ideapodFALL 2010

THE P ITTSBURGH PROMISE ’S

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

Franco Harris, ChairmanNFL Hall of FameOwner, Super Bakery, Inc.

Candi Castleberry-SingletonChief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, UPMC

Mark LaskowManaging Director and CEO,Greycourt & Co.

Pamela Little-PooleParent Volunteer, Pittsburgh Public Schools

Marty McGuinnChairman and CEO (Retired)Mellon Financial Corporation

Luke RavenstahlMayor, City of Pittsburgh

Mark RooseveltSuperintendent, Pittsburgh Public Schools

THE PITTSBURGH PROMISEBOARD OF DIRECTORS

1 A Message from Mayor Luke Ravenstahl2 Career Exploration4 Dignity+Respect=Inclusion 6 Ask the President8 Make Your Money Work for You 10 In Their Own Words14 Are You Promise-Ready15 A Grateful Farewell to Mark Roosevelt18 Ask the Collegiate22 Math Gets Things Done26 Discover the World28 Early Preparation Can Help Achieve Dreams30 Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Brashear High School31 Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Oliver High School32 Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Westinghouse High School

Edith Shapira, MDPsychiatrist, Private Practice

Kiya TomlinParent Volunteer, Pittsburgh Public Schools

Olga Welch, EdD Dean, School of Education Duquesne University

Demetri ZervoudisSenior Vice President, Bayer Material Science

Grant Oliphant, Ex-OfficioPresident and CEO,The Pittsburgh Foundation

Saleem GhubrilExecutive Director The Pittsburgh Promise

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The Pittsburgh Promise is a501(c)(3) nonprofit corporationand is an affiliate of ThePittsburgh Foundation.

topics

The Pittsburgh Promise is a partnership between Pittsburgh Public Schools, the City of Pittsburgh, UPMC (University ofPittsburgh Medical Center), and other key funders.

DESIGN:Wolfe Design, Ltd.

PHOTOGRAPHY:Josh Franzos

a personal message from

franco Harris,chairman of the Board and

saleem gHUBril,executive Director,

THe piTTsBUrgH promise

WE ARE WRITING TODAY BECAUSE WE NEED YOUR HELP.We need the help of every parent who has a child in Pittsburgh Public Schools

and every teacher or staff member who works within their walls.We need you to help make a statement: That every parent, every teacher, and

every staff member has skin in the game; that all of us believe in the futures of our kids and are personally invested in them.

Bottom line: We need you to make a contribution to The Pittsburgh Promise.We need all 20,000 parents and 4,000 staff members to make a cash gift of anysize to support The Promise now in its infancy.

A groundswell of support says to the residents of our region that The PittsburghPromise is not only a gift that is being given to us, but also a gift that we are givingto our kids and their kids after them.

Whether you can give $10 or $10,000, please give what you can, and pleasegive today. Every gift will be generously matched by our friends at UPMC. Andevery gift will make a statement that The Pittsburgh Promise is our promise to our kids. We are now only in our third year of operation and already we have more than 2,000 PPS graduates in college. They have received more than $10 million in scholarships from The Pittsburgh Promise.

PLEASE GIVE TODAY USING ONE OF THESE CONVENIENT WAYS:

4 Go to www.pittsburghpromise.org and give online4 Designate your United Way contribution to The Pittsburgh Promise by using agency number 9576075

4 Federal employees can designate their Combined Federal Campaign gift by using agency number 19130

4 Mail a check to: The Pittsburgh Promise, 1901 Centre Avenue, Suite 204, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Thank you very much for investing in the promise of Pittsburgh’s future.

Gratefully yours,

Saleem GhubrilExecutive DirectorThe Pittsburgh Promise

Franco HarrisChairman of the BoardThe Pittsburgh Promise

what is an

idea pod 1

The future of our great City rests on our shoulders, and as your Mayor, I will dowhat I can to help you realize your dream in your hometown of Pittsburgh. I wasonly 23 years old and fresh out of college when I was elected into office. No onethought it was possible, but I knew how I wanted to give back and I worked hardto fulfill my dream. And now, as the youngest big city mayor, I can tell you withconfidence that anything is possible when you plan, prepare and execute yourdream. You are very fortunate to have The Pittsburgh Promise at your fingertipsto help you with these steps. With The Promise and with hard work from you,the financial burden of higher education is no longer an obstacle. Take hold ofyour future.

In Pittsburgh, you have role-models and leaders who believe in you and wantyou to succeed. We’ve created the beginning of a promising path for you, but weneed you to be inspired to mark that path. I’ve worked hard to make our City aneven safer, more prosperous place in which to grow. The City’s summer youthemployment program is the largest it has ever been, our parks are full of freerecreational events and our crime rate is at 50-year historic low. Our City hasagain been named ‘a most livable city,’ and our economic transformation meansthat there are jobs to be filled in your backyard.

I have another dream, and that is to have those jobs be filled by you. Foryou to be successful, and to raise the next generation of Pittsburghers who willcontribute to a healthy and thriving community. Whether you realize it or not,you are at a most critical point in your life. You have the power to make a choicethat will shape the rest of your life. Choose the promising path. If you want tochange your course, the time is now. As you enter into a new school year, startto think right now what it is that you dream to be. What is it that inspires youto realize your full potential and live a happy life?

Announcing the creation of The Pittsburgh Promise remains my proudestaccomplishment. The purpose of this program is more than just to offer finan-cial assistance; it represents a commitment to the future of our young people.Our City is at the forefront of so many great things—we are a global leader whenit comes to technology research and innovation, we are creating the jobs of thefuture with our strong anchor institutions and universities and now, with the cre-ation of The Promise, we are committed to giving you, our young people, thesupport to be the best you can be for you, for your family and for our great City.I can only ask that you do not let an amazing opportunity like The PittsburghPromise pass you by. Take hold of your future and may you achieve great suc-cess in the upcoming school year.

A MESSAGE FROM Mayor Luke Ravenstahl

ideapod?

career 2 fall 2010

For many families, especially those with more than onecollege-bound child, the prospect of funding college edu-cation can be daunting. During the past decade, thepublished cost of tuition and fees outpaced the annualrate of inflation by nearly five percent each year. Now,perhaps more than ever, a change in a student’s educa-tional path can have a substantial financial impact.Depending on the structure of the curriculum (prerequi-sites, order of courses, application deadlines andrequirements, etc.) changing majors may result in anacademic setback. While each individual situation isunique and many students successfully alter their edu-cational plans without delaying graduation, this is notalways the case. And additional semesters, summerclasses, or transferring to another institution, can add tothe overall cost of a college degree.

