IdeaPod Fall 2012

THE PITTSBURGH PROMISE’S

FALL 2012

Hanging with

CUTCH’S CREW

Andrew McCutchen and The Promise Team up

+

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR COLLEGE VISIT NETWORKING YOUR WAY TO A JOB 1 ideapod // FALL 2012

ideapod THE PITTSBURGH PROMISE’S

FALL 2012

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

10 Internships: Your Dress Rehearsal

1

First Word

12

Cutch’s Crew

2

The Numbers

20

The Pittsburgh Promise Executive Scholars

4

Building Community

24

Road Trip: Tips for Driving

5

Giving Glimpse

26

The College Visit

6

Career Spotlight

8

Promise Faces

16

Ask The President

31

Last Look

EDITORIAL Executive Editors Lauren Bachorski, Saleem Ghubril Contributing Writers Janet Froetscher, Kristi Milczarczyk, Carolina Pais-Barreto Beyers, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Janet Seiff, Vanessa Thompson, Sarah Walsh, Travis Wilkins Art Direction/Design Phil Mollenkof Photography Josh Franzos, Phil Mollenkof Advertising: Marsha Kolbe

CONNECT WITH THE PROMISE

PITTSBURGH PROMISE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Franco Harris Chairman, NFL Hall of Fame Owner, Super Bakery, Inc.

Cindy Shapira Senior Policy Advisor Allegheny County Executive

Candi Castleberry-Singleton Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, UPMC

David Shapira Executive Chairman, Board of Directors, Giant Eagle, Inc.

Mark Laskow Managing Director Greycourt & Co.

Edith Shapira, MD Psychiatrist Private Practice

Linda Lane, EdD Superintendent Pittsburgh Public Schools

Kiya Tomlin Parent Volunteer

Anne Lewis Chair Oxford Development Company Pamela Little-Poole Family and Community Organizer A+ Schools David Malone President and CEO Gateway Financial Group Martin McGuinn Chairman and CEO (Retired) Mellon Financial Services Luke Ravenstahl Mayor City of Pittsburgh

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Olga Welch, EdD Dean, School of Education Duquesne University Demetri Zervoudis Senior Vice President Bayer Material Science Grant Oliphant, Ex-Officio President and CEO The Pittsburgh Foundation Saleem Ghubril 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 and other key funders.

FIRST WORD

THE

IMPOSSIBLE DREAM Saleem Ghubril Executive Director The Pittsburgh Promise Call me “cheesy” but I love the lyrics to the old song “The Impossible Dream.” Here they are: To dream the impossible dream To fight the unbeatable foe To bear with unbearable sorrow To run where the brave dare not go To right the unrightable wrong To love pure and chaste from afar To try when your arms are too weary To reach the unreachable star

neighborhoods than five years ago, but we still have too many neighborhoods that are struggling. And today, we have $160 million more for Promise scholarships than we did five years ago, but we still have $90 million to raise.

What is your “impossible dream?” I sure hope you have one. Your life is worthy of big dreams, large aspirations, and high expectations.

In my opinion, the disease that plagues many of our kids, our parents, our teachers, and our leaders is not dreaming too big a dream, but too small. Our ailment is not expecting too much of our selves, but too little.

This song has been a theme to baseball teams, car commercials, movies, and presidential campaigns. Also, it was performed at Senator Ted Kennedy’s funeral in 2009.

Some have said that The Pittsburgh Promise is the impossible dream. After all, we promised that Pittsburgh will have excellent schools in every neighborhood, excellent neighborhoods in every corner, and $250 million in scholarships for kids who graduate from our schools and live in our neighborhoods. If not “impossible,” then at minimum this is what Jim Collins calls a big, hairy, and audacious dream.

And, when the odds are stacked against you, when you’re running out of steam, when the challenge appears bigger than your strength, when your critics are louder than your cheerleaders, when your work is hard, when your hours are long, when your cash is in short supply, when …

That is when you have to reach deep within you, and pray for help from outside of you, so that you can fight and bear, run and right and love, and (my favorite line in the song) “try when your arms are too weary.”

Today, we have more schools that are excellent than we did five years ago, but we still have too many schools that are not.

Today, we have more new development taking place in our

LIVE

In the City of Pittsburgh

90 Neighborhoods to choose from!

ATTEND Pittsburgh Public Schools

EARN up to $40,000

Attendance

90% +

2.50 GPA

(cumulative and unweighted)

= Up to $40,000 scholarship 1 ideapod // FALL 2012

THE NUMBERS

19

%

HOW DO COLLEGE STUDENTS SPEND MOST OF THEIR HARD-EARNED CASH? Here’s what Promise Scholars told us:

CLOTHES & SHOES

24

15

%

%

FOOD & DRINK

WELLNESS & BEAUTY

14

%

ENTERTAINMENT

18 10 %

%

OTHER

TRANSPORTATION

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12:37 PM

BUILDING COMMUNITY

your

SERVE CITY You have the opportunity to make a huge impact in your community.

Growing up as the son of a District Magistrate, I learned the importance of lending a helping hand at an early age.

My father was always helping our neighbors- a value he passed on to me and my brothers. Looking back, it was my father’s example that got me interested in a career in public service. I truly believe that Pittsburgh residents of all ages have the opportunity to impact their communities, and that includes you!

While there are many opportunities to volunteer in school, whether through your 9th grade Civics class or an after school club, you can also make a big difference volunteering in your community.

Through my servePGH initiative, there are many ways to get involved in your neighborhood.

During our six-week Youth Civic Leadership Academy, students from Pittsburgh Public Schools meet weekly with the City’s highest leadership to find out how they can become Pittsburgh’s next generation of leaders now. To date, over 35 participants have tried their hands at balancing a City budget, learned how communities are involved in City planning, and experienced a taste of our City’s firefighters’ intensive training first-hand.

Do you have elderly or disabled neighbors who struggle to shovel their sidewalks during the winter season? Becoming a Snow Angel is a great way to give back to your community. Lending a helping hand to a neighbor-in-need by shoveling his or her sidewalk after each snowfall may not seem like much, but it means a lot to the senior or disabled resident that you assist. The City will provide you with a shovel, and you’ll commit to keeping your neighbor’s sidewalk safe and walkable for the winter season. Join over 125 community members who volunteered to help more than 185 neighbors-in-need last year, including 75 students!

Help to keep your neighborhood clean by adopting a ReddUp Zone. You and a group of friends can make a long-term impact by committing to keep a half-mile zone of city streets clean for two years. Your group will be provided signage in recognition of your commitment to the neighborhood - a visible shout out to your hard work. There are currently 50 ReddUp Zones across Pittsburgh, but there is much more work to be done.

Get your school involved! Through Love Your Block, organizations and schools can apply for a $1,000 Home Depot gift card and the support of City services to transform neighborhood blocks and lots. Past projects include a revitalization of Pittsburgh Allderdice’s recreational fields and the planting of an urban garden, along with showcasing student poetry at Pittsburgh CAPA.

