ideapodSPRING 2011

THE P ITTSBURGH PROMISE ’S

The Pittsburgh Promise began to make scholarships in June 2008. As we approachour third anniversary, I am encouraged by some great early results, and I am ener-gized by the important work that still lies in front of us. You might be interested inthis “update by numbers” for our first three years of promoting public school reformand providing college scholarships.

2,479 Students who received a Promise scholarship from the classes of 2008, 2009, and 2010

1,453 Female students who received a scholarship1,026 Male students who received a scholarship

1,326 Caucasian students who received a scholarship1,028 African-American students who received a scholarship125 Asian/Pacific, Hispanic, and multi-racial students who received

a scholarship

79 Colleges, universities, and trade schools that our students attended43% Students who chose 4-year public universities30% Students who chose 4-year private colleges or universities22% Students who chose 2-year community colleges5% Students who chose trade and technical schools, or workforce certification

$145 million Multi-year pledges made toward the $250 million goal for 2018$64 million Contributions received$15.5 million Scholarships paid$3.5 million Operating costs incurred

The retention rate of our Pittsburgh Promise students points to a very encour-aging trend. After many years of low persistence and completion rates in highereducation for Pittsburgh Public Schools students, The Promise cohort is exceedingnational averages at 2-year schools, and meeting those averages at 4-year schools.

We’re keenly aware that there is still much hard work to be done. Our eyes arefixed on the goal of transforming our schools into excellent educational communitiesthat foster a college-going culture, and our hands are firm on the steering wheel toensure that we arrive at that destination quickly and safely.

We’re counting on you to stay with us for the duration of the ride.

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.

Linda Lane, EdDSuperintendent, Pittsburgh Public Schools

Anne LewisChair, Oxford DevelopmentCompany

Pamela Little-PooleParent Volunteer, Pittsburgh Public Schools

David and Nancy MalonePresident and CEO Gateway Financial Group

Martin McGuinnChairman and CEO (Retired)Mellon Financial Services

THE PITTSBURGH PROMISEBOARD OF DIRECTORS

1 A Message from Jeffrey A. Romoff2 Hello from Linda Lane4 Be Smart: Borrowing for College6 8 Simple Steps for Acing the PSSA 8 Ask the President10 “Well Done” from Mayor Luke Ravenstahl 12 What You Should Know about Financial Aid14 Advanced Placement16 My Vision for Pittsburgh19 Don’t Fall Victim to High Cost Financial Services24 Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Obama High School25 Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Science and Technology

High School26 Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Milliones High School27 Inside PPS: Pittsburgh Peabody High School

Luke RavenstahlMayor, City of Pittsburgh

David and Cindy ShapiraChairman, CEO and PresidentGiant Eagle, Inc.

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

.

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

Saleem GhubrilExecutive DirectorThe Pittsburgh Promise

what is an

AN UPDATE FROM Saleem Ghubril

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ideapod?UPMC is a global health enterprise headquartered in Pittsburgh with 20 hospitals,400 clinics, and a variety of different kinds of health care institutions that serve peo-ple from before they enter the hospital to providing senior living for when they needthat kind of care. Furthermore, UPMC employs 50,000 people here in Pittsburghand Western Pennsylvania, and indeed is the largest employer in WesternPennsylvania in a very challenging healthcare environment.

So the question becomes why do we care about the education of our childrenwhen we have so many other things to do in taking care of patients and seeing tothe economic vitality of this region? And the answer is simple; we must, and weshould, and we will. The children of Western Pennsylvania, the high school studentsof Western Pennsylvania, are the future of Western Pennsylvania. UPMC lives here.UPMC thrives here. And it is a mistake in belief by any corporation, particularly one thatis large and independent, to assert that they can live in a community without servingthe community, and without ensuring the vitality of the citizens of this community.

There is nothing more important than the education of our children. FromUPMC’s perspective, not only because we are going to likely employ them, but alsobecause all of us must provide a safe environment, a sound environment, an eco-nomically viable environment, where people will want to come to WesternPennsylvania; not just as patients, but as faculty members, as staff, and as profes-sionals in this environment.

Thus it was not a challenge for UPMC to consider investing $100,000,000 inThe Pittsburgh Promise. It was not something that we considered to be foreign toour mission. Indeed it was something we considered to be essential to our mission,and we are very proud and pleased to have made this investment.