Although many colleges and universities do notrequire that students declare a major until their sopho-more year, exploration of the many available academicand career options can and should begin much earlier,ideally during high school. Students and their familiesmight consider the following activities:

4

Complete a career/interest assessment and discussresults with a guidance counselor or career coun-selor. Typically, secondary guidance departmentsoffer an online career exploration system, such asDiscover or Career Cruising, to students. It may beintroduced in conjunction with a class or simplyavailable through the guidance office. The assess-ment component in this type of system usuallyincludes an evaluation of your interests, skills, andvalues and, based on the results, a customized list of“best-fit” careers can be used to guide your research.

Participate in job shadowing and/or informationalinterviews while in high school. Both experiencesrequire a relatively short time commitment and pro-vide an opportunity for you to increase your first-handknowledge of a career field. Typically, a shadowingexperience is observation-oriented and conductedover a few hours, though the duration may vary byfield and site. In an informational interview, the stu-dent conducts a focused meeting with a professionalfrom their field of interest to learn more about theoccupation. In addition to gathering useful informa-tion and exposure to a career area, both shadowingand interviewing are also good ways to network anddevelop contacts that may be helpful in the future.

exploration:making college Tuition Work for You

idea pod 3

by Beth Tiedemann

Welcome to your new support team!everyone employed on your campushas a goal to help you succeed.

Beth TiedemannDirector of Career ServicesUniversity of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

When it comes to choosing a college major, knowledgeIS power and it packs a one-two punch. Having accu-rate, detailed information about yourself and yourcareer path is critical for making a good college choiceand, ultimately, can save you time and money!

Get a jump start by earning college credits while inhigh school. This can be accomplished through APcourses, a college-in-high-school program, or dualenrollment. This also gives you an opportunity to testthe waters prior to starting college. Additionally,these credits provide a cushion should you decide tochange majors. They can also create room in yourschedule for a complimentary minor, certificate, sec-ond major, or internship.

Gain familiarity with your major as early as possible.Make a point of meeting faculty within the depart-ment (even if you aren’t taking their class!). Mostwill welcome the opportunity to talk with an inter-ested student. Speak with your academic advisorabout appropriate course sequencing and takingcourses in your intended major as early as possible.

Compare curriculum. The same college major candiffer significantly from school to school. Sometimes,these finer points can have significant implicationswith regards to the length of time for completion,employability upon graduation, and your overall satis-faction with the program. During the college researchprocess, closely consider the following questions foreach major you are researching:

4 Are there prerequisites?

4 Will you be admitted directly into the program or is an additional application required?

4 Does the major offer enough flexibility (e.g. electives, double major) to satisfy your interests?

4 Do the career options typically associated with the major meet your personal goals and values (e.g. earning potential, job availability, room for advancement)?

4 Is an internship or other experiential component required? If so, will you be able to meet this commitment?

4 Is additional education required? If so, are you willing and able to make this commitment?

For more information about a wide range of careers,visit www.careeronestop.org and the 2010/2011online edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook,(http://www.bls.gov/oco/)

4 fall 2010

by candi castleberry-singleton

Inclusion begins with a core belief that everyone deserves dignity and respect.“Inclusion,” defined in this way doesn’t require a “diversity and inclusion”

class. It is a decision we all make every day, in every interaction.During my travels, telling the UPMC story and promoting the Dignity and

Respect Campaign on campus, as well as at conferences, universities and otherorganizations around the country, I say to people: Raise your hand if youbelieve you deserve dignity and respect. Everyone raises a hand high.

When I say: Raise a hand if you treat others with dignity and respect.Hands go up again, but sometimes not quite as high as with the first ques-tion. We often honor others with dignity and respect, but don’t do it consis-tently. Sadly, there are some of us who don’t know how to, or are out of thehabit of incorporating ideals of dignity and respect into everyday interface.Hence, we’ve created the “30 Tips to Promote Dignity and Respect” to makeit easy. (visit website listed below)

The Dignity and Respect Campaign is an effort to promote the 30 Tipsand to make us more conscious about our daily behaviors and interactionwith others. It is intended to help start, reignite, and complement existingdiversity and inclusion strategies.

The tools and resources were created at UPMC, but are applicable to allages and industries. Our goal? To celebrate with everyone a new era—one inwhich people honor each other. In this new era, there are activities through-out the year, in homes, organizations, houses of worship, schools, and com-munities, that promote positive interactions. This new era is highlighted andcelebrated annually each October, during Dignity and Respect Month.

Won’t you join us? Start today by taking the Dignity and Respect Pledge,practicing the 30 Tips, and making inclusion a part of what you do every day.What began as an internal initiative to promote a culture of inclusion, dignityand respect is quickly becoming an inspiration to many communities.

Learn more at www.dignityandrespectcampaign.com. Stay tuned for theDignity and Respect Campaign for Youth, launching in October 2010.

Dignity+respect= inclusion

Candi Castleberry-SingletonChief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, UPMC and Board Member ofThe Pittsburgh Promise

idea pod 5

leaderin education

pioneerin research

partnerin regional development

Campuses in Pittsburgh, Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown,

and Titusville

For information on admissions:412-624-7488 | oafa@pitt.edu | www.oafa.pitt.edu

U n i v e r s i t y o f P i t t s b u r g h

Check all that apply:

0 Keep looking.1-4 5+ Apply today: www.cmu.edu/apply

ANSWER KEY

Bold

Challenge-ready

Change agent

Motivated

Engaged

Innovative

Talented

Involved

Adventure-Seeker

POP QUIZ

DR. KENNETH A. SMITHGENEVA COLLEGEAmong the specific traits we seek to develop are:•The ability to think from a Christian perspective•Knowledge of self, including gifts, talents, strengths, abilities—and weaknesses•The ability to self-manage and be a positive influence on those around them•A love for lifelong learning•And the ability to live and work as productive members of an increasingly diverse community

1 Chronicles 12:32 describes the sons of Issachar as, “… men who understood the times, with knowledgeof what Israel should do.” In like manner, we provide our students with an education that helps them under-stand the fallen nature of the world, the sovereignty of God, and that they are called to obediently serveHim in whatever place, time or circumstance they are in.

ask thepresident

DR. MARY E. HINESCARLOW UNIVERSITYCarlow University develops studentsin “values, scholarship and vision.”We recognize that a college educa-tion is—but is also more than—theacquisition of scholarly and appliedknowledge for personal and profes-sional success. Full student learningalso includes the contexts of valuesand vision which address not onlywhat we learn, but why and how we learn. Well educated per-sons learn in order to understand the larger issues and valuesof life, and to improve their lives and the lives of others in theirsociety within the context of a vision of achieving social justice.The Sisters of Mercy, founders of Carlow University, grounded aCarlow education in the firm foundation of values: responsibility,compassion, inner awareness, moral strength, discovery, hospi-tality and service. These values prepare students for leadership,and are integrated into the learning experience of CarlowUniversity students.