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Plug In

FOUR WAYS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN IN YOUR HOOD

Youth Civic Leadership Academy Meet with Pittsburgh’s highest leaders to learn about leading through public service.

Snow Angel Commit to shoveling the sidewalk of an senior or disabled person during the winter season.

ReddUp Zone Join with a group of friends to commit to keeping a halfmile of zone of city streets clean for two years.

Love Your Block Win a $1,000 Home Depot gift card to transform neighborhood blocks or lots.

I encourage you to learn more about these programs and other volunteer opportunities by visiting www.pittsburghpa.gov/ servepgh today, or by contacting the Mayor’s Office of Service & Civic Engagement at servepgh@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-2552280. Young civic leaders like yourself will help Pittsburgh continue to be “America’s Most Livable City” for years to come!

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl City of Pittsburgh

GIVING GLIMPSE

RUNNING FOR THE PROMISE AT THE

BADWATER U LT R A M A R A T H O N

Meet Jeff Gleason, Badwater ultramarathoner and Pittsburgh Promise donor.

This was Jeff’s third Badwater finish and that’s no small feat.

Badwater competitors begin in Death Valley and run for up to 48 hours, through soaring heat and mountainous trails, to a finish line on Mount Whitney. Jeff and his company, Thermo Fisher Scientific, considered The Promise in Jeff’s race efforts. We are so grateful for the support that Jeff and his crew gave to The Promise. We were also inspired by Jeff’s reflections on the race, “Several people have asked me if I am satisfied with the results. This may sound strange but it is races like this one that I remember the most and I am most proud of.

It is great to run a personal record, win your age group, and feel good the entire race. But the measure of real success is when you are not at your best and yet you still find it within yourself to beat that nagging voice inside your head that keeps telling you ‘I can’t do this’. Maybe that is why I have as much admiration for the person who finished in last place as I do for the person who finished in first place. It is all about challenging yourself.” Thank you to Jeff and Thermo Fisher Scientific for meeting the challenge in the name of The Pittsburgh Promise.

Ultra NUMBERS

BADWATER IS A NASTY RACE ANY WAY YOU CUT IT. THE PROOF LIES IN JEFF’S NUMBERS:

120 17,000 135

35

Max Temperature (fahrenheit)

Hours of running

Elevation Climbed (in feet)

Length of race (miles)

GIVING TO THE PROMISE:

Are you inspired by Jeff’s efforts? Here are some other ways to give.

UPMC will give $1.00 for every $1.50 that is contributed to The Pittsburgh Promise.

ONLINE www.pittsburghpromise.org

MAIL Mail your check to: 1901 Centre Ave, Suite 204 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

PGH MARATHON Run for The Promise by raising money at the annual Pittsburgh Marathon.

UNITED WAY Use our agency code number 9576075 when donating.

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CAREER SPOTLIGHT

A Career in

FINANCIAL SERVICES This ongoing series will provide a glimpse into various careers, industries, and the people who pursue them.

With a wide range of opportunities and an assortment of career paths, the financial services industry offers young people the ability to build a career based on their interests and skills. Career options in the fast-paced financial services sector, and in particular at The PNC Financial Services Group, are vast. There is a variety of different business segments such as asset management, commercial and consumer banking, mortgage lending, technology and other corporate functions. Each segment calls for a specific skill-set.

Typically, those with strong analytical skills and the ability to build relationships and solve problems both individually and as part of a team will thrive in this industry. For instance, wealth management, corporate and institutional banking, finance, internal audit, and risk all call for business-minded individuals with a knack for math, while technology often calls for a computer science background.

Human resources, marketing, retail and other segments are geared toward people with strong communication skills who enjoy working with others. These are just a few of the many career paths available.

Zach Graham was always interested in numbers; math was his favorite subject. After taking accounting classes in high school, he decided to pursue a career in the financial services industry, majoring in finance and investment management in college.

Upon graduation, he landed a position as a trainee in PNC’s finance analyst development program. “I enjoy the people and the

Promises made.

comfortable work environment,” said Graham. “There are a lot of great people here who value the balance of work-life benefits and are willing to help you and invest in your future.”

Steven Renfro, a corporate internal auditor, played football and ran track in high school and college. He had always enjoyed the competition, and knew he would thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment. “I enjoy working at PNC because every day I am trying new things and I welcome the challenges the variety provides,” said Renfro.

PNC embodies a culture of achievement by adhering to its core values of performance, customer focus, respect, teamwork, integrity, diversity and quality of life. Working at PNC means being a partner in success. The company is committed to creating growth and opportunity throughout the communities we serve, beginning with our own employees. In the community, PNC invests in programs that make a difference, such as green building, community redevelopment, multicultural events and financial education.

At the emerging professional level, PNC develops young talent through a competitive summer internship program for college students. The internship program feeds into specific training and development programs which help young professionals grow their careers through networking and building relationships with coworkers and mentors. Ultimately, PNC can be a great place to learn, grow and achieve as you build a career in financial services.

Kristi Milczarczyk is a Senior Recruiting Manager for Campus Recruiting at PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

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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ExpEriEncE TradiTion.

ExpEcT SuccESS. Find out why so many Pittsburgh students and their families have made Duquesne their top choice for higher education.

800.456.0590 www.duq.edu/promise

10 Schools of Study | Over 100 Undergraduate Programs 75 Graduate and Professional Programs ideapod 8-12.indd 1

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8/30/12 12:11 PM

PROMISE FACES

Networking It’s all about

These Promise graduates landed great jobs right out of college! We asked them to give us their take on professional networking, landing a job and how The Promise can help.

VANESSA THOMPSON

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and giving wisdom of what to do and not do to make it a better place to live. In addition, The Promise helped to connect me with great mentors, making sure that I was getting quality education, and informing me of the job market in Pittsburgh once I graduated from college.

Success, for me, is being able to push people to be the best that they can be and finding a way to make the world we live in a little better. As an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) Associate working in the Mayor’s office, I am able to do just that.

I will be promoting an exciting new initiative to engage volunteers in helping to raise the graduation rate in Pittsburgh. I will do this by developing and implementing the campaign in partnership with many youth-serving organizations across the City. This year-long service allows me to give back to the City that has done so much for me and my family.

SARAH WALSH

High School: Westinghouse College: Chatham University Current Job: City of Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office, Volunteer Service Associate

High School: Brashear College: Robert Morris University Current Job: United Way of Allegheny County, Assistant to the President

The second most important thing to get out of college, besides an education, is a network both on and off campus. This is what made me a well rounded college graduate.

I nurtured relationships with people who have helped me reach my dreams. The network that I have with The Promise fed my hope to serve others in my community. Now, other students have seen me complete my degree, and they know they can do the same.

