SPRING 2010
ideapod 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 .
OUR MOTTO AT THE PITTSBURGH PROMISE IS “DREAM BIG, WORK HARD” by Saleem Ghubril THINK OF A “DREAM” as your desired destination, the place where you hope to go. Whether you’re driving, flying, walking, or riding a horse, you need to know where you want to go before you start your trip. The “work” part is the effort, time, cost, energy, and sacrifice you’re willing to commit in order to reach your destination, your dream. A dream without work leads to disappointment. Work without a dream leads to exhaustion. A dream plus the needed work is the surest way to get the results that are important to you. Now you need something to connect your work with your dream, a road map of sorts that tells you what tools you need, what direction to go, how much time it takes, who to bring along, how much money it costs, and other such things. Let’s call that “education.” I have had the amazing privilege of talking to every high school student in Pittsburgh over the last two years. I wish I had the gift of hearing from all of them, but I have heard from a few. Many of their stories absolutely thrill me. Some of them inspire me to dream bigger and work harder. A few of them break my heart. The ones that are heartbreaking are those where the students’ dreams and their actions are disconnected from one another, but where the student does not see the disconnection. An example is the student who wants to become a pediatrician but who is failing his first period science class because he sleeps through it often. He is way too Find out at www.pittsburghpromise.org/ tired to be alert in the morning because he plays guidelines.html video games into the late hours of the night. This is an example of a dream that lacks the proper connection to the work that is needed. The Pittsburgh Promise cannot give you your dream. Neither can we do the work for you. The dream and the work have to be yours. You’ve got to own them. What we can give you is an opportunity to focus your dream and empower your work. We can help you learn about what your dream requires, and develop the skills needed to make it happen. We will give college scholarships of up to $40,000 to every student who attends and graduates from Pittsburgh Public Schools and lives in the City of Pittsburgh for at least the four years of high school. In addition, all you have to do is graduate with a 2.5 GPA and 90% attendance. These are the minimum ways that we can tell that your work and your dream are connected meaningfully to one another. I hope you’ll make us pay.
“What do I need to do to be eligible for a scholarship from The Pittsburgh Promise?”
Saleem Ghubril Executive Director The Pittsburgh Promise
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At Your Service Citified Ask the President Careers of the Future Your Extraordinary Opportunity to Shape the World If You Don’t Have It, You Ain’t Got It Ask the Collegiate Pittsburgh: The Place Where Our Nation Can Restore Its Faith in Public Education Conflict Resolution Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Langley High School Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Carrick High School Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Schenley High School
THE PITTSBURGH PROMISE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Franco Harris, Chairman
Edith Shapira, MD
NFL Hall of Fame Owner, Super Bakery, Inc.
Psychiatrist, Private Practice
Candi Castleberry-Singleton
Kiya Tomlin
Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, UPMC
Parent Volunteer, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Mark Laskow
Olga Welch, EdD
Managing Director and CEO, Greycourt & Co.
Dean, School of Education Duquesne University
Pamela Little-Poole
Demetri Zervoudis
Director of Parent Education Beginning With Books
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
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PLEASE SUPPORT THE PROMISE $50
If you give dollars to support the Promise, UPMC will give $33 for a total donation of ......
$83 dollars.
$150
If you give dollars to support the Promise, UPMC will give $100 for a total donation of
$15 dollars to support the Promise,
If you give just UPMC will give
$10
$250 dollars.
...
$25 dollars.
for a total donation of...........
THE MORE YOU GIVE, THE MORE WE GET. Join the individuals, foundations, and businesses who have given their support to The Pittsburgh Promise as we work to meet our ambitious June 30, 2010 goal. UPMC will give $1.00 for every $1.50 that is contributed to The Pittsburgh Promise Fund. To make a donation, please visit our website www.pittsburghpromise.org.
FROM MAY 17 THROUGH MAY 28 YOUR GIFT GOES EVEN FURTHER THROUGH THE PITTSBURGH FOUNDATION’S SCHOOL SPIRIT SLAM! Mark your calendars and go on line to Pittsburgh Gives, www.pittsburghgives.org to support The Pittsburgh Promise! We want you to show your school spirit. Make your donation in honor of your favorite college, university, or trade school. This could be your alma mater, your future school, or just your favorite collegiate team. Enter the school name under special instructions when you make a donation and we will track that donation on our Slam Leader Board. Make sure to claim bragging rights for your favorite school and recruit others to do the same. You can review the leaders updated every day at The Promise website—www.pittsburghpromise.org. Don’t forget to check the site on June 1, when we will pay special tribute to the winning school.
at your se 2 spring 2010
Congratulations on your acceptance to college! You have made great accomplishments to get to this point. Yes, you have done most of the work, but did you notice that a team of people helped you? Your teachers, counselors, family and friends answered questions, filled out forms and provided encouragement. AS YOU EMBARK ON THE NEXT STEP of your college journey a new team of experts will be at your service! In addition to professors, colleges and universities employ many other professionals to help you succeed and earn a degree. As a student you will rely on these service providers to help you with many aspects of college life. During the college decision process and the time up until you actually start classes you interact with folks from the Admissions Department. No doubt the Admissions Staff has been friendly and in constant contact to make sure your college decision is a good one for you. Another function of the Admissions Department is to assist you with the many tasks related to enrollment at the college. Don’t be worried if the details related to applying and enrolling are overwhelming. Everyone is overwhelmed with the Admissions process — especially if you are the first person in your family to go to college. The Admissions Staff is trained to know the answers that High School
students usually ask. Another part of their job is to make you feel comfortable about your transition from high school to college. Your experience with the Admissions Department is the first of many other services that you encounter as a college student. Once you arrive and start classes, you will be introduced to another group of professionals and service departments. About 70 percent of college students rely on some sort of financial aid to pay for tuition and expenses. If this is you, then you will have the pleasure of working with the Financial Aid staff. Whether you receive grants, scholarships, work study or student loans, you will be asked to stop by the Financial Aid office and sign forms at various times during the academic year. You may be able to accomplish these responsibilities online with an electronic signature. In either case, it is in your best interest to get familiar with the Financial Aid staff.