JOANNE BOYLESETON HILL UNIVERSITYIn everything we do, we are guidedby the words of Saint Elizabeth AnnSeton, who promised her own stu-dents “I would wish to fit you forthat world in which you are destinedto live.”We believe that for our current

students to graduate “fit for theworld,” they must be independent

thinkers with an understanding of our global community, whounderstand how to access and evaluate information in order tomake informed decisions.

We want our students to succeed in life, wherever theirlives take them, and in whatever careers they choose. To thatend, we seek to educate students to think and act critically, cre-atively and ethically as productive members of society commit-ted to transforming the world.

We asked seven Presidents of Promise-eligible schools this question,

“ASIDE FROM ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, WHAT ARE THE KEY TRAITS YOU SEEK TO DEVELOP IN A STUDENT WHILE THEY ATTEND YOUR SCHOOL?”

6 fall 2010

MR. GREGORY DEFEOPITTSBURGH TECHNICALINSTITUTERecently I learned the world series ofpinball is held annually in Pittsburgh.Growing up, I spent hours launchingthat silver ball through the game’shypnotic maze of levers, rails, andflippers. Curious how I might fareagainst some of the best, I enteredthis year’s contest.

What propelled me to a playoff finish are the skills I hadhoned as a teenager, my drive to compete, and the belief I coulddo it. This is what PTI strives to develop in students—work-ready skills, accountability and confidence.

Identifying work-ready skills is the easy part. PTI has long-established connections with hiring managers. Developingaccountability and confidence is not so straightforward. It startswith the student’s desire to learn and excel. Then it becomesPTI’s responsibility in the classroom.

PTI classes can be challenging; there are assignments,team projects, presentations, and tests. PTI instructors expectresponsibility; they demand good work and regular attendance.This is what builds confidence and instills accountability.

When a PTI graduate tests your diagnostic equipment, booksyour trip, or details specifications, you can count on accuratereadings, efficient arrangements, or meticulous guidelines.

Could I repeat my pinball prowess? Probably not. Do PTIgraduates enter the workforce with the skills, confidence andaccountability they need to do their job well? That is a repeatperformance I can count on.

DR. ROBERT M. SMITHSLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITYAt the heart of a Slippery RockUniversity education is our commit-ment to prepare students to thinkglobally and act locally in theircareers and communities. SRU deliv-ers a comprehensive learning experi-ence that intentionally combines aca-demic instruction with hands-onlearning opportunities focused on fiveprofound global needs: environmental sustainability; populationand demographic changes; cultural literacy; societal develop-ment through technology and science; and educational acces-sibility for economic independence.

At our core is academic excellence.SRU’s faculty is exceptional. More than 90 percent have an

earned doctorate or terminal degree in their specialty. Theydevote time outside the classroom engaging students in discus-sion, research and service. This translates into helping studentsdevelop the intellectual skills and confidence needed to suc-ceed. This is one reason why virtually every degree program hasearned national accreditation.

But that is not sufficient.The SRU experience expects our students to live on campus

to engage a myriad of leadership, community building and co-curricular activities through which they’ll hone communicationand decision-making skills necessary to be global change-agentsin their careers and civic lives. We challenge our students tounderstand the world around them from a variety of perspectivesand to become participants, not spectators, in their lives.

MR. HUNTER H. HOPKINSKAPLAN CAREER INSTITUTEKaplan Career Institute’s ICM cam-pus in Pittsburgh is dedicated to pro-viding students with not only theskills necessary to enter the work-force, but with the skills required tosucceed in life.Many of our students juggle the

demands of home, family and busyjobs. It is important that they receive

training and guidance in areas that go beyond their programworkload.

Professionalism is an attribute that rests at the core of theKaplan learning philosophy. Our campus combines classroomlearning with hands-on training. Many of our programs requirean externship with a local employer before graduation.

To develop the skills to assist students with securing a posi-tion after graduation, our career services department providesresume workshops and conducts mock interviews.

Members of the local community also work to ensure thatour graduates will meet professional standards upon gradua-tion. Campus advisory boards, comprised of seasoned industryprofessionals, meet regularly to discuss the curriculum and howthe campus can better meet the needs of students and the localeconomic community.

Kaplan Career Institute’s ICM campus provides the knowl-edge and practical job skills students seek out for successfulemployment. We build futures, one success story at a time.

idea pod 7

MR. DENNIS WILKEROSEDALE TECHNICALINSTITUTEEverything we do at Rosedale isgeared towards helping to creategraduates that employers will wantto hire. Of course, good technicalskills are a must, and Rosedale’sindustry recognized training pro-grams help students acquire theknowledge they need to succeed.However, we also know that employers want more than justtechnical skills, and the Rosedale experience prepares studentsin other ways too.

The three most important “soft skills” that students learn atRosedale are analytical skills, work ethic, and the importanceof lifelong learning. In the trades, analytical skills mean trouble-shooting. Our students learn that good trouble-shooting skills cansave both time and money, and can make them a highly valuedemployee. A strong work ethic is engrained in our students by ourinstructors and the way we teach. It’s a very hands-on approachhere at Rosedale. Our students learn by getting their hands dirty,and by the satisfaction of a job well done.

Finally, the importance of lifelong learning is stressedeveryday in the classroom and in the shop. Our instructorsmodel this behavior by the many hours of continuous educationthey participate in to stay current in their field.

8 fall 2010

Aunt Stella always told me to get a good job.And I did. I do. I went to college and worked as a

teacher for many years. It took me much longer to under-stand what it meant to make a paycheck. Here’s a defini-tion for you:

A paycheck is earned income. Earned income ismoney you make in exchange for your time and effort.

There are no shortcuts when it comes to makingmoney—you have to start by working for it. And you haveto make sure what you earn is more than what you spend.

So, Aunt Stella had it right from jump, but I neededMr. Raymond Suter to take it to the next level. We calledhim Fats.

The thing about Fats was that he worked in construc-tion for 20 years, but, by the time he was in his 40’s, hespent more time playing video games than working from9 to 5.

Fats had two simple rules:1. Pay yourself first.2. Make sure your money is making money for you.For him, that meant gaining interest on the income

he earned and later investing in a coin-operated arcade.When most grown-ups I knew only made money by giv-ing their time, Mr. Suter figured out that those videogame machines kept collecting quarters even when hewas away.

Passive Income is money you make from savings,businesses, properties, and stocks. It’s income you gainin your sleep. Felix Brandon Lloyd

Vice President & General Manager of MoneyIsland by BancVue

WORK FOR YOUR MONEY

11

$FOR YOU

There are a few primary ways in which you can earnpassive income in your college years:

Earn and Save: Before spending any of the moneyyou earn, make sure you set some aside in savings. Wesuggest 10%—a dime out of every dollar.