My involvement with my community was great while I was in college. I was able to speak to many middle school and high school students on the importance of education. I have also done work with my church, by speaking with the community

Get involved and networking will follow. It is amazing how one event or relationship in your life causes a chain reaction; the circles go on and on. As an undergraduate student at Robert Morris University (RMU) I lived on campus, became a work study student, got involved with athletics and the study abroad program.

I voluntarily joined campus organizations and even co-founded one of my own, but it didn’t happen overnight. To be honest, most of my campus involvement happened accidently through school assignments and just hanging out with friends. I realized there were so many resources available on a college campus, the primary resource being people. Not only did I take advantage of new relationships formed at school and what college had to offer, I also took advantage of what The Pittsburgh

PROMISE FACES

Promise had to offer, and yes it was more than just money to go to college. The Promise offered me involvement in a new community, one that was tied to where I grew up and where I went to school. I became a student voice for The Promise by simply sharing my story. From there The Promise and Campus community became a mix. Some weeks I was giving public school students tours of the Robert Morris campus, other weeks I was traveling to schools talking to sixth graders about college and The Pittsburgh Promise. I was given opportunities to meet and speak with people about my story.

It’s only now that I truly realize the significance of everything that I have done.

The exposure has given me amazing experiences that I can use as leverage in a job interview. There is no excuse not to mention you are a Pittsburgh Promise student on your resume! The best advice I can give to anyone in regards to networking is treat every person, every encounter, and every connection you make with a person like an interview. You never know who may be watching.

Travis Wilkins High School: Allderdice College: Allegheny College Current Job: BNY Mellon, Account Analyst When I was in college I was pretty involved.

I volunteered at an area preschool center for several months. I also participated in a program called “VITA” to help community members by preparing their tax returns for them. The Pittsburgh Promise is also a community to be involved in, and a powerful one at that. Now, with the graduation of the first generation of Promise scholars we will start building an alumni network that will be able to help even more people. In terms of Promise community involvement, I attended the Job Fair that was held in June. Not only did it offer an opportunity to meet with potential employers, but they offered several sessions that helped prepare me to enter the job market. I also attended the Pittsburgh Promise Gala and the all night dance-a-thon. There I was able to meet with many people who were very eager to help me to start my career. I had the pleasure of saying a few words at the podium, and also to meet several great people from BNY Mellon.

Getting the opportunity to work in Pittsburgh and give back to the community that raised me really means a lot to me. It’s somewhat of a cliché, but through my experiences with graduation and recently getting a job, I have found that it really is “all about who you know.”

I have found that creating and maintaining relationships can and will help you in ways you never would have guessed. It’s important to note that it is not only about how someone else can help you, but about creating a solid relationship.

Relationships are “give and take,” and the same holds true for a relationship established through networking.

My advice to people looking to network would be to start with those who are close to you. Talk to your family and friends; they may be able to point you in the right direction, or even point you to someone who can. Another helpful tool is to get in touch with your school’s alumni network.

You will find that most alumni are more than willing to give back to the younger generation. Another option is informational interviewing. That is contacting a person who is doing what you hope to do in the future and having a sit down discussion with them about their individual experiences and their particular path to where they are now. Without having networked I may not have gotten my job at BNY Mellon. I met some great people working in human resources and was able to create a rapport with them.

To me, success means reaching the goals that you set for yourself. I believe that it is important to always strive to better yourself and to continually set new goals.

5

TIPS

FOR L ANDING THE JOB:

Involvement in your community, place of worship, college, neighborhood, Promise events, and other groups will lead to professional networks.

Talk to those close to you- tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job.

Try informational interviewing- it will create a new connection and give you some great direction.

Treat all of your interactions like interviews- put your best foot forward because you never know where a conversation might lead!

Explore the opportunities that your school and other organizations offer you.

Take advantage of résumé workshops, networking events, job fairs, and alumni benefits!

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Internships:

YOUR DRESS REHEARSAL BEFORE SHOWTIME

By Carolina Pais-Barreto Beyers

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illustration by Peter Mollenkof

Everyone who has performed in a play or concert knows the importance of a dress rehearsal.

FIRST HAND ADVICE WHAT STUDENTS SAID ABOUT THEIR INTERNSHIPS:

It’s the final practice before opening night. This opportunity allows performers to know what to expect when the curtains go up before a live audience. Dress rehearsals give a real sense of how everything will feel, and can even help to calm the jitters.

“I’ve learned the ins and outs of maintaining relationships with co-workers and the rigor of working day to day in a specific career. I also learned more as to what I would like to do after college with my business degree.” - Sara Murrio

Internships will give you an opportunity to do just that—to practice and to experience a job—before it’s your official “show-time.”While many internships are available, to secure one, you must act with lots of determination because they are very competitive. Contact your career counselor, your teachers/professors, and your friends who have had internships. Search online, attend career fairs, and tell everyone you know that you are searching for an internship. Begin your search early, always employing persistence and hard work.

“Everyday was a new challenge, and every night I would look back on what I learned and

If you have not yet decided your career path, you should still look for an internship. The skills that you will learn will go with you to whichever career you choose. While paid internships are wonderful, if you secure an unpaid one, don’t fret! The true compensation of internships is experience—still a solid investment.

While interning, practice everything! Take every opportunity that is offered to you. No task should be too small and no challenge should be too great. Vow to learn new things everyday. Observe those around you and watch how they act, how they ask for things, how they delegate tasks— watch and ponder the kind of professional that you want to be. You will make mistakes in your internship. Acknowledge the errors, thank those who pointed them out and learn how to correct them. Pay closer attention next time, and move forward!

The people you meet during your internship will become part of your professional network. They may serve as future references for you and they may even offer you a job one day. Learning how to act in a professional relationship can be tricky, especially now that we have the Facebook dilemma of ‘to-friend-or-not-to-friend’. Think about these things during your internship and discuss relationship matters with a mentor or with a trusted person who is more seasoned in these situations.

Do you have a mentor? If not, be on the look out for one. Look for someone who inspires you to be a better professional and a better person.

Approach this individual and simply ask if they would mind spending a few minutes with you regularly discussing the things that you are learning in the workplace. Ask for their feedback on how you are handling all aspects of your internship.

accomplished.”

-Janine Popper

From top to bottom, Sara Murrio, Janine Popper & Berthina Gourdet

“My experience was an eye opener. I had the opportunity to work with many nurses. I learned to always have a positive attitude regardless of the problems thrown at you. When it comes to a patient, I learned that we should always be caring and understanding because they are going through a lot.

Kindness and a positive attitude can go a long way.”

-Berthina Gourdet

Student interns often tell me that aside from gaining experience in their field of work, internships help them learn, practice and fine-tune a wide spectrum of skills. They also tell me that it helps them to gain confidence in their abilities. Confidence is like a secret that you hold inside thinking that it’s only yours—but everyone in the audience can see it!

Carolina Pais-Barreto Beyers is the vice president of Urban Innovation21, an organization that places Pittsburgh Promise Scholars in internships with innovation-driven companies.

