journey: I never imagined I would study Japanese at Pitt and return to Japan as an exchange student during my junior year in college. But, the most rewarding part is my current job at the Council. Now, I can help provide other high school students with the same amazing opportunity afforded to me.”
Become a Global Citizen:
THE
DISCOVER WORLD
idea pod 27
TRACEY MASSENGILL 2008 Global Travel Scholar to France; 2009 Graduate of Pittsburgh Westinghouse High School; Current Sophomore at Carlow University; Plans to travel to South Africa next summer through Amizade “My experience as a Global Travel Scholar to France was beyond anything I could ever imagine. The culture was beautiful, the food was delicious, and the people — especially the family I stayed with — embraced me as if I had known them forever. The Eiffel Tower and the Mona Lisa are two things I will always remember seeing. The worst part about the trip was saying goodbye. I still cannot believe I went to France at such a young age. I want to keep traveling to different countries and study Italian in college. The most important lesson this trip taught me is to embrace different cultures and experiences with an open mind and an open heart.”
LARON RISHER 2010 Global Travel Scholar to Morocco 2011 Prospective Graduate of Pittsburgh Brashear High School “My trip to Morocco was amazing! It was an incredible experience to ride camels, walk on the sand dunes, sleep under the stars, and see the ocean for the first time. I formed a wonderful bond with my host family and the people in my village. I even got to attend a wedding! Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we still found ways to communicate. This trip has made me so much more mature and I’m no longer afraid to take chances. I didn’t realize how much you can accomplish by just asking. I look forward to having more adventures and to studying abroad in college.”
RAINE RIVERA 2010 Global Travel Scholar to Peru 2011 Prospective Graduate of Pittsburgh Schenley High School “The main thing I learned from my trip to Peru was how similar everyone in the world is. Despite a language barrier, I was able to laugh and be myself. I also learned that I want to be a lot more adventurous in life. I was nervous about trying new things before but now I want to jump in because it allows you to have so many more experiences. I’ve been bitten by the travel bug and I can’t wait to study abroad in college!”
28 fall 2010
EARLY PREPARATION CAN HELP ACHIEVE DREAMS
Although most high school students don’t begin thinking of college until their junior or senior years, it is important to begin preparing early—even in ninth grade. If you prepare for college early by choosing classes, after-school jobs, and volunteer projects relevant to your future career, in addition to working for good grades, you will be ready to tackle whatever educational opportunities await you after high school. Even as a freshman in high school, Charleeda Redman, (above) executive director of UPMC Care Management, knew that she wanted to be a nurse. In order to prepare for that career, Charleeda tailored her classes to include many high-level math and science courses. “I took a lot of advanced placement classes such as biology, geometry, and calculus,” Charleeda says. Taking the math and science courses paid off when she applied to college and was able to place out of some of her classes. “You need day-to-day dedication to whatever you are doing, whether it is a job or school. You need to be dedicated in order to achieve success,” she says. In order to gain exposure to the things she would experience as a nurse, Charleeda worked in a nursing home during high school. The summer before she began college, she received her certification as a certified nurse assistant (CNA). “By becoming a CNA, I was introduced to the types of things I could expect in a patient environment. It also allowed me to learn things such as taking blood pressure, which I would later need during my clinical work,” she says. Charleeda advises students who are considering a degree in nursing to prepare early. “Most of what you do in high school is meant to prepare you for college,” she says. “Look for any available opportunities to increase your knowledge about your career field. There are always people out there
who are willing to mentor students and help them prepare—you just need to find them.” UPMC Human Resources senior consultant Eric McIntosh (below) understands the value of hard work and dedication in achieving success. “I have always said to succeed at anything, you do not need to be smarter than anybody, but you have to be willing to work harder than everybody,” he says. Eric adds that although now you might not know what career path to take, the skills and habits you develop now can be used in the future. “The ability to take on new challenges, adapt to changes, be flexible, manage stress, work well with a team, and work hard are all qualities that will transfer into any profession,” he says. In high school, Eric worked several part-time jobs, including a job at a local potato chip warehouse. “I rarely missed school and I was always working,” he said. Eric was able to use his contacts at the warehouse to put his skills to work. “When I was a junior in college, I helped the owner of the potato chip warehouse, along with two additional investors, open a high-volume beer distributer that has proven to be very successful,” Eric says. Those experiences helped prepare him for the corporate work environment. Through The Pittsburgh Promise, UPMC and other funders are helping to remove the financial barriers to students pursuing their dreams. The only thing left standing between you and college is the potential you have inside—and the work to put that potential into reality.
Rachel Cunningham UPMC Communications Specialist
idea pod 29
“
Great education. Wonderful teachers. PTI is a place to have fun. Went on a hospitality field trip and heard this from an employer – You are at your busiest when the guest is at leisure. That sums up my major.
”
Trevin G. Langley High School graduate PTI Hospitality student
One college. Seven schools.
1.800.784.9675 Visit www.pti.edu for a list of majors.
School School School School School School School
of of of of of of of
Building Technology Business Criminal Justice Design Healthcare Nursing Technology
30 fall 2010
INSIDE PPS
In this issue of the IdeaPod we feature the students of three of the Pittsburgh Public Schools: Pittsburgh Brashear High School; Pittsburgh Oliver High School; Pittsburgh Westinghouse High School. Photographs by Josh Franzos.
piTTsBUrgH BrasHear
idea pod 31
piTTsBUrgH oliVer
32 fall 2010
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idea pod 33
34 fall 2010
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Rita Boamah Communications, senior, Pittsburgh
www.SRU..edu www.SRU.edu 800.929.4778 800.929.47 778 A member of the Pennsylvania State System Syystem of Higher Education
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1901 Centre Avenue Suite 204 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219 www.pittsburghpromise.org
:
4 LIVE
ATTEND
EARN
IN OUR CITY.
OUR SCHOOLS.
$20,000 FOR COLLEGE.
MATTHEW 2009 UPMC Scholar of The Pittsburgh Promise CCAC