At the same time, we have challenged the community to match the investment,indeed to match it a dollar and a half for every dollar we put into it. This, from our per-spective, mobilizes the community around the things that are most important. So weare proud to be a major partner in The Pittsburgh Promise, and we are extraordinarilyoptimistic that the results will serve this community and UPMC for years to come.

Why Do We Care about the Education of our Children?

Jeffrey A. RomoffPresident and CEOUPMC

A MESSAGE FROM Jeffrey A.Romoff

2 spring 2011

Hello from a member of the class of 1967 to the members of the classes of 2011,2012, 2013 and 2014!

I know you are likely in shock that a member of the class of 1967 is stillaround, let alone writing you a letter. Trust me on this one, it goes a lot faster thanyou can ever imagine!

Please give me a few minutes of your time; I know this is pretty low tech andthat I should have just sent you a text, but bear with me. I want you all to knowthat I’m paying attention to you. I have my eye on you as you head to busses, Ienjoy seeing what you wear and listen to what you say. I watch your eyes when I visityour classes to see if you are into it or just zoned out. I’m paying attention to you asyou pass through the halls at school. Are you about business at school or more inter-ested in the activities in halls? When I see you on the street, I’ll speak to you anddon’t be surprised if I ask you what your GPA is and when you will graduate.

Why am I paying such close attention to you? Why am I bothering you withquestions? Because I care about you and want to help you succeed in whateveryou are planning to do after high school. And yes, I mean planning. When CoachMike Tomlin spoke to some of you at 9th Grade Nation, he told you that you mustdream in great detail. Use those details to describe the path you’ll need to take toget to your dream, your goal. I want to know what you are planning to do becauseI want YOU to start thinking about what you are planning to do. When you becomea senior, you will be asked to answer this question as a part of your senior survey.On your Commencement Day, when I ask you this question at Soldiers and Sailorsor the Peterson Events Center, I would like an answer. If you say CCAC, I am goingto ask if you have applied and been admitted. If you say the Marines, I am goingto ask you if you have enlisted. If you say Penn State, I am going to ask you if youhave your dorm assignment. If you say you are going to be a cosmetologist, I amgoing to ask if you have passed your licensure examination. So it is not too soonto start working on your plan.

Everything you spend time on now either gets you closer to your goal or fur-ther away. Attending class gets you closer. Completing and turning in your home-work gets you even closer. We’re here to make the path toward your goal assmooth as it can be so that when I ask you, “Hey! What are YOU doing after yougraduate?,” you’ll be confident and ready to answer.

So I’m signing off from the Class of 1967: set your goal; create your plan toreach it, and work hard at your plan every day! We support you and will be therefor you! And I can’t wait to hear what your future holds!

Linda LaneSuperintendentPittsburgh Public Schools

HELLO FROM Linda Lane

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BE SMART4 spring 2011

How can I borrow wisely?Start with the basics. Complete your Free Application forFederal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 30 of your senioryear. Your application will not be approved until youhave responded to all requests for additional informa-tion, like family tax returns and signatures. Keep all thepaperwork together.

Understanding and completing the FAFSA takestime, but help is available. Every Pittsburgh public highschool has a career and college advisor from NEED onsite to help students. “Our advisors work one-on-onewith families on FAFSA, and we hold a line-by-lineFAFSA workshop at each school each year,” says ArleneTyler Holland, NEED’s student services manager. NEEDalso helps applicants at its downtown resource center.

Next, make sure you know the deadlines for applyingfor financial aid at each of the schools where you apply.

After you have supplied all the information required,schools will send you a notice of their financial aid pack-age, called the award letter, before the term begins.These letters show the total annual cost of attending theschool and subtract each type of aid you will receive:scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans.Collect them to review and compare with your parentsand counselors before you sign any contracts.

Many Pittsburgh public high school students qualifyfor federal Pell grants and state PHEAA grants. Thosegrants, like scholarships, do not have to be repaid. Thecost to the student is zero.

Loan costs, however, can vary widely. You will wantto look at three factors for each loan: the amount, therate of interest charged, and the time schedule for repay-ment. Those terms can vary widely and will affect howmuch money you will repay. Interest rates charged forfederal government loans, like Perkins and Stafford, aregenerally lowest. Colleges and private lenders maycharge higher rates. And while the standard term torepay your loans is ten years, you may be expected torepay on a different schedule.