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HANGING WITH

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As Andrew McCutchen steps up to bat, PNC park is enveloped in the sound of the crowd chanting ‘MVP, MVP, MVP.’ The stadium often named “America’s best ballpark” is packed full of energized fans in a city that’s rallied around a hopeful Pirates team.

McCutchen has emerged as a legitimate candidate for MVP and he’s one of the players making Pittsburgh Pirates’ games so exciting this year. To Pittsburgh, Andrew McCutchen is the super star player who is helping to lead the Pirates to a better future. To a group of Pittsburgh Public School students he is just a regular guy who is helping them to understand that collaboration, sportsmanship, hard work and dedication are necessary to success.

Noting that baseball was the positive driver in his life, Andrew’s goal is to pass on the lessons he’s learned to Pittsburgh’s local youth. McCutchen spends one afternoon a month with a group of young men from Pittsburgh Perry High School’s baseball team called “Cutch’s Crew”. The lucky group of 14 players in Cutch’s Crew weren’t always on the same team, in fact just last year they played as staunch rivals. As Oliver and Perry high schools merge this year so will their formerly competing sports teams. For the young men on the newly combined Perry baseball team, the transition and tensions of a long-time Northside neighborhood rivalry have been eased by the chance to transform from opponents to teammates with The Pirates on their side. Originally from Perry High School, 10th grader Mike Montgomery commented, “I think one of the most important things we’ve learned is that even though we were team rivals we have to play as one. I think we can do it, we all get along and we’re happy that we’ve had this experience together.”

Cutch’s Crew’s activities vary from baseball clinics and pre-game hang outs to an afternoon at “The Story of Negro League Baseball” exhibit at The Heinz History Center. One thing is crystal clear: Andrew isn’t doing it for the publicity. Media is not present during the outings, and there is more wisdom shared than autographs and photos. He’s spending time with the students because he believes in the lessons he is hoping to instill— success equals hard work, drills, and studying behind the scenes. As varied as the events have been, the obvious theme of all of the meetings is that hard work and dedication are the necessary elements to success. McCutchen is humble and cites the time he puts in as the reason why he’s the player he is today. He shares his day-to-day routine to give the students a glimpse into what goes in before he steps up to bat. Outside of his rigorous mental and physical game day preparation, he spends at least 35 hours a week reviewing tape and working out. To illustrate this prep work, Cutch’s Crew perform baseball drills with Andrew in many of their meetings. To the students’ surprise, the professional Pirates team and the Perry High School team perform the same simple drills and fundamentals to practice and prepare for games.

The message being delivered is clear: the building blocks to accomplishment lie in a dedication to the fundamentals. Maintaining a routine of study and dedication to baseball, school classes, or professional work equates to being a better player, teammate, student, employee or community member. It’s a lesson that anyone can identify with especially students who are preparing for college and careers. Slamming homeruns out of PNC Park on a regular basis looks fun and glamorous, but there are literally thousands of unglamorous hours of practice, practice, and more practice behind those short moments of excitement and glory. For the rest of us who aren’t major league ballplayers, attending college, landing a job, and remaining a part of your community also take time and hard work. As 13 ideapod // FALL 2012

Oliver baseball coach Derek Long puts it, “Andrew talks about life lessons that kids can use outside of baseball; working hard, setting goals, and managing time. Not everyone will be a major league player but everyone will have opportunities and situations in which those lessons apply.” Perry coach Chris Edmonds agrees, “Even for kids that don’t play ball, the message is stick to it, work hard and see things through.”

Cutch’s Crew will continue throughout the year but even after a short summer, the impact is felt. As the students move on to their high school season and some off to college, there is a resonating confidence.

Gene Walker with The Pittsburgh Promise has been coordinating the relationship between Andrew and the students. Gene, a youth mentor himself, feels that for Cutch’s Crew the future is bright, “Having a positive role model can change the course of a young man’s life, and that’s exactly what Andrew is doing with Cutch’s Crew. What he has been able to do in a short period of time is remarkable. He is using his love for baseball to begin a transformation in the lives of these young men, and he is able to do so naturally because he shares their backgrounds and their dreams. His message of hard work and preparation will forever change how these young men pursue their own life dreams. This experience will have an impact that will be seen not only on the field but in the classroom; his lessons have extended beyond the diamond to hard work, personal goals, and character.”

Lauren Bachorski is the Special Projects Coordinator with The Pittsburgh Promise.

HARD WORK Andrew’s gameday routine starts hours before he heads to the field.

2:30 p.m. Warm-Up Andrew visits the team weight room for an active warm-up. He does some stretching, and light exercises and plyometric drills that will warm up his core body temperature.

2:55 p.m. Vision Training Andrew performs a series of specific drills to keep his eyesight and focus sharp. These drills also begin to prepare him mentally for the game.

3:10 p.m. Batting Cage

Andrew will go straight from his vision training to the batting cage where he will hit balls off a tee or have someone soft toss him balls from a short distance to keep his vision sharp and get an early focus on the baseball.

3:30 p.m. Relax period This time is sometimes used for game tape review.

4:00 pm. Team Stretch Here Andrew does various stretching exercises on

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the field with his teammates to get his legs moving.

He will then start playing catch, starting from a short distance and expanding into long toss. This drill places Andrew in center field playing catch with a teammate on one of the foul lines.

4:30 p.m. Batting Practice Official team batting practice where Andrew will see a variety of pitches at 50-60% of game speed.

5:30 p.m. Rest and Mental Focus Andrew takes a break from physical exercise to get his head in the right place for the game.

6:45 p.m. Last Stretch and Warm-Up One last session of stretching takes place followed by a number of warm up exercises in final preparation.

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7:05 p.m. Game Time!

Andrew gets his glove ready, puts on the final pieces to his uniform and heads to the dugout, ready to roll.

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Discover a whole new take on your life.

Together, we can meet the challenge.

geneva.edu • 800-847-8255

15 ideapod // FALL 2012

Pres

ASK THE

We asked six Presidents of Promise eligible schools a question...

From top left across: Greg Defeo, Dennis F. Wilke, Dr. Cheryl J. Norton, Dr. Joanne Boyle, Dr. Kenneth A. Smith, Dr. Charles J. Dougherty.

16 ideapod // FALL 2012

ident

Besides the pursuit of academic excellence, what else would you tell your students to pursue throughout their years of post-secondary education?

GREG DEFEO PITTSBURGH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

DENNIS F. WILKE ROSEDALE TECH

When I walk the halls of Pittsburgh Technical Institute (PTI) and visit our classrooms, I see students engaged in their learning, working in teams, tackling challenges and literally wrapping their hands around their education. That’s how most of us learn best – by experiencing. I am confident PTI students are benefitting from some of the best faculty in the city, but education occurs outside the classroom as much as it does in.

Get connected! This is a great time to develop your personal network while you are preparing for your future career.