4 Money may be available if you know where to look! You never know. It is important to remember that changes occur with financial aid — every year.
Pittsburgh Langley High School
rvice
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by Janet Sieff
Money may be available if you know where to look! You never know. It is important to remember that changes occur with financial aid —every year. The Registrar Office is where class schedules are created. The Registrar has records of all of the classes being offered, the descriptions, the Professor, the required books and location and time of where and when the class is occurring. Most of this is handled online these days, but the Registrar has an office on campus with a staff to help you. Another function of the Registrar is to organize and maintain your academic record — like proof of you completing the course for credit and the grade that you earned. The Registrar keeps a tally of your credits and GPA (grade point average) and manages your transcript. Your transcript is used to prove that you are a current student and, eventually, that you completed the requirements for graduation. Once you register for classes each semester, the Registrar communicates the information to the Student Accounts Office. (Sometimes called the Bursar’s Office) In Student Accounts, your tuition and fees are tallied and a bill is created. The fine folks in this office also communicate with the Financial Aid Office to obtain your personal financial aid package. Your financial aid is applied to your
bill and your “Balance Due” is calculated. Your parents and you will receive this information prior to every semester. If you live on campus there are additional fees for your dorm room and your meal plan. The Student Housing Office manages this information and sends it to the Student Accounts Office so that the expenses are included on your bill. The Student Housing Office has yet another staff of experts who are at your service! Think of them as your landlord. Any concerns about your roommates or accommodations can be brought to their attention. What about all of the other aspects of being a college student like College Sports, Intramural Sports, The Student Activities Center, Greek Life, Computer Services, Religious Groups, Health Center, Campus Dining, Campus Safety, Volunteering, and the Library? Ask and you will find a dedicated office for every service and activity on campus.
Janet Sieff Business Development Paskill Stapleton & Lord
4 Welcome to your new support team! Everyone employed on your campus has a goal to help you succeed.
4 spring 2010
Citified by Kiya Tomlin
“WE WENT ON A METHODICAL QUEST, SCOURING ALL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, EXPLORING EACH AREA WITH AN OPEN MIND AND EQUAL CONSIDERATION ONLY TO COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT “ACCESS,” NOT “EXCESS,” IS THE KEY TO LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM.”—Kiya Tomlin Photo: Mia Winston at Mia PINK Photography
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Like everyone else we were looking to the suburbs to get more for our money, bigger house, more yard, more… I have to admit, having spent my entire childhood and much of my adult life surrounded by the peaceful bubble of the suburbs, I was convinced that life in an all-inclusive subdivision was the American Dream. So naturally I was apprehensive of shedding my vision of a suburban utopia when my husband first introduced me to the idea of buying a home in the city. But with the hopes of being here for a while, we wanted to be sure to leave no stone unturned in finding our final resting place. We went on a methodical quest, scouring all of Allegheny County, exploring each area with an open mind and equal consideration only to come to the realization that “access,” not “excess,” is the key to living the American Dream.
...
The city is our playground. A sprawling back yard is much too small compared to Pittsburgh’s awardwinning park system. Our backyard includes more than 1,700 acres of open space, wooded trails, playgrounds and beautifully restored historic landmarks. We are nestled between Schenley Park’s Oval, skating rink and swimming pool, Frick Park’s ball fields and Environmental Center, Mellon Park’s tennis bubble and Sunday morning Brunches with Beethoven, and Highland Park’s free summer tennis lessons. In addition, the parks are home to numerous other structured recreational activities and free cultural events. An extensive biking system makes exploring the city’s beautiful hills, rivers and bridges safe and convenient. Quick access to Heinz Field, Mellon Arena, PNC Park, Peterson Center, night clubs, the Byham and a multitude of other theaters and concert halls provide unlimited options for entertainment for a special night or any other night.
The city is our school without walls. Pittsburgh is host to numerous institutions of higher learning, producing an atmosphere of youth and energy, creativity and innovation. Our children learn beyond their school walls through the ever-changing lectures and exhibits at Carnegie Mellon, PITT and several other universities. The world renowned Carnegie Science Center, Art and Natural History Museums, as well as the Carnegie Library and the state of the art August Wilson Cultural Center are unmatched sources for extra-curricular and enrichment activities that expand our knowledge, enrich our experiences and inspire our reach.