Pittsburgh Promise scholarships pay up to $5,000 a year at two-year or four-year institutions($10,000 starting in 2012). But that may not cover all the costs of attending college—think, forexample, of living on campus, or expenses for commuting or books. As the cost of higher educa-tion continues to rise, most students willingly take out loans as part of their financial aid package.In 2008, 67 percent of students graduating from four-year colleges had student loan debt to repay.The average amount was $23,200—about the price of a brand-new car. And like a car, a collegedegree is a major purchase.That’s why it’s important to compare prices, as well as courses of study. These vary widely. For exam-

ple: the average amount of student debt for graduates of two-year public colleges (like community col-leges) was $10,444. For four-year public universities, the average was $20,200. At private non-profituniversities, the average was $27,650. At private for-profit universities, the average was $33,050. (Note: graph available at http://projectonstudentdebt.org/files/File/Debt_Facts_and_Sources.pdf).

What rules must schools follow onfinancial aid?As a consumer, you have a right to information on howwell an institution prepares its students. The StudentRight To Know Act requires schools to report how manyof their students graduate. Post-secondary schools thatparticipate in federal financial aid programs must alsoprovide truthful information to applicants, including thedetails of all loans they offer, and spell out their policiesfor students who withdraw.

By law, schools must also report what percentage oftheir graduates default, or don’t repay their studentloans. A high percentage indicates that schools aren’tsuccessfully preparing their graduates. The law protectsstudents (and taxpayers) from programs that accept mil-lions of dollars of federal aid but leave students with lotsof debt. You have a right to ask the current loan defaultrate at any school offering you financial aid.

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Christine O’Toole

How do schools apply my Promise scholarship to my financialaid package?The Pittsburgh Promise asks schools to make thePromise scholarship “last dollar,” meaning that all othergrants and scholarships are deducted from college costsfirst. This is not a requirement. If schools deduct theirown grants last, Promise scholars may receive a smalleramount of overall aid.

BORROWING FOR COLLEGE

How much should I borrow?Your decision on the amount of money you borrow foreducation depends first on what you plan to study. Afteryou research your field, you will have a better idea ofhow much you can expect to earn with your degree, andhow much debt you will be able to repay. Schools maybe able to give you a salary range for your field of inter-est, but remember: no one can guarantee what yourfuture income will be, especially in the first few yearsafter graduation.

Different institutions may offer similar programs. Docomparison-shopping. For example, if you are interestedin nursing, you might consider programs at a four-yearcollege, a two-year college, a commercial college or atrade school. Compare their costs and financial aidaward letters with your family or counselor.

The amount and type of financial aid you receivemay change from year to year. Ask schools if the aid youare promised in your first year will change later on. Andkeep track of the total amount that you owe. Use the stu-dent loan calculator on the College Board web site.Some advisors recommend keeping your total loan pay-ments to ten or 15 percent of your monthly income aftergraduation.

Remember, too, that you are responsible for repayingall student loans, even if you don’t complete a degreeprogram. To make sure you understand your financialobligation, schools require that you complete an onlinetutorial before processing your loan application.

What’s the connection between gradesand financial aid?Promise scholars must earn at least 20 post-secondarycredits a year and have a college grade point average of2.0 to continue to qualify for their scholarships. Promisestudents “must continue to do well. Financial aid can bedropped,” warns Dr. Roslynne Wilson, director of special-ized programs at Community College of Allegheny County.

Dropping a class before the end of the term mayreduce the number of academic credits you earn. Beforedropping a class, talk with an advisor to understand howit affects your transcript and your financial aid. You mustalways give official notice before dropping out of a classor degree program.

As Benjamin Franklin said, “The only thing moreexpensive than education is ignorance.” College is a biginvestment. As you plan your future, be sure to educateyourself on the best strategies to afford it.

by Christine O’Toole

6 spring 2011

Let’s face it. Taking tests can be exhausting, intimidatingand a lot of hard work. Instead of panicking, try to followthese simple steps and make the PSSA a little bit easier.

REST WELL. Nothing enhances your focus like agood night’s sleep. The night before a test, relax.

Don’t cram or pull an all-nighter! You will need to be alertand attentive in order to succeed.

EAT BRAIN FOOD. Some people like to chew gum.Others swear by blueberries. Whatever your culinary

strategy is, make sure that you eat a well-balanced break-fast the morning of the test. The right foods can give youthe energy to make it through a longer test like the PSSA.