Referrals are golden in the professional world, as you will soon find out. A network of colleagues can help get you referred for a great job opportunity, aid in your professional development, and learn more about what it takes to succeed in your career field.

Every decision you make about studying, meeting new friends, participating in community service, tutoring, volunteering, getting up early and staying out late, can have a lifelong impact. It not only creates a robust experience, but develops a level of confidence that is evident to potential employers. Each day, every person has the same amount of hours, minutes and seconds. It is up to you to decide how you want to spend that time. Learn about politics, introduce yourself to someone you don’t know, and experience the unknown. It is important to keep your focus on your passion, and to keep what is truly important in life – your family, your friends, your faith, and your compassion – central to everything you do. And remember, as Mark Twain said, “In 20 years you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than the ones you did do”.

Start by developing friendships with your instructors and with school administrators. Your teachers can help in so many ways, even after you graduate. Also, get to know as many of your classmates as you can. Peer support is a wonderful thing. Finally, get to know people working in your chosen career field. It is never too early to start establishing connections in the work world that will pay off come graduation time.

Most schools, including Rosedale Tech, will provide the opportunity for students to meet with, or interview with, employers. Take advantage of those opportunities. Don’t forget to ask good questions during an interview. An interview is a great chance for you to learn and start building your networks so you can get connected. Good Luck!

DR. CHERYL J. NORTON SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY

DR. JOANNE BOYLE SETON HILL UNIVERSITY

I’d tell them to seize the day. That these four years will fly by much faster than they could ever imagine and it would be a tragedy if they left Slippery Rock University as the same individual as when they entered – albeit a little smarter.

Students need to make a conscious effort to make sure they are growing and improving on every level – intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially and culturally – every day.

I would ask students to keep in mind three things. First, in an increasingly competitive job market, the workplace of tomorrow will be looking for graduates who have done their learning using advanced technology – especially mobile technology. Second, I would note that the hallmark of a successful college graduate will be his or her ability to consistently make good decisions in a constantly changing environment. So study widely, take advantage of any opportunity to study abroad (or anywhere you will be exposed to a new culture or new way of doing things), and seek out the professors and programs and friends who will challenge you to learn new things and support you while doing so. Finally, and most important in many ways, do not neglect your spiritual growth. Our global community needs strong young women and men who can think and act critically, creatively and ethically – in every profession, and in all aspects of life.

To do so, students need to network and meet as many different people as they can – especially those from different backgrounds and cultures. Attend as many concerts, workshops, lectures, plays, dances and athletic events as possible. Take a chance. To try something they never thought they would do, like learning calligraphy or ice sculpting.

Get involved. Joining a club or organization helps build leadership, time management and public speaking skills. All of which are important for success. Eat properly, get enough sleep, exercise and pray. Give help when asked, and ask for help when they need it. And, I always remind students to understand that they can’t control the universe, just their own actions.

17 ideapod // FALL 2012

tion

ial Work c o S • g in • Writ

ca DR. A. SMITH EduKENNETH GENEVA COLLEGE

Our goal as educators is not only to prepare students to be employees who exhibit excellence in their work, but also to guide them toward becoming citizens who serve their communities well. So, while the pursuit of academic excellence is essential for student success, we must also provide opportunities for holistic development.

g• itin Wr

So cial Work

M

s

gement in H ice a v r ealth Se an

Science •

Stories of lives lived well and human psychology itself tell us that the most direct path to personal growth and happiness lies in caring for and serving others. Too often people are wholly mistaken on this point and think that growth and happiness comes from a focus on one’s self, from selfishness.

But selfish people are more often the most stunted and least happy among us.

cc ounting

A

But there is another important part of a university experience that all college students and prospective students should bear in mind, especially as they consider what university to attend and what field to study. The university experience is also about personal growth and development. It shapes in significant ways the kind of people we become. This is clear in the loyalties and fond memories of alumni who often regard their college days as among the best times of the lives. So one of the key goals of college is personal growth and the happiness attached to it.

sic

A university’s primary mission is academic.It creates new knowledge in the arts, sciences, and professions and passes on what is known to a new generation. Students enter this context to broaden and enrich their understanding of life and to prepare themselves for a useful and fulfilling future.

Fo n re

DR. CHARLES J. DOUGHERTY DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY

Me dia • Art

Educati o

Students must also be able to think through issues deeply, and the biblical worldview that we promote, as well as the studies in the liberal arts we provide, nurtures this ability and enables them to become thoughtful, well rounded members of society.

Finally, students must develop their relational skills. Our values-oriented campuses are the setting for many lifelong friendships. And because we welcome students representing many faiths, including non-believers, our students learn to work with others with whom they may not agree.

Ma ss

n•

At Geneva, we believe that the foundation for everything is Jesus Christ, and students are encouraged to pursue a personal relationship with Him. The motivation to excel at all other tasks stems from that commitment, and this is why we integrate faith in every course and co-curricular activity, provide missions opportunities through our Center of Faith and Practice, and meet once a week for chapel.

Accoun tin g•

iness • Nursing • P s u B syc ho log y

ATION: N I T S E D TION A C U D E

Therefore, the most important thing to pursue in college, after education itself, is learning how to grow and be happy through caring for and serving others. Think about what university and what field of study can do that best for you.

Values. Scholarship. Vision.®

www.carlow.edu 18 ideapod // FALL 2012

PROMISE yourself an opportunity . . . .

They did.

Rosedale Tech students and Pittsburgh Promise recipients Matthew Henchell, Jerome Tria, Dan Quarcoo, Wesley Thomas, Patrick Metcalfe, Timothy Bell, and Brandon Greening are training for careers in the Automotive and Diesel Technology fields.

“We’re all about the trades!”

AUTO DIESEL

ELECTRICAL HVAC

(412) 521-6200

www.RosedaleTech.org

“Like” us on RTI is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution and Employer. ACCSC Accredited Institution, and NATEF ASE Certified.

Pittsburgh Promise Ad Aug 2.indd 1

8/27/2012 4:22:22 PM

19 ideapod // FALL 2012

Executive Scholars The Pittsburgh Promise

WE ARE PROUD TO INTRODUCE OUR FIRST CLASS OF EXECUTIVE SCHOLARS.

The Executive Scholars program matches Promise scholars with esteemed Pittsburgh companies who have provided unprecedented support to The Promise.

The opportunity to be named among the twenty five UPMC, Highmark, Giant Eagle, PNC, or BNY Mellon scholars offers invaluable connections and relationships which could, if desired by the students and the companies, serve as a pipeline for internships and eventual employment. The program provides scholars with the chance to build professional networks in the Pittsburgh region during their college years. Executive Scholars of The Pittsburgh Promise are chosen by academic performance (3.5 GPA and above), commitment to community, demonstrated leadership skills, dedication to education, and field of study. The Promise also seeks students who are committed to the Pittsburgh region and plan to work in, and contribute to, the region post graduation.