Save with Interest: By putting your money in a highinterest checking account or certificate of deposit, yourbank or credit union will pay you interest. The money willstill be there if you need it (with a CD, you’re letting thebank hold onto the money for a longer period of time), butit will be making money for you in the meantime.

Do What You Do: For me, it is this. I love learning andteaching about money so I started a business that makesfinancial literacy games. Those games make money for myfamily in addition to what my wife and I earn from our jobs.

Understanding passive income and viewing earnedincome as a means to an end is a way of thinking and aplan of action. You can’t know what’s now or what’s nextif you don’t know where you’re going.

There are still no shortcuts, my Aunt Stella mightsay. Too many of us think that creating wealth is a Magic8-ball. If we just shake things up, then we’ll hit big. Orwe just won’t hit at all.

But if a man called Fats can make money in hissleep, then we can do it too. Time to get to work and getyour money working for you.

by felix lloyd

MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK

idea pod 9

What the world needs now is you.

The world can sometimes appear to be pretty empty.

Perhaps it’s because the world desperately needs what only you have to offer. Perhaps the world simply needs an irreplaceable, indispensable you. The you who looks at the world and asks: why is it like this? What’s in me that can make it better – rather than just “what’s in it for me?”

We’re Grove City College. We have a reputation as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the country – and yet we’re one of the most affordable. Our graduates succeed not just in their careers, but at life.

God gave you a mind for higher things. We’ll help you learn to use it well.

And that is the first step to changing the world.

6:45 — Hit the gym

8:00 — Healthy Breakfast

10:00 — Biomechanics class

8:00 — Teach aerobics class at student union

To Do:DDoonnoovvaann DDaanniieell

Philadelphia

Exercise Science Major

Core Philly Scholarship Recipient

GET HIS STORY.IUP.EDU/DONOVAN

On a recent Friday afternoon, I had the wonderful gift ofmeeting with eight of our college students, all of them are 2008UPMC Scholars of The Pittsburgh Promise, and all of them are per-forming at high levels in their higher education. They were engagedand engaging, and they gave a great lift to an old man’s spirit. I amdelighted to know them. They are:

STUDENT HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGENick Beckas Langley Duquesne UniversityJulia Cahill CAPA Carnegie Mellon UniversityMichelle Crozier Brashear Duquesne UniversityVictoria Glass Allderdice Community College of Allegheny CountyErin Hager Perry Carlow UniversityJanay Hayes Peabody Carlow UniversityDevon Jackson Allderdice University of PittsburghJoshua Perri Brashear Community College of Allegheny County

In addition to being fulltime students, each of them also holds a job. In fact, four ofthem hold two jobs, and one has three. And somehow all of them manage to maketime for volunteer service at the community library, the church, fixing houses, ormentoring kids. They are giving breath and life to our motto: Dream Big, Work Hard.Their dreams are inching their way to becoming reality. Their aspirations continue todrive them to reach further. Their work ethic is impressive at any age, and inspiringat their age.

10 fall 2010

IN THEIROWNWORDS

ERIN

DEVON

JULIA

by saleem ghubril

VICTORIA

I am pleased to share with you their voice, and it is certainly worth hearing.

About how they decided to go to college:

“Mom drilled into me ‘You got to go college’ since I wasin elementary school.” ERIN

“My 12th grade English teacher was great and helpedme with my essays. I didn’t know my full potential untilI applied to colleges and got accepted to all the schoolsI applied to. I thought I was barely average, but now Iknow I am just as capable as anyone else to do this.”MICHELLE

“The Pittsburgh Promise helped me make my decision.If it wasn’t for The Promise I would not be at CMU, letalone in college.” JULIA

“I only started thinking about college in early highschool. I really enjoy learning. Why would I want to stopmy education? I want it to go forever.” DEVON

About factors that helped them succeed:

“The advantage of going to a small school is you get toknow and interact with your teachers. They personallycare about your education, and they push you. My momalso pushes me. She really pushes me.” ERIN

idea pod 11

SALEEMNICK

JOSHUA

“My parents are wonderful and they work really hard toprovide for us. They don’t have a college education, andsometime it’s a struggle. This motivates me to workharder at school so that I can get a good job and makea decent salary.” MICHELLE

“So many of my friends had children when they werekids. I’ve seen them struggle and have hard lives. Myparents had kids when they were young too. Watchingall this makes me want to wait to have kids. Educationfirst!” JANAY

“Since I go to a private university, I had to borrow to sup-plement The Promise scholarship. I owe a lot of money.I want to make sure I graduate so that I can pay off mydebts.” NICK

“Pick a program that fits who you are. I love biology andcan never get enough lab time. Doing research withgraduate students and even post docs helps me performbetter.” DEVON

“My dad bet me that I could not get a 3.5 college GPA,and said he would take me to a fancy restaurant if I did.I did it, and he paid.” VICTORIA

“I am pretty self motivated. Everybody in my family is inone of the trades and they pushed me to do that too. Ipushed myself to go to college and open new doors inmy family.” JOSHUA

12 fall 2010

About lessons learned:

“You’ve got to make time for leisure. I am a driven per-son and in my desire to do well in school and life I cando more than is healthy.” NICK

“Be involved. Show your face. Let your professors, class-mates, and administrators know who you are and whatyou care about.” JULIA

“I am not in high school anymore. I have to step it up.Work hard. I have to learn to manage my time. A “plan-ner” is a college student’s best friend.” JANAY

About advice to younger students:

“Live in the dorms. I live at home because it is cheaper.The networks are so much greater if you live at school.”MICHELLE

“Learn to think. In high school, I got away with justrepeating back what I was taught. In college, you haveto think for yourself.” JANAY

“Build a network of Promise scholars. Don’t let ThePromise be just a scholarship.” DEVON

“Join some clubs and study groups. This way you makebetter friends and you get help with your studies.”JOSHUA

About things they wish were different:

“I wish our public schools pushed us more and expectedus to reach higher. Make us take AP courses. Thoseshould be a requirement.” ERIN

“Similarly, push us to reach higher in pursuing college.Sometimes I felt like my teachers were telling me to lowermy expectations about which colleges to apply for.” NICK

Promises made. Promises kept.

For over 160 years, Saint Francis University has been keeping promises to students just like you. The promise of a better education

and the promise of a better tomorrow. Today, 97% of all Saint Francis graduates are employed or in graduate school just six months

after they graduate. That’s a promise kept.

www.francis.edu | Reach Higher. Go Far.