COME PREPARED. The last thing you need to worryabout is whether you have the right type of writing

utensil. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies, andkeep extra ones in your backpack. Simple preparations cankeep your mind from being preoccupied.

TAKE IT SERIOUSLY. The PSSA is important foryour school and important for you. Arrive as early as

you can. If you are late, you may feel flustered and pan-icked before the exam even begins. Instead of using thatextra time to talk with friends, prepare your mind andyour workspace for the upcoming exam.

READ THE DICTIONARY. Or just read anything youcan get your hands on—kind of like you are doing

right now. Great job! A good vocabulary is a good indica-tor of reading comprehension and translates often intosuccess on standardized tests.

TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE. During the test,try to minimize distractions. To an extent, you have

the power to influence and control your environment.However, if somebody next to you is tapping his or herpencil like a drummer at a rock concert, raise your handand politely ask the teacher to do something about it.

8 SIMPLE STEPS FOR ACING THE PSSA

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by Joshua Hoey

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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

Joshua HoeyStudent Services Consultant

JUST BREATHE. Try not to psyche yourself out.Take deep breaths and pace yourself. Did you know

that your brain needs blood to think? Doing things likedeep breathing and sitting up straight will help to oxy-genate the blood more quickly.

DO YOUR BEST! Every time you take a test, see ifyou can improve in some way. Nobody becomes a

star student overnight. Set goals for yourself, and don’tdwell on the expectations of other people.

Of course, simply following these rules won’t guaranteethat you will do well on the PSSA. You also need to knowyour material. Take advantage of study groups, practiceexams, and other resources made available to you byteachers and school administrators. There are many peoplewho want to help you succeed.

It is very important to prepare for the test in advance.You may not realize it, but most of the work you do takesplace in the weeks and months leading up to the exam,and not just the night before! Having good attendance,listening to your teachers carefully, and taking good notesthroughout the school year can have major results whenit comes time to take the test.

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ask thepresident

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

“WHAT SKILLS DO YOU SEE AS CRUCIAL FORSTUDENTS TO MASTER TO BE COMPETITIVEIN OUR CURRENT AND FUTURE ECONOMY?”

8 spring 2011

second language?

problem solver?

team player?

internal spark?

communication skills?ability to “see the big picture?”

quality of work?

professionalism?

technical ability?

work ethic?dependability?

globally competent citizen?

MR. GREGORY DEFEOPITTSBURGH TECHNICALINSTITUTEWhen PTI graduates interview withan employer, they must demonstratethey possess the skills to do the job.Equipping students with these skillsis the cornerstone of the PTI collegeexperience. Soft skills, such as problem solving

and teamwork, span the spectrum ofcareers. However, a student entering the design field requires adifferent set of technical skills than a student entering the med-ical field or pursuing employment in IT, accounting or HVAC.

PTI’s network of hiring managers, faculty, career service personnel, advisory boards, even our graduates provide insightbeyond what we learn from industry reports and forecasts. Thesepersonal connections provide the guidance we need to updatecoursework and develop industry-directed curriculum.

Technical skills vary from career to career and comprise along list that evolves as technology changes how we do our jobs.However, professionalism, evident in these personal traits, per-meates the entire labor market. 1) Personal improvement. As technology changes, so do employer needs.

2) Comfort with technology.Embracing technology is crucial to virtually every profession.

3) Communication skills.Internal and external communications fuel business.

4) Work ethic.This is often cited by employers as the most important traitin hiring decisions.

DR. KENNETH A. SMITHGENEVA COLLEGEWhat skills do you see as crucialfor students to master to be com-petitive in our current and futureeconomy?

Employers highly value employ-ees who can articulate their thoughtsclearly, work cooperatively with col-leagues, and understand their role.To be equipped for success, studentsmust develop:• The ability to communicate.• The ability to work in a team.• The ability to “see the big picture.”• The ability to do excellent work.

It is vital for students to have an educational experiencethat addresses all of these skills equally. A person who doesgreat work but doesn’t work well with others is placed at a dis-advantage. Similarly, someone with an engaging personalitythat can’t identify how to contribute to an organization is likelyto fall short of their goals. However, well-rounded studentswho fully develop their skill set and continually strive for excel-lence are set apart and positioned to be competitive uponentering the workforce.