The city is our community. To an outsider, city life may appear to move at a stressful pace, but there is a simplicity that comes with living, working and sending your kids to school in one locale. We live in a pedestrian community where anything we need is within close walking distance, from the locally grown farmers’ market to the trendy rooftop sushi restaurant. The revitalization of historic neighborhoods demonstrates the importance of maintaining Pittsburgh’s culture of distinction. As a product of public education, we believe in the importance of the public school experience. We have three children. Urban public school submerges our kids in real world diversity. Attending school with our neighbors allows them to interact with a mixture of ethnically, religiously, socio-economically or academically different individuals. For us, this is an invaluable experience because it fosters a worldliness vital in breaking down barriers and succeeding in our increasingly diverse world. We are not interested in a manufactured environment where our children ARE the diversity, but a place where they can find similarities and differences in people both like and unlike them. This exposure is key in raising our kids to be grounded, well-rounded and compassionate individuals. City living speaks to our hearts because it gives each family member the best opportunity to grow and develop into a well-rounded individual. Access to a multitude of experiences in our daily life allows us to immerse our family in all that is Pittsburgh. We know that the hustle and bustle of city living will give our kids the confidence to navigate anywhere in the world and the knowledge that life’s options are limitless. The Tomlins are officially citified.
Kiya Tomlin Board Member, The Pittsburgh Promise Parent Volunteer, Pittsburgh Public Schools
6 spring 2010
DR. MARY E. HINES CARLOW UNIVERSITY Among our many Pittsburgh Promise students, one stands out as an example of determination and consequent success. At age 16, Latoya Steadman entered the foster care system. She turned that experience into an opportunity. As one of Carlow’s Pittsburgh Promise students, Latoya is a sophomore majoring in Elementary and Special Education, a major she chose because of interactions with family members who were dealing with learning challenges and her desire to do what she could to support them. Although some students let the inconsistencies of the foster care system take them off track in pursuing their goals, Latoya has managed to weave together a strong base of support as a student at Peabody High School, as a member the mentoring group WISE, and at Carlow. She has endeared herself to faculty, staff, and her fellow students and was recently selected to represent the School of Education in the Student Senate. Her hard work and determination will be the foundation for her success at Carlow University—and beyond its 15 acres. Latoya has been chosen to represent Allegheny County in Portland, Oregon for a national review of the foster care system and child services by the children it serves. I am sure that this opportunity is only the first of many such important recognitions and appointments. It has been a pleasure to watch her progress as she builds valuable relationships with members of the Carlow Community.
DR. ALEX JOHNSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY I have had the privilege of seeing the power of The Pittsburgh Promise first-hand in CCAC alumna Molly Schwartz. Molly graduated from CCAC in December as our first graduate through The Pittsburgh Promise scholarship program. She had enrolled in CCAC courses during her senior year at Brashear High School, and she plans to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh this fall. Inspired by her younger brother’s diagnosis with diabetes, Molly’s ultimate goal is to earn her PhD in biology and engage in stem cell research. She knows what it is to work hard toward her dreams, holding down a nearly full-time job while attending school. She has become the first in her family to earn a college degree. Molly’s determination and achievements thus far on her journey are an inspiration to me. I am honored that she has chosen CCAC as her first step toward her goals.
ask the president We asked six Presidents of Promise-eligible schools this question, “TELL US THE STORY OF ONE OF
YOUR ALUMS, WHO IS ALSO A GRADUATE OF PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS, OF WHOM YOU ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD.”
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DR. JOSEPH GRUNENWALD CLARION UNIVERSITY At Clarion University, we expect excellence and personal integrity while providing the tools and support to help students reach their goals. Larry Pickett, a 1973 graduate of Westinghouse High School and a 1977 Clarion University grad, brings that same commitment to high standards to his professional and personal life. Larry is Senior Project Manager for Emerging Alliances and Shared Business Services at Highmark, Inc., in Pittsburgh. He’s also a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. No, he’s not an expert in martial arts. In business and industry, the Six Sigma Black Belt is awarded to leaders who are experts in process improvements that enhance customer service, reduce operating costs, and successfully drive results for their organizations. Larry is also a leader in his community. He serves as a mentor for the Katz Graduate School of Business Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, member of the Smart Futures Board of Directors, and a volunteer for the Boy Scouts. As a member of the Clarion University Council of Trustees, which oversees and supports university strategic planning, Larry gives back to his alma mater while helping to chart its course for the future. He makes us all Clarion Proud.
DR. KENNETH A. SMITH GENEVA COLLEGE I am proud to tell you about Mr. Carvis Fisher, a Geneva alumnus who has a passion for education and for kids in the city of Pittsburgh. Carvis came to Geneva after graduating from Pittsburgh’s Westinghouse High School in 1971. He has always had a passion for music, and as soon as he got here, he enrolled in Geneva’s music education program. He also has an excellent voice and toured the continental U.S. with the Genevans choir. But not only did Geneva give Carvis the opportunity to grow musically and professionally, it also encouraged him to grow in his faith. Carvis graduated from Geneva in 1975 and has been teaching in the Pittsburgh Public Schools for 22 years. He is currently teaching Pre-K to fifth grade music at Arsenal Elementary School in Lawrenceville. Many of the kids are musically gifted but face financial obstacles, and Carvis is committed to developing their potential and encouraging them to reach their dreams. “It’s a rich and rewarding experience, and I have no doubt that this is what I was supposed to do,” he says. Carvis found his calling at Geneva College, and we are proud to call him one of our alumni. God has a unique purpose for your life as well, and Geneva can help you find it.