“It would have been really helpful if as a college freshmanmy school had some counselors or staff that reallyunderstood what it was like to come from an urban dis-trict and be the first in the family to go to college. I waslost in the beginning. I had a lot of catching up to do. I wish I had a mentor from The Pittsburgh Promise. I would be willing to mentor young Promise students.”MICHELLE

“I agree. There just weren’t a lot of people at my schoolwho shared my urban public school background. ThePromise should set up a way to communicate with eachother more—online interaction, Facebook, etc.” JULIA

“It would also be good if The Promise released themoney earlier.” MICHELLE

MICHELLE

JANAY

AccountingEducation

HumanitiesManagement

NursingPsychology

ScienceSocial Sciences

Values. Scholarship. Vision.®

www.carlow.edu

idea pod 13

are you promise 14 fall 2010

At Pittsburgh Public Schools, you’ll hear a lot about being Promise-Ready. What does that mean? And how will you know when you get there?Being Promise-ready means you graduate prepared to take advantage of our

extraordinary scholarship program: The Pittsburgh Promise®. It means maintaining aminimum 2.5 grade point average and a 90% attendance record. It means you’llstudy math, science, English, and history. It means you’ll have dreams and aspira-tions for your future, as well as the habits, skills, and knowledge to get you there.

Pathways to the Promise™ is what we call our coordinated effort to help guideyou through the many adventures as well as challenges you’ll experience on yourway to graduation. None are more critical than the transition to high school.

by mark roosevelt

-ready?High school is an exciting and challenging time. It

marks one important transition toward the responsibili-ties and expectations of being an adult. The habits youdevelop as you make this transition—learning to workindependently and outside of school time, prioritizinghomework, and a willingness to tackle new and difficultassignments—are the habits that will successfully carryyou through college and beyond.

During 9th grade, you’ll participate in the 9th GradeNation program. 9th Grade Nation is designed to easethe transition to high school and create a culture wherestudents are valued, inspired, and prepared to achieve inan environment of high expectations.

Beginning with the 2010–2011 school year, we’ll haveanother tool to make sure you arrive at graduation ready topursue your dreams: the Promise-Readiness Corps.

The charge of the Promise-Readiness Corps is toensure that every 9th grader transitions smoothly to10th grade and arrives in 11th grade Promise-Ready, ontrack to graduate and equipped with the resources tostep confidently into a rapidly changing world.

The Promise-Readiness Corps will be implementedin the District’s eight comprehensive high schools—Pittsburgh Allderdice, Brashear, Carrick, Langley, Oliver,Peabody, Perry and Westinghouse—and will include atightly knit team of teachers and a counselor/social workerwho will connect to incoming 9th-graders and supportthem through the critical early high school years.

This team will loop with a group of students from 9thgrade to 10th—they’ll get to know you, track your aca-demic development, and deliver more effective instruc-tion based on your unique learning style. Each studentwill also be assigned an advisor who they will meet withregularly to discuss their progress, strengths, and needs.The Promise-Readiness Corps teachers will model thesame culture of hard work, creativity, and persistencethat we expect from our students.

Pittsburgh is no stranger to hard work. And atPittsburgh Public Schools, your hard work will berewarded. With up to $40,000 in Pittsburgh Promisescholarship money available to eligible PPS students,we’ll work together so that you arrive at graduation readyto take advantage of higher education or workforce train-ing. Dream big and work hard, because from here, youcan go anywhere.

Mark RooseveltSuperintendentPittsburgh Public Schools

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With profound gratitude, the UPMC Scholars of ThePittsburgh Promise, along with our Board and staff,wish Mr. Mark Roosevelt and his family the very best asthey prepare to commence a new season and concludetheir tenure among us in Pittsburgh.

In his five years as Superintendent of Pittsburgh PublicSchools, Mr. Roosevelt undeniably accomplished remark-able feats, in partnership with the Board of Education, thePittsburgh Federation of Teachers, the Mayor of the City ofPittsburgh, UPMC, and the philanthropic and corporatecommunities of our region and nation.

Among his great and, we trust, enduring contribu-tions is the gift of helping us in Pittsburgh see ourselvesa little differently; see the possibilities that lie before us,the potential that exists among us, and the promisethat lives within us.

As a result, our community made a promise we callThe Pittsburgh Promise. It is our promise to our chil-dren. Pittsburgh promises its children a first rate publiceducation that plays second fiddle to no one. We prom-ise them safe and nurturing communities that surroundand undergird them with all the needed building blocksto grow up healthily, hopefully, and responsibly. And wepromise that, if they dream big dreams and are commit-ted to work hard to reach them, we will provide themwith the needed financial support to pursue higher edu-cation and receive the training and tools needed towork toward their dreams.

Remarkably, UPMC seeded The Pittsburgh Promisewith a $100 million dollar commitment. Foundations,corporations, and individuals quickly added another$40 million to give The Promise the ability to turndreams, which are infused with effort, into results.And, our community continues to come to the platewith sleeves rolled up and hearts opened in order toensure that the promise Pittsburgh made is a promisePittsburgh keeps.

We will undoubtedly miss Mark Roosevelt and hisstrategic leadership, keen insight, tireless service, andorganic humor. We will equally undoubtedly press ontoward the promise of a great Pittsburgh, with superbpublic schools, within vibrant communities, amongengaged neighbors and nurturing families, where ourchildren fare well and grow up greatly into a future fullof promise.

The Pittsburgh Promise Bids Superintendent Mark Roosevelt a Grateful Farewell

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16 fall 2010

YoU

SUPPORTTHE PROMISE

NOW!We need the help of Pittsburghers to make a statement:

That every parent, every teacher, and every staff member has skin in the

game; that all of us believe in the futures of our kids and are personally

invested in them. A groundswell of support says to the residents of our

region that The Pittsburgh Promise is not only a gift that is being given to

us, but also a gift that we are giving to our kids and their kids after them.

Whether you can give $10 or $10,000, please give what you can.

PLEASE GIVE TODAY USING ONE OF THESE CONVENIENT WAYS:

4 Go to www.pittsburghpromise.org and give online4 Designate your United Way contribution to The Pittsburgh Promiseby using agency number 9576075

4 Federal employees can designate their Combined Federal Campaigngift by using agency number 19130

4 Mail a check to: The Pittsburgh Promise, 1901 Centre Avenue, Suite 204, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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CongratulationsPittsburgh Promise Scholarship RecipientsThis is your year. Make the most of it.

Your Time Is NowIf you are looking for an education that could help you unlock the door to new career opportunities, consider Kaplan Career Institute, ICM campus. Our programs are designed with your future in mind. We provide career-focused training designed to give you the training needed to graduate and pursue your career goals. We limit our class sizes, which are taught in a hands-on learning

aid available for those who qualify.

Call now at

412.261.2647or visit us online at www.kci-pittsburgh.com to get started.

Angela FinkeFashion MerchandisingAllderdice High School

Ashley ChatmanMedical Assisting

Carrick High School

Kayla DeversFashion Merchandising

Oliver High School

Shawniece WestBusiness Management

Langley High School

Willesha MillerCriminal Justice

Schenley High School

Tayja CopelandFashion Merchandising

Oliver High School

10 Wood StreetPittsburgh, PA 15222

When I first came to college, I was up to learning any andeverything; and that is just what I did. I learned how to livewith someone I had never met, sacrifice my space and time forsomeone else’s needs, sacrifice sleep during finals week to getthe best grades possible, and balance a job, an internship, andcollege classes.