Geneva College prepares students for success with challeng-ing academics taught from a Christian perspective. Our distinc-tive and innovative programs provide a respected degree withexcellent professional preparation. Our liberal arts core offers abreadth of knowledge while developing essential communicationand problem-solving skills. And our integration of faith and learn-ing equips students to serve where they are called.

DR. ROBERT M. SMITHSLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITYThe world continues to undergo pro-found change. By 2025 it will be avery different place demographically,socially, politically and economically.Global interdependence will driveeverything we do. To be successful,you’ll need to become a globallycompetent citizen.What does that mean in terms of

“skills”? Interpersonal communication skills will be critical. Youwill have to interact with more cultures and people. To be suc-cessful you’ll need to be open to new ideas, be an active listener,and be able to communicate well both in writing and orally andin more than one language.

You should have an exposure to a language other than yournative tongue. There are now more English speaking studentsin China than there are in the United States. These are the peo-ple against whom you will be competing for jobs in the globalmarketplace. You’ll need to be an agile learner. “Knowledge ispower,” but knowledge also quickly goes out of date. To be suc-cessful you’ll need to constantly learn new information andadapt to rapidly changing technology.

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MR. DENNIS WILKEROSEDALE TECHNICALINSTITUTENo matter what occupation you’rein, success requires technical ability,productivity, dependability and aninternal spark. Each of these charac-teristics is equally important, and tobe competitive in the workplaceyou’ve got to show a combination ofall four traits.

Can you do the work? That’s technical ability. You won’t goanywhere without the ability to do the job. This is where youreducation helps you succeed. Choosing the right post-second-ary school that trains you for a career you’ll enjoy is the pathto technical ability.

Can you do it well? That’s productivity. Different than abil-ity, productivity means you can do the job accurately andquickly. To be productive, you must apply enthusiasm andpride to your technical ability. That’s not something you canlearn from a book. But, the key is to choose a career thatsparks your interest.

Can you do it consistently? That’s dependability. All theability and productivity in the world won’t mean a thing, if peo-ple can’t rely on you to consistently perform. There’s a reasonpeople say that 90% of life is just showing up.

And finally, the spark. The desire to succeed. People whosucceed in life are the people who take action. Self-motivation isa powerful force. So, if you want to be competitive in our futureeconomy, find your spark. Find something that you enjoy andwork hard to be an expert in that field. If you’ve got the desire tosucceed and enjoy what you do, you will reap the rewards.

10 spring 2011

I would like to say thank you and congratulations to all of the studentswho participated in the “My Promise to Pittsburgh” contest! The con-test, created by the City, asked students to tell us how they will returnthe ‘promise’ back to Pittsburgh.

I would like to especially acknowledge the students from Carrick,Oliver, and Westinghouse high schools who made it into the top fivemost creative submissions. All of the entries received so many kindcomments from residents on the City of Pittsburgh’s Facebook page.Contest winners had a great time at the Pittsburgh Penguins game andenjoyed the new Consol Energy Center.

I was so impressed with the caliber of entries, that I’ve decided tochallenge students to another “My Promise to Pittsburgh” contest. Thiswas the first year for the contest, and I must say that the bar has beenset very high. But I’m confident that next year we can expect more highschool students to get involved and compete for Penguins tickets!

So again I say ‘well done’ to all the students who took the time topartake in the contest, and I look forward to seeing more promisingentries next year!

“WELL DONE” FROM Mayor Luke Ravenstahl

Luke RavenstahlMayor, City of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh PromiseBoard Member

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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.

What the world needs now is...

You.

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.

12 spring 2011

by Shawn Butler

Complete a FAFSAAn important first step in applying for financial aid at mostcolleges and universities is the Free Application for FederalStudent Aid (FAFSA), which must be completed in order toreceive financial aid and a scholarship from The PittsburghPromise. The Department of Education must receive theFAFSA by April 30 in order to be considered for statefunds. Income tax returns or estimates are needed in orderto complete the application.

The “need analysis” completed by the US Departmentof Education for FAFSA filers determines whether or notstudents qualify for federal aid programs, many scholar-ships, most state awards and low interest student loanprograms based on financial need. Pell and PHEAA grantsrepresent significant sources of funding for qualified stu-dents, depending on the student’s financial need and thecost of attendance at various schools.