UPMC Scholars of The Pittsburgh Promise Shawnaquaya Dixon : A graduate of Westinghouse High School, Shawnaquaya was proud to finish second in her graduating class. She attends Penn State University and studies Clinical Psychology.

She plans to obtain her PhD. In addition to The Pittsburgh Promise scholarship, Shawnaquaya was awarded the BuntonWaller Scholarship.

Rachel Deis : Rachel is a student at Drexel University studying Biology. She would love to help others through the work of medicine and would like to specialize in anesthesiology. A graduate of Pittsburgh Obama High School, Rachel was her class president.

Timilehin Adebayo : Tim attends the University of Pittsburgh and is studying Pre-Medicine. A graduate of Brashear High School, he believes that community service taught him the value of giving even when you are not receiving. Tim was awarded multiple scholarships for his studies.

Benedict Hoffman : A graduate of Pittsburgh Allderdice High School, Benedict achieved a 3.92 GPA. He is a student at Villanova University, majoring in Biology. Benedict hopes to use his education and the medical field to help the less fortunate. Benedict is also a recipient of the Lola G. Duff and William H. Duff Merit Scholarship.

Alexander Josowitz : A graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School with a 4.0 GPA, Alexander attends the University of Pittsburgh and majors in Bio-Engineering.

He was a leader in his high school’s Advisory Board tasked to combat racism within his school. Alexander is also the proud recipient of the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh Scholarship.

20 ideapod // FALL 2012

Highmark Scholars of The Pittsburgh Promise Juliana Collins : A graduate of Pittsburgh School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Juliana attends Temple University and studies Psychology. She hopes to help those who are struggling with mental illness. Juliana is also the proud recipient of multiple awards for her writing.

Maria Whaby : Valedictorian of her graduating class at Career Connections Charter High School, Maria attends the Community College of Allegheny County and studies Nursing. Maria is also proud to be a member of the National Honors Society.

Cory Hanlon : A graduate of Pittsburgh School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Cory attends Carlow University and studies Nursing. Cory was an active hospital volunteer and hopes to pursue emergency room medicine. Cory was also awarded the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 2012 Inner City Scholarship and Academic Scholarship at Carlow University.

Sharese Dunmore : A graduate of Perry High School, Sharese is a student at Chatham University majoring in Nursing. Sharese is proud of her volunteer participation to clean her neighborhood and collect items for those in need. She hopes to work one day as a pediatric nurse.

Amanda Dugan : A graduate of Langley High School with a 3.96 GPA, Amanda attends La Roche College and studies Psychology. She is proud of her work as a volunteer at the Highmark Caring Place.

In addition to The Pittsburgh Promise scholarship, Amanda was awarded the Langley Alumni Scholarship and La Roche Merit scholarship.

W

EXECUTIVE COMPANIES

Waynesburg University

Currently, five Pittsburgh Corporations make up The

Preparing Leaders

Pittsburgh Promise Executive Scholarship program:

for a time such as this.

UPMC Highmark Giant Eagle PNC BN Y Mellon

“Waynesburg has provided me with countless opportunities to grow in my faith, while also preparing me for my future career aspirations.” ~ Shelby Tabrosky, Class of 2015

Giant Eagle Scholars of The Pittsburgh Promise Eliot Golin : Eliot attends Penn State University and studies Mathematics. A graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School, Eliot was an active high school mentor as well as a member of the Allderdice Leadership Club. In addition to The Pittsburgh Promise scholarship, he was proud to receive the National Hispanic Achievement Award.

Jasmine Johnson : A graduate of City Charter High School with a 3.92 GPA, Jasmine attends Seton Hill University and is majoring in Pharmacy and Biology.

In addition to The Pittsburgh Promise scholarship, she was proud to receive the Horatio Alger National Scholarship.

Jasmine hopes to stay in Pittsburgh and give back to her city.

A High-Quality, Affordable Education At $8,700 below the national average for tuition and fees for a private, non-profit, four-year university, Waynesburg University offers its students a high-quality, affordable education. Routine 100 percent pass rates on national exams and hands-on experiences from the first year are but a few of the many ways Waynesburg produces graduates with a comprehensive knowledge base and strong critical thinking skills.

In addition to 70 academic concentrations at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level, Waynesburg University offers three five-year undergraduate/graduate programs including business, counseling and education.

Waynesburg, PA

•

www.waynesburg.edu

•

1.800.225.7393

Ethan Abramson : Ethan attends the University of Pennsylvania and studies Market Engineering and Computer Science.

He was honored to graduate with a 4.0 GPA and to be named the valedictorian of his class at Taylor Allderdice High School.

Ethan is also a recipient of the Mensa Education and Research Foundation, David Hunt Memorial Scholarship.

Shanda Snyder : Shanda attends Penn State University and studies Crime, Law, and Justice. A graduate of Pittsburgh School for the Creative and Performing Arts, she is also interested in communications and public speaking. During her senior year, Shanda served as a Promise Ambassador working to engage students and promote college readiness in her school.

Ethan Buszko : A graduate of Carrick High School with a 4.0 GPA, Ethan continues his education at Duquesne University studying Pharmacy. He hopes to pursue the study of oncology and medicine in the future. Ethan was honored to be the valedictorian of his graduating class.

21 ideapod // FALL 2012

PNC Scholars of The Pittsburgh Promise

BNY Mellon Scholars of The Pittsburgh Promise

Elizabeth Paulin : A graduate of City Charter High School, Elizabeth attends Clarion University and studies Accounting.

Elizabeth is especially proud of the multiple Microsoft certifications and Microsoft Office awards she obtained in preparation for college.

Guthrie Gintzler : Guthrie studies within The Jerome Fisher Program at the University of Pennsylvania. A graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School with a 4.0 GPA, he was proud to be named Navy Scholar of the Year. Guthrie is especially inspired by green energy initiatives.

Erika Mangual : A graduate of Pittsburgh Obama High School, Erika attends Point Park University for Business Management. She is especially interested in communication and creative business applications. Erika was also awarded the Academic Scholarship at Point Park University.

Danielle Kapolka : A graduate of Carrick High School, Danielle attends Duquesne University with a major in Business. She was proud to be nominated Business Student of the Year during her senior year of high school and the receive Duquesne University’s Academic Scholarship.

Anthony Michalski : Anthony attends Robert Morris University and studies Accounting. A graduate of Perry High School, Anthony hopes to stay in Pittsburgh to pursue a master’s degree in his field.

Anthony’s goal is to one day work for the federal government.

Kenya Finn : Kenya attends Duquesne University to study in Engineering. Kenya hopes to own a small business one day.

A graduate of Pittsburgh Obama High School, she was especially proud to earn straight A’s during her senior school year.