One thing I wish I knew about college before I got here isthat I would be meeting new people, with new ideas, differentcultures, different religions and different ways of thinking. Iwish I was taught to be more open-minded about it all.Learning this has allowed me to meet new people from all overthe world, make new friends, and learn their cultures, as wellas teach them my own.

I encourage all students to be opened minded and explore.

SARAHWALSH

VANESSATHOMPSON

4

What do i know now incollege that i wish i hadknown in high school?

18 fall 2010

Looking back at my high school career I wish that I had realizedhow important it was to keep good relationships with teachers,coaches, and counselors. I have learned that college is an oceanof opportunities but they are not just handed to you. You have towork hard to get what you want. It is also very important to keepin mind that every person you meet has the potential to help youreach your goals. Social networking is one of your biggest assetsin life. You never know when you might need your 10th gradeEnglish teacher or your soccer coach to write you a recommen-dation for a job or a scholarship opportunity. Just rememberyou’re not alone. There are so many people willing to help you.

ask the c

In my journeys through the world, I’ve spoken to many people.Some are delighted to see a young man actually making con-versation with them, maintaining eye contact and having a sin-cere interest in the subject matter at hand. Then inevitably theyask the one question I dread answering so much: “What schooldo you go to?” Every single time, I answer with an enthusiastic“Allderdice!” And yet, more often than not, I’ll see someone’sbrow furrow, or their face drop with disappointment. They neversay it aloud, but you can tell what they’re thinking. You can seethem looking down on the Pittsburgh Public School district, andyou can see the disappointment in their eyes when they learnthat the young man they were talking to came from a CitySchool. The reason I dread answering that question, though, isexclusively because of the common response. Because, believeit or not, I love the experiences I’ve had attending a PittsburghPublic High School!

In my thirteen or so years of schooling, I’ve attended a myr-iad of different schools. I went to parochial schools, a privateschool, and of course, a City public high school, and I canwholeheartedly state that I’ve had the best experience at pub-lic school. In my four years at Allderdice, I was introduced to amyriad of different social and educational opportunities. As astudent of the Pre-engineering magnet, I learned a great dealabout Engineering, public speaking, and creating synergy in

ERICPOPEK

idea pod 19

diverse groups of people. These skills were taught, and trans-lated well into other classes, and they came in a handy whenbeginning new employment opportunities. The world is diverse;it is not all-male or all-female, it is not all-middle class. In the world, you need to know how to work with people with dif-ferent backgrounds, and Pittsburgh Public Schools prepared mefor that. Additionally, at Allderdice, I was part of The HealthyClass of 2010, the wrestling team, the school’s musical, and I took a number of advanced placement classes inScience, English, History, and even Music Theory. I know anumber of private schools in the area that don’t offer all ofthose opportunities.

Not that I’m trying to downplay other schools, of course.They all have their strengths and weaknesses. But the biggestdifference that I found at Pittsburgh Public Schools, more thananything, was the people. The strength of our school districtis its diversity in student body, because there are people therefor everyone. I wasn’t forced to be athletic to be accepted. Ididn’t need to sit in the library with my nose in a book to findsomething social to do. There’s something to find at Pittsburgh Public Schools for every student. In addition to that, I felt support at Allderdice. Pittsburgh Public Schoolsdoes give you the freedom to pass or fail on your own, but I

could tell that the administration wanted me to succeed. Teachers would give you help if you asked for it. If you werestruggling, you could find help and support. You just neededto ask for it.

One of the best parts of Pittsburgh Public Schools is thedynamic between teacher and student. In other schools, I foundthat I had only a professional relationship with my educators, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but at Allderdice, I foundthat teachers just didn’t want to know Eric the Student, butthey wanted to know Eric the Person too. They wanted to findout my aspirations and my interests, and that helped thembetter understand me. English teachers could recognize mywriting style because they KNEW me. Teachers would askhow a certain interview or event went, because they knew Iwas involved. Occasionally, I would discuss life with them,and they’d provide whatever worldly advice they could.Teachers weren’t just authority figures who graded papers, butthey were mentors and even friends at times.

So the next time you ask someone what school they go to,and they reply with Allderdice, or Schenley, or Carrick, orCAPA or wherever, remember all of the positive aspects ofPittsburgh Public Schools and then maybe you’ll be as enthu-siastic as I am.

collegıate

I am a world-changer.

www.waynesburg.edu

In Kenya, Sarah is known as “Mekena” in tribal language. It is a Kikuyu name that means “ever smiling girl” and to the Camba tribe it means “shining one.” It’s fitting, considering this “ever smiling girl” came to bring love and laughter to residents at Hekima Place, a Kenyan orphanage for girls who have lost their parents to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Sarah MarkwardtBiblical & Ministry Studies

20 fall 2010

If you are interested in:4 Connecting with potential employers4 Gaining practical experience in your field4 Earning a decent summer wage

And if you can bring:4 College GPA of 3.25 or higher4 Experience in campus leadership4 Evidence of community service

Then, you might qualify for a summer internship with one of The Pittsburgh Promise’s supporting corporations.

If interested, please email your resume and cover letter to:Eugene Walker, Benchmarks Managereugene@pittsburghpromise.org

summer 2011 internshipsfor promise scholars4

DiscoverAsk our students how they knew God was calling them to Geneva College, and you will hear this answer again and again: “When I came to visit the campus, I knew Geneva was the place for me.”

Our mission is to help you find God’s purpose for your life. Through challenging academics and leadership opportunities, we’ll help you grow into the person you were created to be.

Campus visits are a great way to find out if Geneva College is right for you. Explore our campus, sit in on a class, eat in the dining hall and get to know current students.To schedule a visit to Geneva, contact the Admissions Office.

WHY GENEVA?

GENEVA COLLEGE3200 Col lege Avenue, Beaver Fal ls , Pennsylvania 15010

@Geneva_CollegeGeneva College800.847.8255 www.geneva.edu

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22 fall 2010

GETS THINGS DONE

Balancing a checkbook, making change, cooking, followingsports, planning a trip—almost everything we do involvesmath. High paying careers of the future—like those in tech-nology—require solid mathematical thinking skills, and col-leges expect freshman to be mathematically proficient.More than ever, being “Promise-Ready®” means being“math ready.”

Pittsburgh Public Schools Math Specialist Nicole Murray(above) says students like math because it puts them incharge. “Kids talk about this all the time—how numbers arepart of their day. They see numbers as relevant to their lives.This includes kids who don’t like school ordinarily, but withmath, as long as they know what to do, they feel they aregoing somewhere and are accomplishing something. Thisencourages them to try harder. Math gets things done.”