The results of the FAFSA determine a student’sExpected Family Contribution (EFC), which is the amountthe student or their family is expected to contribute towardthe cost of paying for school. It is determined by a numberof factors in addition to income. Those include the size ofthe household and how many members of the family areattending school. Financial Aid offices use the Cost ofAttendance and Expected Family Contribution to calculatea student’s financial need. With this as a beginning point,Financial Aid Offices put together a financial aid packageof loans, grants, scholarships and employment to help stu-dents have the resources they need to attend the school oftheir choice. The Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship becomesa part of this financial aid package.

Provide All the Requested InformationIt is essential that all requests for additional information fromthe school be submitted to the Financial Aid office. Financialaid eligibility cannot be determined without the proper doc-umentation that is needed to complete students’ financialaid file. In addition, payment of The Pittsburgh Promisescholarship cannot be made until the file is complete.

Study Your Financial Aid PackageFour types of student aid are usually part of the financialaid package:Scholarships: Money awarded that does not have to bepaid back. It is awarded based on a variety of things suchas academic promise, athletics, music, areas of study suchas science and technology, or affiliations such as church orcommunity based organizations. Grants: Awards that are need-based and that do not haveto be paid back.Work Study: Wages earned by students working on or offcampus to pay for school.Loans: Money borrowed that must be paid back with interest.

Ask Good QuestionsIn what order does the school stack the scholarships,grants, and loans into their aid package? The PittsburghPromise is a “last dollar” scholarship. That means that weask schools to deduct all other grants and scholarshipsfrom the cost of attendance before they deduct ThePromise funds. However, schools are not obligated to do

WHAT YOU SHOULDKNOW ABOUTFINANCIAL AID

As high school seniors begin to contemplate the nextphase of their education, some important steps need tobe taken while the decision about school is considered.The selection of a school will be, for many students, oneof the largest financial decisions they ever make. Assuch, it is smart to evaluate more than one offer—orfinancial aid package—and understand it clearly. To thatend, here are some recommended steps to take andquestions to ask.

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this and may choose to deduct their own funds last whichmay result in the school contributing a smaller amount andreducing the total amount of free money (grants) received.

What are the requirements to continue receiving grantseach year? Some grants require that a student “demon-strate academic progress”, or be in “good” standing. It isimportant to know how the school defines these terms.Other grants have specific G.P.A. minimum requirements.The Pittsburgh Promise scholarship requires students tocomplete a minimum of 20 credits per academic year andmaintain at least a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0. Studentsshould make sure they understand the academic require-ments for each grant they receive.

Does the school package financial aid for freshmen differ-ently than it does for sophomores? Find out if there will beautomatic changes to the financial aid package in year two,especially if the school is providing funding. It is important toknow if the financial aid package being offered is for one yearor all four years of the student’s education.

What role does the student’s choice of housing play in thecost of attendance? Room and board costs vary fromschool to school but average more than $6,000 per year.Opting for private rooms and apartments can increase thisannual expense substantially and add thousands to thefinal cost of attendance. On-campus housing is known toincrease academic success and can be especially helpfulduring the high school to college transition.

Does the financial aid office provide any resources to helppay for books? Many students anticipate receiving refundsfrom their financial aid that they plan to use to pay forbooks. However, it is usually late in the semester beforethese refunds are received. Schools sometimes offer shortterm loans, vouchers or other resources for books. Usedbooks are deeply discounted so students may want to geta list of the required text books early and try to purchasethem second hand.

Does dropping a course impact my financial aid? Droppingclasses or withdrawing mid-semester, or after the add/dropperiod, can jeopardize financial aid if students are thenbelow the credit requirements of scholarship or grant pro-grams. Further, the financial obligation remains. Studentsshould get advice from financial aid and guidance coun-selors before making these decisions.

What other resources does the school offer to support,mentor and guide their students? Ask about the school’sretention rate, graduation rate, and ask for specific informa-tion about what the school offers in the way of academicsupport. It is critical for students to know about theseresources and be able to access them quickly if needed.

Visit These Websiteswww.fafsa.ed.gov, to submit the FAFSA,FREE Application for Federal Student Aid

www.PHEAA.org, the state agency

www.EducationPlanner.org, an award-winning college-planning website

www.EducacionSuperior.org, for Spanish-speaking visitors

www.YouCanDealWithIt.com, a site for students to help them manage financial decisions

Shawn ButlerScholarship ManagerThe Pittsburgh Promise

14 spring 2011

ADVANCED PLACEMENT:

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Applications, SATs, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities are justa few of the terms that swirl through high school students’ heads as they begin thecollege application process. Beyond all of this, there is more that students can do inhigh school before they even begin their college applications to help make them moreattractive candidates. They can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AdvancedPlacement courses are a big deal. Grades received in AP classes outweigh teacherrecommendations, essays, and even college entrance exams. In fact, according to a2001 Admissions Trends Survey by the National Association for College AdmissionCounseling (NACAC), grades in these courses can be the single most important fac-tor in college admission decisions.