MR. GREGORY DEFEO PITTSBURGH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE Success comes in many shapes and sizes. For some it is a large paycheck. For others, it’s celebrity, awards, and honors. At PTI Pittsburgh Public School graduates acquire skills, grow professionally, and secure a job they will love. The examples are as diverse as the graduates themselves. Rome Pollice, Langley High School, accompanied his sister on a PTI campus visit. She didn’t enroll; he did. Rome earned his Information Technology degree, works for NetXperts, provides network solutions for the Pittsburgh Penguins and says, “Some people call me their hero.” Seth Philips, Westinghouse High School, also a PTI IT grad, is a computer consultant at iServe Technologies. He sets up wireless networks, air cards, email accounts, and websites — and is pursuing his bachelor’s degree. For Laurie Zumbo Tudor, Brashear High School, success is found in the classroom. She turned her creativity into a Graphic Design degree, worked for a group of attorneys, and returned to PTI first as a lab assistant, then a faculty member. As a student she excelled; now she helps others do the same. Laurie relates to her students and tells me “I’ve connected when I know what they are going to say before they say it. I love the opportunity to help students learn more about a field I love.” Turning passions into skills, hobbies into responsibilities, and what we like to do into a job we love to do, that’s success I am proud of.
MR. DENNIS WILKE ROSEDALE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE What does it take to overcome obstacles during challenging times and stay focused on your education goal? A recent Rosedale Technical Institute graduate, Tom Wolfe, had every challenge thrown at him last year. Tom graduated in 2008 from Brashear High School and with the help of a Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship, began his training at Rosedale Tech as an auto mechanic. Growing up in a single family home, Tom lived with his mother, grandfather and 2 brothers. While attending Rosedale, Tom maintained a 3.0 average, and worked part time to help his family. Tom’s mother, Kim, was in the care of hospice, and his grandfather was being treated for cancer. His two younger brothers were depending on him. Tom will never forget March 27 and 28, 2009. Within 24 hours, Tom’s mother lost her courageous battle to cancer; his maternal grandfather, with whom he resided, also died; and his paternal grandfather suffered a fatal heart attack. A 19 year old young man was facing challenges many adults will never face. Yet, the thought of quitting school never entered his mind. Why? Rosedale Technical Institute had become his family. One of Tom’s instructors and mentors, Paul Danner, encouraged him to stay strong. And, Tom’s faith helped him endure. Today Tom is an auto technician at Wright Automotive in Wexford. He’s in the real world now, doing what he loves and making a living. Tom’s advice: “Not everyone is meant for college; if you like cars and like to work with your hands, try Rosedale Technical Institute. RTI was more than just a school. It was a new beginning for me. If I didn’t have Rosedale Tech to push me thru the hard times, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
8 spring 2010
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TOGETHER WE CAN... Faculty members at Clarion are here for two reasons: One, because they’ve distinguished themselves academically; And two, because they love to teach. They live for the moments when students come to their offices and say, “Thanks. I get it now.”
BUSINESS EDUCATION SCIENCE THE ARTS Over 90 majors and certifications to choose from. Recognized by the leading national professional organizations for academic programs that meet and surpass their standards, Clarion University combines the best of the college experience... small, friendly campus, personal attention and top quality academic preparation.
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10 spring 2010
Careers Pittsburgh Langley High School
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by Christine O’Toole
OF THE
OBS COME AND GO, but your career will last a lifetime. Instead of spending decades with one employer, today’s high school graduate can expect to change jobs five or six times. But what will the careers of the future be? The fields with the greatest demand for new workers haven’t changed a lot in recent years. Accounting, engineering, information technology, health care and education still offer the best opportunities for employment, both nationally and locally. But within those fields, the types of job skills required will continue to change. That’s why preparation is important. Local experts say that some kind of post-secondary education will be necessary for half of our region’s fastest-growing jobs. “In the future we’ll see very familiar careers, but retooled people,” says Judy Savolskis, interim vice president for work force development at Community College of Allegheny County. She and other experts see several trends that will affect the workers of tomorrow: the move to digital information, the green revolution, and advances in manufacturing. Those will create high-tech, high-wage jobs around the world. Today’s students already know they’ll need computer skills wherever they go. Take health care: today, registered nurses need to be as familiar with using software as in caring for patients. And it’s not just nurses. Savolskis says a hospital’s “whole workforce” will be expected to understand electronic recordkeeping. That includes pharmacists who fill prescriptions, doctors who enter information into hand-held computers while at bedsides, and radiology technicians who perform tests. IT skills are also applied in the growing field of exercise science, which includes physical and occupational therapists and fitness trainers, and in jobs that didn’t exist a generation ago, like nuclear medical technicians and physician assistants. Digital information technology will also become a basic skill in the financial world. As government regulations demand more accountability from businesses, electronic reporting needs will expand. Bookkeepers, accountants and auditors — some of the most in-demand local positions — will organize and analyze more data than ever before. And as businesses and individuals store records and shift their transactions online, a new specialty has emerged: information assurance, which protects Internet data. Wireless technology is driving demand for smart phone applications, which will expand computer programming, already a wideopen field, in new directions. Energy workers — those who produce it and those who conserve it — are part of the green jobs revolution. The state of Pennsylvania recently predicted that 115,000 jobs will be created in these positions by 2012, across dozens of industries: in wind and solar energy, manufacturing, chemistry, agriculture, and transportation, as well as pollution prevention, environmental cleanup, and agricultural and resource conservation.