Murray says math is an easy habit to build. Here’s how:

MA HStudentsUnderstand the problem. Be a reader, a thinker and ananalyzer. Ask yourself: What am I trying to find or do?What are the unknowns? What information can I findfrom the problem? What is missing or not needed? CanI state the problem in my own words?

Pick a Strategy and Make a Plan.4 Look for a pattern.4 Make a table or diagram.4 Write an equation or number sentence.4 Use guess and check.4 Work backward.4 Use or draw a picture.4 Use actions; such as add, subtract, multiply, divide.4 Make or use a list.

Solve. Use your strategy to solve the problem.

Reflect. Look back at your work. Reread, revise, organize!

idea pod 23

College is Just Around the CornerRanked again in the Top Tier and Great School, Great Price categories by U.S. News and World Report, Gannon University, located along the scenic Lake Erie bayfront in Erie, Pennsylvania, is close to home, family and friends.

Gannon University provides an exceptional education at an affordable price with nearly 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in all of the most sought-after areas of interest, taught in small classes by dynamic professors who love what they do.

Put Gannon on your list of “things to do.” Schedule a visit by calling 1-800-GANNON-U or visiting www.gannon.edu today!

Gannon University can get you anywhere you want to go...around the corner or around the world. Believe in the possibilities.

located along the scenic Lake Erie bayfront in Erie, Pennsylvania,

www.gannon.edu | 1-800-GANNON-U

Suggested CoursesSuggested Sequence of Math Courses for Graduation

Pittsburgh Public Schools requires four (4) math coursesbefore awarding a high school diploma. Here is the rec-ommended sequence of courses many students follow:

9th Grade: Algebra I 10th Grade: Geometry11th Grade: Algebra II12th Grade: Elementary Functions

OR: Advanced Topics, Elementary Functions/Statistics, Statistics, or Standards Based Math

ParentsAsk your children to share their ideas with you. What dothey notice about numbers in the real world in daily rou-tines you share, the places you go?

Play games with them—like the District’s online First inMath®.

Encourage your children to explain what they are doingand why. This reinforces “thinking about thinking” talktheir teachers have them doing in the classroom.

Ask questions:What did you do to the number to get youranswer? Can you do it another way? Is there a pattern?

Let your child grapple with the problem. Do not be afraidto let her/him struggle a little bit to work it out. Avoid rush-ing in with the answer, but do support your child as he/shetalks out the problem by asking questions like—Can youstate the problem in your own words? What strategy willyou use?

Build a sense of pride in children. Reassure them. “YouCAN do this.”

Help them plan ahead as they move into high school. Talkto your child about the courses he/she will take next yearand check with the school about schedules. As studentsgo on to higher grade levels and more complex thinkingchallenges, course sequence matters. Make sure yourchild takes Algebra I before 10th grade and at least threeother upper level math classes before graduating.

24 fall 2010

our choice of university will set you on a course that will change your life. Since 1885, Seton Hill has

been preparing students like you to succeed in life, whatever you choose to do, wherever your life takes you.

From the arts to the health sciences, from business to psychology, at Seton Hill you will begin a career path with the poten-tial to transform lives. Begin-ning with your own.

Career OpportunitiesOur goal is your success - in your life, and in your career. Seton Hill has a 94% career placement rate - so you can expect to graduate with an understanding of where you’re headed, and with the knowledge, contacts and resources to get you there.

FacultySeton Hill’s faculty members are researchers, poets, clinicians, writers, scientists, artists and businesspeople. They are award-winners and sought-after experts in their fields, but they are educators first - and they have dedicated their careers to preparing you for yours.

TechnologySeton Hill just introduced the Griffin Technology Advantage, a program that provides every incoming first-year student with a MacBook Pro laptop and an iPad - along with a campus-wide wireless network to support whatever you need to use them for.

Student LifeTry out for a play, or a team. Make some new friends and invite them to play your favorite video game (on a giant screen) in our MediaSphere. Enjoy a movie, a concert, a great meal, a comedy act, a basketball game or a play – or curl up with a book (or your iPad) in one of our new student lounges or residence hall suites. Take a hike, learn to paint, or join a group taking a trip to another city – or another country. You can do it all right here.

AthleticsFrom football to basketball to soccer – if you played (or enjoyed cheering for) a sport in high school, chances are you’ll also find it here at Seton Hill. Seton Hill competes in Division II of the NCAA and offers 21 varsity sports for men and women; we are

proud members of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) and the East Coast Conference (ECC). Go Griffins!

SETON HILL UNIVERSITYYour Dreams. Your Career. Your Future.

Seton Hill U. Quick Facts

Want To Find Out More?

Y

Y

idea pod 25

Become a Global Citizen:

26 fall 2010

Have you ever sat in class and wondered why you are studying a foreign lan-guage or culture? Who needs to know what’s going on halfway around theworld anyway?

For starters, the world isn’t “over there” anymore. The world is coming toPittsburgh—nearly 340 international companies now do business in the city—and Pittsburgh is reaching out to the world, with local companies now operat-ing in over 25 countries around the globe.

So, what does this mean for you? As American companies, both large andsmall, look for business opportunities abroad, and as Pittsburgh attracts moreforeign companies, the need for employees who can speak foreign languagesand understand different cultures is growing. And who will these employees be?Students like you!

In order to succeed in the truly global economy of the 21st century, it isimportant to understand what’s going on in the rest of the world. And, it’s nevertoo early to start!

One way to learn about other countries and cultures is through travel. In2004, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh launched its Global TravelScholars Program. Since then, 53 students from 18 area high schools havebeen able to spend 4–5 weeks traveling abroad during the summer betweentheir junior and senior years. Scholars have been to 21 different countries,including Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, China, Ecuador,Germany, Italy, Mongolia, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand.

Many of the students leave Pittsburgh without knowing what to expect fromthe experience. As a matter of fact, most of them have never even been on anairplane! But that nervousness turns into sheer excitement when they set footin their host countries and embark upon their many adventures. Imagine sail-ing through the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, riding an elephant in Thailand,or eating gelato with your group members in Italy, just to name a few!

And the best part about this program is: it’s free! Thanks to generous sup-port from local corporations, foundations, and private donors, students are ableto travel abroad at no cost to them or their families.

When the Scholars return, they have a newfound understanding of theworld around them (and some really awesome stories to tell). These studentsare ready to take on the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world;they are truly global citizens.

The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh has a special focus on the region’ssecondary schools, and works with nearly 300 schools to help students andteachers gain insights into how the world is evolving. Through discussions,webcasts, and student summits, the Council brings experts into direct con-tact with students to help them acquire and develop the tools they will needwhen they are ready to join the workforce. The Council collaborates with TheExperiment in International Living on its Global Travel Scholars Program.