The AP program is a nationally recognized set of courses that allow students tostudy in-depth advanced material at an accelerated pace. AP classes are offered formore than 20 subjects and are designed for students who want to experience chal-lenging, college-level courses. At the end of the year-long course, students areencouraged to take the corresponding AP exam. Depending on the college or univer-sity, students who score a 3, 4, or 5 on this exam can receive college credit. Beyondhelping students get accepted to college, AP classes can actually help students suc-ceed in college. By taking AP courses, students are exposed to rigorous material anda higher level of work before even stepping foot in college. A 2007 study by theUniversity of Texas shows that students who earn a 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam arethree times more likely to earn a college degree in four years than those who do not.

Because of the numerous benefits of Advanced Placement, Pittsburgh PublicSchools has set forth three major goals for the District.

Increasing overall participation in AP courses.

Increasing the overall number of students taking AP exams, and;

Increasing the number of students who score a 3 or higher on AP exams.

In order to reach these ambitious goals, the District has created a plan that focuseson training and supporting AP teachers, building awareness of the AP program, andbetter preparing and supporting AP students.

Pittsburgh Public Schools has created additional free support programs so that stu-dents are prepared and successful when they take AP courses. These include: 4 Advanced Placement Review Sessions, which will take place on evenings andweekends in March and April, and are designed to boost students’ confidence priorto taking the AP exams in May4 Advanced Placement Summer Academy, which is a three week intensive summerworkshop taking place July 11-29 at the University of Pittsburgh

Students are encouraged to talk with their teachers, counselors, and parents to deter-mine if AP is a good fit. Contact your school now for more information or visit thePittsburgh Public Schools AP Web site at www.pps.k12.pa.us/AdvancedPlacement.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to read e-mails from former APCalculus students describingtheir smooth transition to engi-neering or physics programs incollege. The challenge now is to grow the number and diver-sity of students flourishing atthe top level. I’m convincedthis is attainable, and amencouraged to see the Districtimplementing new initiatives to make this occur.”JEFF LAURENSONAP Calculus teacher atBrashear High School

“I am excited about my role asan AP Champion. My goal is to make students and parentsmore aware of the benefits ofAdvanced Placement. Success in AP classes builds confidenceand prepares students for rigor-ous college courses. I am inter-ested in finding hardworking andmotivated students who mightnot typically take AP classes and getting them enrolled.”CHRISTINA THOMASTeacher and AP Champion atPerry High School

GETTING YOU ONE STEP CLOSERTO COLLEGE AND YOUR

PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP

Trisha PolingProject Assistant K-12 Gifted and Talented EducationPPS

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“After I graduate from college, I wouldlike to live in the type of Pittsburghthat not only has the remarkablepeople and locations, but alsoembraces its electronic culture byholding more events that will spreadthe knowledge of its “hidden gems.” LAUREN KROWITZCity High Charter School

“Pittsburgh is an amazing city, full ofamazing people. However some ofthese amazing people are beingignored and not receiving the atten-tion they need. I have a vision for acity that is more aware of the hun-dreds of people who are affected by Autism.”SAMANTHA PASHELSchenley High School

“I would like to live in a Pittsburghwhere young men and womenactually believe in their potential—a place where the youth know thatthere is so much more to life thangang violence and drugs.” JOVONNE ROSE-ROBINSONCareer Connections Charter School

“Can you image a better Pittsburgh?A place where neighborhood chil-dren can feel safe? A place wherecollege graduates can have a suc-cessful start in life? How about aplace of hope and achievement?These imaginations are just the fundamental building blocks of reality.”JOURAY JENNINGSOliver High School

“I would also be honored to joinone of the groups who walkaround and clean up the city by picking up trash, painting, and planting flowers—to makePittsburgh a more loving, caring,and respectful city.”DAINOA MANIGUALTWestinghouse High School