Future
12 spring 2010
Clockwise from top: Pittsburgh Langley, Pittsburgh Schenley, and Pittsburgh Carrick High Schools.
The search for alternative energy will enlist many of these jobs. As countries around the world build new nuclear power plants, engineers with this credential will be in global demand. Geothermal technicians will control plants that harvest heat from deep in the earth. At the same time, companies and consumers worldwide are looking for ways to cut consumption. That’s fuelling openings for energy engineers who measure buildings’ energy consumption, and certified weatherization workers who prevent energy leaks. It also creates opportunities for those skilled in green construction techniques and in new technologies like the solar cells that convert light into electricity. The discovery of huge deposits of natural gas throughout western Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale has created jobs for geologists, drillers, and other technicians. Because natural gas is found so deep in the earth, most of the Marcellus Shale drills are operated remotely. That
means that energy companies will rely on another emerging technology: robotics. This new field, already being established in Pittsburgh, will welcome technicians and engineers who understand how robots work. “Human-robot interfaces is a real emerging field,” says Tony Rodi director of the National Center for Robotics Engineering Technology Education at California University of Pennsylvania. “The Marcellus Shale employs a lot of robotic systems, because work is done underground, and [companies] must monitor the drilling. Nuclear energy uses a lot of robotics systems, too, because of the hazardous environment.” Robots vary widely in their size and applications. Agile robotics deals with small, mobile robots. The automotive industry, along with packing and bottling plants, uses large robots on assembly lines. Those complex systems require designers and technicians to operate effectively.
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Pittsburgh Langley High School
“You don’t see a lot of help-wanted ads for robotic technicians — yet,” says Tony Rodi. “But you can develop the skill set that robotics workers need — learning electronics, computer programming skills, and mechanical skills.” Researchers at local universities have made dramatic advances in two emerging fields likely to create new businesses and new jobs. Biotechnology, combing biology, genetics, medicine and other life sciences, is creating new therapies and devices to cure disease and regenerate living tissue. Nanotechnology creates machines and materials at the molecular level, with properties that are revolutionizing manufacturing. Both fields offer challenges to highly-motivated, highly-educated young professionals. The discoveries of today become the businesses of tomorrow. New young companies will need flexible employees who can contribute a variety of skills.“Technology is going to
change all professions,” says Kelleigh Boland, who researches trends for the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board. “But teamwork, critical thinking, and lifelong learning will be important skills, too.”
Christine O’Toole Freelance Writer
14 spring 2010
Your extraordinary opportunity to
shape
by Mark Roosevelt
In Pittsburgh, we dream big, work hard, and know exactly what we must accomplish in our schools. Mark Roosevelt Superintendent Pittsburgh Public Schools
ON NOVEMBER 18, 2009, after a process that lasted more than a year, the Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) learned that its vision for empowering effective teachers — and the plan that will drive the efforts to achieve it — was one of only four in the country to be selected for funding by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The plan was developed collaboratively with the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers. We became winners by demonstrating our ability to dream big, work hard, and tackle tough challenges as a team. Now, we have $40 million dollars in a grant from the world’s largest foundation to help us implement the most critical of effective teaching strategies and support you to graduate from high school college-ready. Teachers will be empowered to do whatever it takes to foster a culture of striving, resilience, and college-readiness to help you prepare for life beyond high school. Another way we encourage big dreams is through The Pittsburgh Promise, which provides up to $40,000 in
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the world scholarship money to eligible PPS students. Being PromiseReady means more than just learning English, math, science, and social studies. It means more than just having a 2.5 grade point average and 90% attendance. PromiseReady means having dreams and aspirations for your future and the behaviors and habits to be successful in college, trade school, and the workplace. What are your interests? What are your dreams? From the time you started kindergarten, to the time you graduate high school, the world will change dramatically. In the past few years alone, we’ve seen the advent of new technologies that have become part of our daily lives. From Facebook and YouTube, to ringtones and iPhones, we communicate in new ways every day. Many of these technologies, including Facebook, were dreamed by students while they were in high school, college, or trade school. As a nation, we face challenges including accessible health care, clean and sustainable energy, and the need to stay competitive in the global economy.
What role will you play? Whatever your interest, whatever your dream, my advice to you is to “Go for it!” You don’t have to wait until later in life to pursue your dreams. As students in middle school and high school, put your dreams into practice daily. Through class participation, homework, and projects, exercise your leadership abilities and demonstrate a work ethic that shows you’re serious. You are the leaders of tomorrow and your ideas and hard work will shape the world. The success of Pittsburgh and our county will ultimately be realized by your success.
Pittsburgh Carrick High School
16 spring 2010
by Felix Lloyd
IF YOU DON’T HAVE IT, It was my freshman year of college. First trip to the bookstore. Apart from the excitement of everything brand new, I most remember how the bag that the cashier gave me contained a collection of credit card brochures. By the time I left the student center, a guy with a round face and big voice offered me a slick thermos to sign up for my first Visa. Took less than five minutes. What that gentleman didn’t tell me — what my parents didn’t think to put up there with the birds and the bees — was how much that card would affect my adult life. No one told me the first few secrets to being a consumer in today’s world of fancy doodads and easy plastic:
4
If you don't have it, you ain’t got it: The best way to use a credit card, if at all, is as a substitute for “real” money (i.e. cash in your pocket or bank account). Too often, I used mine when I didn’t really have the money — the fellas were starting a Madden tournament in the dorm and we surely needed a proper TV set. Here’s the thing — you should know how you’re going to pay within no more than 30 days before you swipe the plastic. Because...