Leeza Tokarski : A graduate of Pittsburgh Obama High School, Leeza attends Point Park University and studies Advertising and Public Relations. Outside of Leeza’s outstanding academics she was her senior class vice president and involved in school athletics. She received Academic and Athletic Scholarships from Point Park University.

Blaise Galewski Jr. : A graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School, Blaise attends the Community College of Allegheny County and studies Accounting. Outside of his outstanding academics, Blaise focuses on community service and believes in the power of service to make a difference.

Raven Moore : Raven will attend Penn State University, Allegheny Campus, to study Sociology. Raven hopes to continue on to law school after her undergraduate degree is complete. A graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School, Raven was a leader in a human rights and racial justice campaign while in school.

Terry Thomas : A graduate of City Charter High School, Terry will attend Point Park University to study Accounting. He is interested in interning throughout his education to really find his niche. Terry is also a proud graduate of the Black Male Leadership Development Institute at The Urban League of Pittsburgh.

A pREsidENt bREAks dOwN bARRiERs

LEARN MORE

BeAPresident.com 22 ideapod // FALL 2012

SETON HILL UNIVERSITY Your World Is About To Open Up

An iPad for You! We know you have your own ideas, and your own learning style. That’s why we provide every fulltime student with an iPad, and every full-time freshman with a MacBook Pro laptop. We want to make sure you always have what you need to learn, discover, create and communicate – your way.

You Can See Your Future From Here 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, here you will begin a career path with the potential to transform lives. Beginning with your own.

Your Career 92% of our graduates go on to careers or graduate schools. This means that when you leave Seton Hill, you’ll know where you’re headed – and have the knowledge, skills and resources to get you there.

Faculty For You Seton Hill’s faculty members are award-winners and experts in their fields – and they have dedicated their careers to preparing you for yours.

Athletics Seton Hill competes in Division II of the NCAA and offers 21 varsity sports for men and women. Go Griffins!

Campus Life Seton Hill’s campus covers 200 acres in the beautiful Laurel Highlands. We also have a downtown campus in Greensburg, Pennsylvania right at the foot of “the Hill.” All of our new and historic buildings feature modern classrooms and technology, and both campuses are alive with things to do – from concerts, dances, movies and intramurals to hiking, gaming and student clubs.

Tuition & Aid Our tuition is competitive, and we will work with potential students and their families to create a financial aid package that suits their needs. As a result, a Seton Hill education is possible for most qualified students.

Seton Hill U. Quick Facts • 80 + undergraduate programs.

• More than 2000 students.

• 35 miles from Pittsburgh.

• Named A Great School at a Great Price by U.S. News & World Report.

• Catholic, coeducational liberal arts university.

• Welcomes students of all faiths and cultures.

Office of Admissions admit@setonhill.edu 724-838-4281 • 800-826-6234 www.setonhill.edu Give us a call or send us an email!

23 ideapod // FALL 2012

ROAD TRIP TIPS TO REMEMBER WHILE YOU DRIVE

Knowing the risks can make all the difference in staying safe while behind the wheel.

involving 16 and 17-year-old drivers happen between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., and 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. – when teens are going to and returning from school.

What you can do to help?

Becoming a new driver is an exciting step towards adulthood, but it’s important to remember that teens play a critical role in becoming safe drivers. Part of that role is recognizing the many risks of being a new driver. In Pennsylvania in 2010, 223 people died in car crashes involving teen drivers. Teen driving crashes are an epidemic and they happen frequently because new drivers crash at three times the rate of more experienced drivers. New drivers need to gradually gain experience under supervised conditions. The good news is that there is much you can do to learn to drive safely and to help prevent crashes!

The facts: The most dangerous time for a new driver is the year after receiving a driver’s license. To help minimize common risks teens face, most states require a certain amount of supervised driving hours before teens can receive a full license. Parental supervision is critical. More experienced drivers have learned how to properly gauge various situations such as how much time it will take to make a turn, how to drive safely at nighttime and in inclement weather, and how to safely pass vehicles or merge into traffic.

Feel empowered to speak up when you observe friends or family members making poor decisions behind the wheel. You should always ask those you’re riding with to wear seat belts, not use a cell phone while driving and observe the speed limit. Adults obviously are tasked with setting an example, but teens should not feel as though they cannot set one themselves. Sometimes peer pressure is strong, but the desire to feel safe in a vehicle – while driving or riding – should be stronger.

Becoming a skilled driver takes plenty of practice! Experienced drivers can help teens identify hazards and explain why certain behaviors – carrying teen passengers, driving at nighttime and using cell phones behind the wheel – are risky. Teens should remember that their parents must ride with them periodically even after supervised driving restrictions are lifted only because of that inexperience – not because they are not trusted behind the wheel or will necessarily make the wrong decisions.

For parents and teens who want to make an even greater impact, consider getting involved in Pennsylvania Teen Safe Driving Coalition. With everyone’s help, we can reduce teen crashes and help make our roadways safer for everyone.

Teen passengers are one of a teen driver’s most dangerous distractions.

Most states restrict the amount of passengers teen drivers may carry for good reason: Up to three teen passengers can increase a teen driver’s crash risk by as much as 307 percent. Regardless of the state’s law, teens should never carry teen passengers. This is especially important to remember when driving to and from school – a time when many teens carpool. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most crashes

Janet Froetscher is president and CEO at the National Safety Council. For information about the Pennsylvania Teen Safe Driving Coalition, visit www.nsc.org/ pateensafedriving.

Excellence in U Edinboro University is where students come to celebrate who they are, and become all they want to be. It’s an experience complete with world renowned and nationally accredited programs, modern facilities, and a proud history. At Edinboro U, you’ll thrive in a culturally-diverse atmosphere that’s full of unique opportunities, yet driven by one unified goal ... to give you everything you need to achieve excellence.

E D I N B O R O

|

E R I E

|

M E A D V I L L E

On Campus. Online. | www.edinboro.edu | 888-8GO-BORO | #boroU Edinboro University is one of the 14 universities in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education

24 ideapod // FALL 2012

Reach beyond youR highest expectations.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers more than 130 majors and has accessible professors who conduct research in the fields they teach. You’ll find many extracurricular and internship opportunities, too. At IUP, you’ll have everything you need to reach for your dreams.

not suRe if college is foR you?

E-mail promise-plus@ iup.edu to learn more about IUP Promise Plus, our program for students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools who want to learn more about college life.

iup.edu/promise 724-357-2230

“I CAME FOR A VISIT, AND THE PASSION OF THE PROFESSORS AND QUALITY OF THE EDUCATION MADE ME STAY.” ~ NATALIA DANIELSON ’12

See what other students have to say.

PittsburghPromise_NataliaDanielson_9x6.75_fc.indd 1

“Grove City College gave me everything I was looking for in a college — a Christian institution, a quality education and an affordable price. While it was an adjustment coming to a small town from a bigger city, I came to appreciate and love the area — so much so that I’m making it my home after graduation.