ALLYCE PINCHBACK2004 Global Travel Scholar to Japan;2005 Graduate of Pittsburgh SchenleyHigh School;2009 Graduate of University of Pittsburgh;Education Program Manager at the WorldAffairs Council of Pittsburgh

“Even though it has been six years sinceI was a Global Travel Scholar, I’m stilljust as excited about the program as Iwas the day I arrived in Japan. Thisexperience has taken my life on anindescribable journey: I never imaginedI would study Japanese at Pitt andreturn to Japan as an exchange stu-dent during my junior year in college.But, the most rewarding part is mycurrent job at the Council. Now, I canhelp provide other high school stu-dents with the same amazing opportu-nity afforded to me.”

DISCOVERWORLDTHE

idea pod 27

LARON RISHER2010 Global Travel Scholar to Morocco2011 Prospective Graduate of Pittsburgh Brashear High School

TRACEY MASSENGILL2008 Global Travel Scholar to France;2009 Graduate of PittsburghWestinghouse High School;Current Sophomore at Carlow University;Plans to travel to South Africa next summer through Amizade

“My experience as a Global TravelScholar to France was beyond anythingI could ever imagine. The culture wasbeautiful, the food was delicious, andthe people — especially the family Istayed with—embraced me as if I hadknown them forever. The Eiffel Towerand the Mona Lisa are two things I willalways remember seeing. The worstpart about the trip was saying goodbye.I still cannot believe I went to France atsuch a young age. I want to keep travel-ing to different countries and studyItalian in college. The most importantlesson this trip taught me is to embracedifferent cultures and experiences withan open mind and an open heart.”

RAINE RIVERA 2010 Global Travel Scholar to Peru2011 Prospective Graduate of PittsburghSchenley High School

“My trip to Morocco was amazing! It was an incredible experience to ridecamels, walk on the sand dunes, sleep under the stars, and see the oceanfor the first time. I formed a wonderful bond with my host family and thepeople in my village. I even got to attend a wedding! Even though we did-n’t speak the same language, we still found ways to communicate. This triphas made me so much more mature and I’m no longer afraid to takechances. I didn’t realize how much you can accomplish by just asking. Ilook forward to having more adventures and to studying abroad in college.”

“The main thing I learned from my tripto Peru was how similar everyone inthe world is. Despite a language bar-rier, I was able to laugh and bemyself. I also learned that I want tobe a lot more adventurous in life. Iwas nervous about trying new thingsbefore but now I want to jump inbecause it allows you to have somany more experiences. I’ve been bit-ten by the travel bug and I can’t waitto study abroad in college!”

28 fall 2010

Although most high school students don’t begin thinking ofcollege until their junior or senior years, it is important tobegin preparing early—even in ninth grade. If you prepare forcollege early by choosing classes, after-school jobs, and volun-teer projects relevant to your future career, in addition to work-ing for good grades, you will be ready to tackle whatever educational opportunities await you after high school.

Even as a freshman in high school, Charleeda Redman,(above) executive director of UPMC Care Management,knew that she wanted to be a nurse. In order to prepare forthat career, Charleeda tailored her classes to include manyhigh-level math and science courses. “I took a lot ofadvanced placement classes such as biology, geometry, andcalculus,” Charleeda says. Taking the math and sciencecourses paid off when she applied to college and was ableto place out of some of her classes.

“You need day-to-day dedication to whatever you aredoing, whether it is a job or school. You need to be dedicatedin order to achieve success,” she says.

In order to gain exposure to the things she would experi-ence as a nurse, Charleeda worked in a nursing home dur-ing high school. The summer before she began college, shereceived her certification as a certified nurse assistant (CNA).

“By becoming a CNA, I was introduced to the types ofthings I could expect in a patient environment. It alsoallowed me to learn things such as taking blood pressure,which I would later need during my clinical work,” she says.

Charleeda advises students who are considering a degreein nursing to prepare early. “Most of what you do in highschool is meant to prepare you for college,” she says. “Lookfor any available opportunities to increase your knowledgeabout your career field. There are always people out there

who are willing to mentor students and help them pre-pare—you just need to find them.”

UPMC Human Resources senior consultant EricMcIntosh (below) understands the value of hard work anddedication in achieving success. “I have always said to suc-ceed at anything, you do not need to be smarter than any-body, but you have to be willing to work harder than every-body,” he says.

Eric adds that although now you might not know whatcareer path to take, the skills and habits you develop nowcan be used in the future. “The ability to take on new chal-lenges, adapt to changes, be flexible, manage stress, workwell with a team, and work hard are all qualities that willtransfer into any profession,” he says.

In high school, Eric worked several part-time jobs, includ-ing a job at a local potato chip warehouse. “I rarely missedschool and I was always working,” he said. Eric was able touse his contacts at the warehouse to put his skills to work.

“When I was a junior in college, I helped the owner ofthe potato chip warehouse, along with two additionalinvestors, open a high-volume beer distributer that hasproven to be very successful,” Eric says. Those experienceshelped prepare him for the corporate work environment.

Through The Pittsburgh Promise, UPMC and other fun-ders are helping to remove the financial barriers to studentspursuing their dreams. The only thing left standing betweenyou and college is the potential you have inside—and thework to put that potential into reality.

EARLY PREPARATION CAN HELP

ACHIEVEDREAMS

Rachel CunninghamUPMC Communications Specialist

idea pod 29

1.800.784.9675Visit www.pti.edu for a list of majors.

One college. Seven schools.School of Building TechnologySchool of BusinessSchool of Criminal JusticeSchool of DesignSchool of HealthcareSchool of NursingSchool of Technology

“ Great education. Wonderful teachers. PTI is a place to have fun. Went on a hospitality field trip and heard this from an employer – You are at your busiest when the guest is at leisure. That sums up my major.

Trevin G.Langley High School graduatePTI Hospitality student

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30 fall 2010

INSIDE PPS

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In this issue of the IdeaPod we feature the students of three of the Pittsburgh Public Schools:Pittsburgh Brashear High School;Pittsburgh Oliver High School; Pittsburgh Westinghouse High School. Photographs by Josh Franzos.

idea pod 31

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32 fall 2010

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34 fall 2010

www.SRU.edu800.929.4778

A member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

rock solid education

I’m building a Rock Solid future. You can too.

At Slippery Rock University you’ll find all the ingredients to help you succeed:

• state-of-the-art facilities • extensive, career-focused academic programs • undergraduate research opportunities and • leadership training you’ll use for a lifetime.

You’ll study with incredible faculty members who will take a personal interest in your success and help you gain valuable skills both in-and-out of the classroom.

To begin building your Rock Solid future, give us a call today.

Rita Boamah Communications, senior,Pittsburgh

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