4 Credit Cards aren’t free. In fact, they’re pretty expensive: Take that TV of mine. $300 —shiny and new. I made the $10 minimum payment requested in my monthly credit card bill. Simple as that. But it would take me until after graduation to really pay for that one purchase. By then, I had spent over $400 on that TV, which had been left behind with my college days. You see — a credit card comes with an APR (annual percentage rate), which is a confusing way of saying that you have to pay it back with interest. I didn’t care at the time, but as it turns out...
4 Credit
cards affect credit score. And your credit score matters: Who knew that I was being graded for everything I did with my credit card? Not paying it off each month — oh, that gave me a B credit score. Not paying on time — slipping down to a C, a D, an F! Meanwhile, the places where I applied for jobs were checking my credit score to check me out. Years later, when my wife and I bought our house, our credit scores were the first thing we had to bring to the table.
YOU AIN’T GOT IT. If I could do it over again, I’d ask that guy with the round face — why do I need this credit card? I suspect he’d tell me because every grown-up has one. Maybe he’d say that it’s good to have the plastic in case you need something you can’t afford. I’d say to him, in a voice as big as his — if I don’t have it, I don’t need it. Then, I’d buy my own thermos — with cash!
Felix Brandon Lloyd Vice President & General Manager of MoneyIsland by BancVue
idea pod 17
18 spring 2010
What were your keys to success in your first year of college? So, you want to know the BIG secret to success in college and maybe even life? I will tell you only if you promise to tell all of your friends. You promise? Ok, well to me and many of my colleagues, the big secret is a day planner. Now I know you may believe that a day planner can’t possibly help you out with anything. I used to feel the same way. I just thought it wouldn’t do me any good. All of my superiors told me to use one and a few people even bought me one, but I just thought I didn’t need it. Then I began to forget when reports were due and when I had to make certain presentations. I even forgot when I was supposed to go home! So I began thinking, what will help me remember these things? The first thing that came to mind was a day planner. Once I began using it I was more on time than ever. My grades improved because all my work was turned in on time and I was more prepared for presentations. So when your parents, friends, or anyone advises you to get a planner don’t assume you don’t need it. I recommend you accept it if someone gives it to you as a gift, or buy one happily. It really will make a difference in your life, school, and future success.
4
CHELSEA LIPSCOMB
ask the JEFF TUREK
I came from a single parent home where most of the time we were raised on government and disability checks. My mother was a very strong woman, but she had a few medical conditions that prevented her from working a normal job. My mother was the most important person in my life. Most of the time, she was all I had. Early in the summer of 2008 I received some of the worst news I may ever receive in my lifetime, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. My brother was away at school at the time so I was left to deal with this trauma by myself. I was a seventeenyear-old youth left with the responsibilities of a home and all the things that came with it. I also worked almost every day to try to earn some extra money. As I watched my mother slowly begin to feel the effects of this disease and its treatments, her spirit was stronger than ever. Physically she was beaten and battered, but emotionally she was undeterred. Every day she fought just a little more, she did not want to leave her children quite yet. After about three months with her battle with this viscous disease I lost my mother. Three months was all the time it took for my world to be turned upside down and everything I had ever feared as a child was now my reality. I had two choices that I could make at this time: I could give up and shut down or I could stand up and fight just as my mother did until her final hour.
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LAUREN KUNZE
I go to a university that has a study abroad program for first year students. Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania has what it calls FYSAE, or the First Year Study Abroad Experience. I chose to spend my first year abroad in London, England. However, I’ve now been to my home university in America and there are a few things that are helpful to any student, in any country. Deadlines. Make them. Throughout high school, I was a constant procrastinator. It’s a habit that just builds up. One of the greatest tools that I took with me to college that I learned in high school was to manage my time well. This was especially important for me because while I was having a good time going out and exploring London, I still had to remember that the primary reason that I was there was for school. If I visited museums during the day, I made sure to set aside a few hours at night to brush up on “The History of Modern Britain.” If I spent the weekend going backpacking in Scotland, the first thing I packed was my reading for the coming week. The same applies for any university. In order to take advantage of all the cool extracurricular things that universities offer, you have to at least have guidelines. By giving yourself deadlines, you can accurately gauge how much time you have to do the fun stuff. Budget. Plan out your resources. This part isn’t very fun, but you need to do it. Trust me, the dollars will fly out of your pocket faster than you can say “late night coffee runs.” I know that this doesn’t seem to relate directly to academics, but having a budget gives you one less thing to stress out about. One thing that worked for me was having a number in mind for every week. If you save money one week, great! Take it and do something fun, or save it for next years’ books.
collegiate I became a whole new person during this time. I rededicated myself not only to myself, but to my future. I realized the only route to a brighter future was through education. I would no longer be the underachiever. I would now be the one who succeeds at everything I would attempt. Through diligence and hard work I made the honor roll three out of four times my senior year in high school. I was on a short leash academically. I had to be disciplined and stick to my work day in and day out. There was no time for a break. That whole year my mindset was to work and keep working until I reached my goal, and my goal was to make it to a traditional university. All of my hard work paid off and I was conditionally accepted to Clarion University upon completion of a summer program before the fall semester. Everything began to fall into place for me. As of right now I hold a 3.8 grade point average and have made the Dean’s List. I am so thankful to the people at The Pittsburgh Promise for assisting me in my venture toward making a better life for myself.
