PHLF’s Educational Programs Build Pride in Pittsburgh Public School Students

PHLF staff and docents have involved more than 660 students from nine Pittsburgh Public Schools in several innovative educational programs since January, thanks to corporate funding support through the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, and from the McSwigan Family Foundation Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation and Eat’n Park Hospitality Group Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation.

“Whether it’s participating in our Portable Pittsburgh or Career Awareness programs that are presented in their schools, or in field trips to Carnegie Mellon University or Chatham Village for creative writing and art experiences, the students are immersed in the activities, eager to learn about their school and community, and encouraged to be proud of their hometown,” said Karen Cahall, education coordinator.

The following comments from Pittsburgh Public School teachers express the value of PHLF’s “Building Pride/Building Character” educational program and their appreciation to our donors:

• Portable Pittsburgh: “Excellent, knowledgeable presenter; great artifacts. It was so nice that the students were trusted to touch and feel so many old and valuable things.”
• Poetry & Art at CMU: “This experience was priceless. I loved giving our students a view of their world (and city) outside of what they already know.”
• Poetry & Art at CMU: “Thanks so much for continuing to fund this program!”
• Career Awareness: “Students were able to explore different careers. They were able to see what tools and education are needed.”
• Career Awareness: “Many of the careers presented use math in various ways. Students see the importance of learning math skills for their future.”
• Career Awareness: “Students understand/learn how education ties into future careers.”
• Career Awareness: “It helped build background knowledge that is essential for students’ ability to read and understand increasingly complex text.”
• Writing Enrichment: “The students learn about the Underground Railroad and African American history in the classroom. What a wonderful experience for them to follow a trail and see an actual house involved with the Underground Railroad. It brings the learning to life.”