Yes, the academics were rigorous — and that taught me a new level of perseverance and a new standard to hold myself to. My time here has been unique and blessed, and I’m emerging knowing a lot more about myself and life in general.”

choose.gcc.edu/standard | 724-458-2100

25 ideapod // FALL8/16/12 2012 10:51 AM

THE COLLEGE VISIT: what to look for on a college campus

Visiting a college campus can be overwhelmingcheck out an expert’s advice Should you visit a college before you apply?

You bet! How else will you really know if this is the right school for you?

When the fit is right you will say, “this is where I want to go to college.”

How many colleges should you visit?

A “college visit” is a scheduled appointment with the admissions department for a campus tour and a personal discussion to help determine if this is the right school for you. You should schedule visits to at least 5 campuses. Even if you think you are sure about where you want to go to college, when you visit and compare your choice with other schools you will feel even more certain. You might discover that another school is an even better fit. You won’t know until you visit a variety of schools and compare them. The most common reasons to visit colleges are to experience different settings and sizes.

Setting: Urban or Rural?

Do you like the idea of living and learning in an urban setting like Pitt or Point Park? Or do you prefer a more secluded grass covered campus community like Slippery Rock or Clarion? Be sure to visit at least one urban and one rural campus.

26 ideapod // FALL 2012

Size: Small or Large?

On a large campus you will be a small fish in a big pond. Schools with sprawling campuses and large student populations appeal to people who don’t mind being part of large crowds and long walks to classes and activities - like Penn State main campus for example. On a small campus you will be a big fish in a small pond. Smaller scale campuses appeal to people who crave the lifestyle of a familiar community where everyone knows your name - like Seton Hill University for example.

As you visit campuses and investigate which setting and size is the best fit for you, you also can answer these questions: 1. How’s the food?

Food service on campus is a very important consideration for most students. You know best what you like, so have a meal on campus when you visit. Will you be happy with the meal plan?

2. How convenient will it be to commute home for the holidays and semester breaks?

The travel experience to each campus visit is what it will be like to go back and forth to home. Can you imagine making this trip several times a year for 4 years?

U n i v e r s i t y

o f

P i t t s b u r g h

THE PITTSBURGH PROMISE COLLEGE TOURS

GET A CHANCE TO

VISIT OVER 30 COLLEGES!!

October 10, 17, 24, 21 November 7, 14

REGISTER ONLINE AT: www.pittsburghpromise.org/collegetour

3. What surprised you?

Did the campus look better than the pictures on the website? Were the people friendlier than any other place you’ve ever been before?

Were the facilities better than you imagined?

How will you decide?

Be sure to take pictures and record your thoughts about each campus visit so you can compare.

Remember that you are looking for that unmistakable good feeling you have with a good fit. You’ll know when you find it. Visit at least five campuses to be absolutely sure.

Janet Sieff has thirty years experience in higher education marketing, admissions, and financial aid.

She works in Marketing Strategies and Solutions for Higher Education with Paskill Stapleton & Lord.

leader

in education

pioneer in research

partner

in regional development

Campuses in Pittsburgh, Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, and Titusville

For information on admissions:

412-624-7488 | oafa@pitt.edu | www.oafa.pitt.edu 27 ideapod // FALL 2012

STAY CLOSE. GO FAR.

have fun. Make friends.

Build a career in 2 YeARS OR leSS.

> Proud participant of the Pittsburgh Promise > Hands-on learning and career-focused programs > Preparation for the Marcellus Shale industry > Financial aid available – find out if you qualify > Institutional grants and scholarships – find out if you are eligible > Member of Servicemembers Opportunity College > Approved for the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program > Lifetime job placement assistance > On-campus and off-campus student housing

One cOllege.

Seven SchOOlS. OnlIne chOIceS. School of Building Technology School of Business School of criminal Justice School of Design School of healthcare School of nursing School of Technology PTI Online

PTI Idea Pod Ad 9_12.indd 1

28 ideapod // FALL 2012

Success YOUR Way

1.800.784.9675

Apply online. No application fee.

www.pti.edu

For graduation rates and other important consumer information, please visit our website at www.pti.edu/disclosures

8/30/12 10:45 AM

Think of the possibilities.

Grow your talents and discover new ones. Expand your mind and explore the world. You’ll be amazed at the big thinking – and big opportunities – that unfold everyday at Chatham. Take classes in another country. Learn what it means to live green. Develop an entrepreneurial spirit. And get involved in the world on a more meaningful level. Small class sizes and dedicated professors let you soar and explore in unbelievable ways. Think you want to know more? Visit chatham.edu.

Chatham advantages • Experience a distinctive education built upon women’s leadership, environmental awareness, and global understanding • Study on our historic 39-acre Shadyside Campus, minutes from downtown, and at our 388-acre Eden Hall Campus north of Pittsburgh • SAT/ACT optional admissions policy available for first-year students • Nearly 95% of Chatham undergraduate students receive some form of merit or need-based scholarship • All first-year and transfer students are provided with a new 13 inch MacBook Pro laptop computer for use in the classroom and throughout our wireless campus • Most students have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Chatham in as few as five years from many of our graduate programs • Study abroad almost anywhere in the world during Maymester term, a full term, or a full year • Nine neighboring colleges and universities (including the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University) that welcome cross-registration

Chatham University is eligible to accept the Pittsburgh Promise scholarship.

Big thinking for a big world

Woodland Road . . . Pittsburgh, PA 15232 800-837-1290 . . . admission@chatham.edu

chatham.edu 29 ideapod // FALL 2012

Promise fulfilled.

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

penn state in WesteRn pennsYLVania Penn State Beaver Monaca, PA 724-773-3800, 877-JOIN-PSU beaver.psu.edu Penn State Erie, The Behrend College Erie, PA 814-898-6100, 866-374-3378 behrend.psu.edu

Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus Uniontown, PA 724-430-4130 877-568-4130 fayette.psu.edu

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

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

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

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

Produced by the Penn State Department of University Marketing. U.Ed. ADV 13-8

30 ideapod // FALL 2012

LAST LOOK NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT : NORTH SIDE Mother, father and daughter enjoy a spectacular sunset on Pittsburgh’s Observatory Hill.

Pittsburgh’s highest elevation occurs at the top of the hill at 1,460 feet. Founded in 1859, the observatory reminds us to “dream the impossible dream” as we gaze into our not yet known future.

31 ideapod // FALL 2012

FPO

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

THE PITTSBURGH PROMISE COLLEGE TOURS

COLLEGE TOUR

All juniors and seniors in PPS who are eligible for a Promise scholarship (who meet the residency, enrollment, grades and attendance requirements), join The Pittsburgh Promise for the Fall College Tours!

REGISTER ONLINE AT: www.pittsburghpromise.org/collegetour For more info, call or email Gene Walker at (412)745.2215 or eugene@pittsburghpromise.org

GET A CHANCE TO

VISIT OVER 30 COLLEGES!!