Get involved! When I got back to my home university in the states, the first thing that I did was apply for as many activities as I could. This was a great opportunity for me to meet people other than the people I had been hanging out with constantly in London. You may also take interest in something that you had never considered before. College is all about expanding your horizons, and this is the only time in your life that you’ll have so many opportunities to do so many different things, and for such a low price! Make sure to ask for a student discount at every opportunity. “Study Abroad” is also something you should consider at some point in your college career. It’s truly a life changing experience. Good luck, and have fun!
20 spring 2010
Pittsburgh: the place where our nation can restore its faith in public education by Grant Oliphant
idea pod 21
IF AMERICA’S STATURE as a world economic power is contingent on the success of our students in higher education — as many of us firmly believe — our nation is indeed on shaky ground. Recent reports have underscored how we are failing our nation’s public school systems. More tragic are the consequences this is having for many thousands of children and their families, not to mention the dire long-term prospects for our country. Many eminent institutional figures, including our President, place an inexorable correlation between America’s academic success in its 100,000-plus public school systems and its future economic, social and cultural wellbeing. Simply, we need more of our kids to graduate if our nation is to avoid falling further behind. Against this backdrop there are strenuous efforts taking place in parts of the country, including Pittsburgh, to raise academic achievement in our public schools and
bridge the achievement gap between white students and other ethnicities. In Pittsburgh we go one better. And given our own comparatively recent history in the early 1990s of dysfunctional and fractured leadership in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and poor academic performance — reflective of issues on a national scale — the results are nothing short of extraordinary. The Pittsburgh Promise, which began nearly 2½ years ago as a gigantically bold idea inviting students of the Pittsburgh Public Schools to “dream big and work hard,” has become so much more than that. It is an engine of transformative change not only for our kids and their families, but as an economic and development stimulus for the Pittsburgh region benefiting our broad community as a whole. Already, The Promise has received national recognition and acclaim and is held up as a model for similar public school scholarship initiatives across the United States. Cleveland is just one location where a version of The Promise could be unveiled soon, possibly before the end of this year.
Pittsburgh Langley High School
22 spring 2010
Furthermore, the potential of The Promise was a key factor in the decision by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation last fall to award a $40 million grant to the Pittsburgh Public Schools for teacher and curriculum advancement programs. This is the biggest grant in the school district’s history, a truly ground-breaking achievement and symbolically it is one of the most powerful affirmations we could possibly have. It helps to drive Pittsburgh Public Schools towards a new and crucial phase of its successful reform efforts. One factor that is so crucial to student achievement is having a good teacher at the head of the classroom. The Pittsburgh Promise is gaining traction significantly in our community. Business leaders are embracing the philosophical, financial and economic goals for improving the region’s workforce through education. The program’s role in this regard is strategically and purposefully designed to help stem the population exodus from our city and to play an important role in re-energizing business development. The Promise encourages families to remain in Pittsburgh; it acts as an incentive for families to move here, which in turn provides the basis for a stable, sustainable and well-educated workforce on which businesses depend for long-term growth and prosperity. We hope and believe that as Promise scholars begin to graduate, the majority will choose to remain in the region, further enhancing our local jobs market. There is no other program like The Promise in America just now which serves as an educational incentive and scholarship program while seeking at the same time to fulfill the needs of local businesses, to the social, cultural and economic benefit of the community. So is Pittsburgh the place where the nation gets to restore its faith in public education? I believe and hope that it is. In combination with the reforms underway in the school district, The Promise serves as a positive tipping point for a turnaround over time. Clearly this is a long-term
focus with a long-term commitment for change and every one of us has a part to play in its success. Many of the stories I hear from individual students are similar, yet remain compelling and poignant testimonies of how young lives in Pittsburgh are changing: children who once did not see college as part of their future and who are now inspired to fulfill their dreams of something more. There are many proud parents watching the first members of their family pursue an education degree. And our region is at last witnessing evidence of a new era of hope and opportunity.
Grant Oliphant President and CEO The Pittsburgh Foundation
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idea pod 23
Sarah enjoys a coffee break with a friend. Above and below: Pittsburgh Carrick High School
Fitting right in. S arah Lorya of Erie is a history/political science major at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and president of the History Club. What does she like best about Pitt-Bradford? “I honestly felt at home from the first day here. I know I am surrounded by individuals who are motivated and willing to give me a helping hand when needed.” Find out what Sarah already knows: You can earn a degree from the University of Pittsburgh on a friendly, safe campus.
Bradford
you can go
beyond www.upb.pitt.edu
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.
24 spring 2010
CONFLICT RESOL by Doug Henry, PhD
Being a teenager isn’t easy. There’s always a whole lot going on. You have to deal with intense feelings and inner drives while still maintaining your cool. People don’t always agree with what is and isn’t okay in teen culture, movies, music, or in or outside of school. Knowing how to settle disagreements with others without getting into trouble, or getting hurt, or hurting someone else, is key to being a successful teenager.
idea pod 25
UTION Conflict resolution teaches important skills that will give you a head start on the path to becoming a better person, friend, family member, and leader.
How do you learn how to resolve conflicts? You need to know a few basic moves for resolving disagreements and then practice, practice, practice. If there is a conflict resolution curriculum at your school it would be smart to get involved. Conflict resolution teaches important skills that will give you a head start on the path to becoming a better person, friend, family member, and leader. One thing is certain: You’ll have opportunities to use these skills, so learning them is not a waste of time. Conflict happens and cannot always be avoided. Conflict is not bad in itself. But it’s how people handle conflict that makes it good or bad, or really bad. The worst outcome, of course, is physical violence. Fighting is a kind of admission that one or both people involved aren’t smart enough to figure out how to resolve things in a better way. When two teenagers fight, they both lose for two reasons: 1) school or legal authorities are bound to get involved, and 2) violence breeds more violence in the form of revenge. Fighting just isn’t smart. So what can you do to avoid conflict? Use the following nine tips.* Write them down and keep them in your locker, wallet, or backpack. They will come in handy. 1. Tell the other person what is bothering you — but do it nicely. 2. Don’t let your emotions take control. 3. Listen to the other person. 4. Try to understand how the other person is feeling. 5. No name-calling or insults. 6. No hitting. 7. Don’t yell or raise your voice. 8. Look for a compromise. 9. If all else fails, ask somebody else to help! *Adapted from goodcharacter.com.
The best way to practice conflict resolution is to role-play. Role-playing is like practicing a scene for a play or movie. It helps you to get inside the head of another person. This is exactly what you need in conflict resolution. You need to understand what the other person wants and how they’re feeling. It gives you a head start in negotiating. Work with a parent or teacher, and pretend that the adult is a teenager with whom you have a problem. Your objective is to resolve the problem peacefully. Don’t try this with other teens unless it is in a workshop setting with a qualified adult leader. Conflict resolution skills are tools for individual empowerment. Not only will they make you a better person, but a better friend, a better leader, and whole lot cooler.
Doug Henry, PhD Clinical Administrator Child and Adolescent Programs Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC Pittsburgh Schenley High School
26 spring 2010
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 5 5 Hot Metal Street, Southside, Pittsburgh, PA For all your electrical & telecommunication needs, using qualified contractors with highly-trained electrical workers, contact (412) 432-1400 Michael R. Dunleavy, Business Manager Dennis E. Eicker, President Thomas R. McIntyre, Vice-President Thomas H. Higgins, Recording Secretary Michael W. Varholla, Treasurer
“EARN WHILE YOU LEARN ”
A 5-year PAID Electrical Apprenticeship Program (the equivalent of a $200,000 scholarship) • Earn wages & benefits while going thru the program • Receive a CCAC Associate Degree in Electrical Construction Technology
Minimum Requirements: • High School Graduate • 18 years of age • Current Driver’s License
• Be a proud Union Member
• 1 year of High School Algebra
• Be a part of our over 118-year proud history
• Live within IBEW Local 5’s jurisdiction (covers 22 counties in PA)
• Be a part of our over 25 years of Green Technology
For Questions & Application Information, please call: JOINT APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING COMMITTEE I.B.E.W. Local Union No. 5 & W. PA Chapter, NECA (412) 432-1145 5 Hot Metal Street, Suite 100 Pittsburgh, PA 15203 www.ibewlocal5jatc.com
idea pod 27
FIND YOUR
AT
GENEVA COLLEGE At Geneva College, we believe that education is more than career training. It’s a pathway to purpose — a way for you to grow and develop into the person God created you to be. With over 30 majors and a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, Geneva provides challenging academics on a personal level. Learning extends beyond the classroom through life on campus, internships and more than 35 study-abroad programs. Geneva is also affordable, with nearly 95% of our students qualifying for some type of financial aid. The college awards a special $1,000 grant to Pittsburgh Promise scholars. Start on the path to finding your purpose. Schedule a campus visit to Geneva College today.
CO C O NTA N TA CT C T US US 800.847.8255 8 00.847.8255
Geneva G eneva College College
www.geneva.edu w ww.geneva.edu
@GenevaNews @ GenevaNews
GE G E N E VA A C COLLEGE OLLEGE 3200 3 200 C College ollege A Ave., ve., B Beaver eaver Falls, Falls, PA PA 1 15010 5010
28 spring 2010
INSIDE PPS In this issue of the IdeaPod we feature the students of three of the Pittsburgh Public Schools: Pittsburgh Langley High School; Pittsburgh Carrick High School; Pittsburgh Schenley High School. Photographs by Josh Franzos.
PITTSBURGH LANGLEY
idea pod 29
PITTSBURGH CARRICK
30 spring 2010
PITTSBURGH CARRICK continued
idea pod 31
PITTSBURGH SCHENLEY
32 spring 2010
PITTSBURGH SCHENLEY continued
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www.carlow.edu Accounting Education Management Nursing Psychology Science Social Sciences Values. Scholarship. Vision.速
Prsrt Std US Postage PA I D Pittsburgh, PA Permit #1715
1901 Centre Avenue Suite 204 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219 www.pittsburghpromise.org
:
4 LIVE
ATTEND
EARN JAHMIAH 2009 UPMC Scholar of The Pittsburgh Promise Penn State, Greater Allegheny Campus Studying Petrolium and Gas Engineering
IN OUR CITY.
OUR SCHOOLS.
$20,000 FOR COLLEGE.