“Upon graduation, I intend to findsome sort of job in the field ofcomputer science in Pittsburgh.Afterwards, I hope to start my own company, in which I wouldwork hard to make these ambi-tions, along with others picked up on the way, come true.”JULIAN MCMILLANPerry High School

“I would like to help children of the future to be eligible to receivemore financial aid for college, sothat perhaps they will be able to leave college, get a job, and start saving right away instead of paying back hefty debts.”MAX MURRELLSchenley High School

“…the kind of Pittsburgh I want to live in is one that is drug freeand that presents more rehabili-tation services to drug addicts…I plan on becoming involved withthe prison system in AlleghenyCounty, and helping establishmore extensive and effectiverehabilitation in the prison fordrug and alcohol addicts.”ALYSSA LANEBrashear High School

“I will assemble a diverse team of dedicated people to create an organization whose missionis to introduce the importance of diversity in a child’s life andin work and school settings.” NAOMI RITTERCAPA High School

“I want to be a pioneer in estab-lishing a foundation for doctorsto contribute their time to helppatients without health care.” HEATHER JONESBrashear High School

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Standing Left to Right: Samantha Pashel, Schenley; Julia Killmeyer, Langley; Julian McMillan, Perry; John Dubensky, Perry; Jason Schachter, Langley;

Saleem Ghubril; Phillip Ferguson, Oliver; Max Murrell, Schenley; James O'Donnell; Joseph Shamlin, Carrick; Christopher Price, Peabody; Franco Harris;

Heather Jones, Brashear; Naomi Ritter, CAPA; Alyssa Lane, Brashear; Rachel Pearce, CAPA; Anne Sternberger, Allderdice; Katrina Chiocca, Carrick.

Seated Left to Right: Daiona Manigault, Westinghouse; Kijev James, Westinghouse; Dane Rae King, North Side Urban Pathways;

JoVonne Rose-Robinson, Carreer Connections; Zoe Levenson, Allderdice; Lauren Krowitz, City High.

Not Pictured: Sierra Farmer, Peabody; Jouray Jennings, Oliver.

“A way I could help would be toclean up the grounds where build-ings have been torn down and helpplant trees and grass to show thatPittsburgh is a city of unity.”KATRINA CHIOCCACarrick High School

“In my ideal Pittsburgh we wouldretain the distinctive qualities thatmake our neighborhoods so one-of-a-kind, yet we wouldn’t be afraid tostep out of them from time to timeto have new experiences. We wouldcross a river without hesitation! Wewould see that life is bigger that theblock we live on. And that wouldlead us to realize that different isnot something to fear but embrace.” JOHN MICHAEL DUBENSKYPerry High School

“When I graduate from college Iwould want to live in a nice, cleancity with less crime going on. Iwould love to participate in a crimewatch or a clean-up group to helpPittsburgh be a better City.”SIERRA FARMERPeabody High School

In partnership with American Eagle Outfitters, The Pittsburgh Promise invited the graduating seniors of the class of 2010, who were also eligible Promise Scholars, to write brief essays describing their vision for Pittsburgh, and their commitment tohelp make that vision reality. Below are moving excerpts from 23 entries. We look forward to the day when each of these fine young people is a part of nurturing a future for our city that is indeed full of promise.

“I want my hometown to become aplace where children with chal-lenges are able to receive theattention that is needed, one thatalso offers an outlet for their fami-lies where they are able to sharewhat they are experiencing withothers, where they can get theemotional support so necessary insituations such as theirs. To makethe city of Pittsburgh a betterplace, I am willing to help byopening a medical practice wherechildren with autism and otherdisabilities can get the adequatecare that is needed, where therapysessions are designed to help par-ents and siblings as well.” JULIA KILLMEYERLangley High School

“When I return to Pittsburgh in five years after receiving my master’sdegree for teaching, I would like to come back to form a communityof students who are more eager to take the steps to graduate andfurther their education beyond high school… I would like to start up a student-led organization to get other students throughout thedistrict excited for learning and prepared for success.”RACHEL M. PEARCECAPA High School “I would love to see more parks

and recreation centers openedup for the public use. Childrenneed to get more exercise on adaily basis and if these parksand recreation centers wouldopen they would be able to getthis much needed work-out.” JOSEPH SHAMLINCarrick High School

“I cannot imagine living any-where else when I graduate from college and veterinaryschool. This is my town, onethat encompasses the best of city living…”ANNE STERNBERGERAllderdice High School

MY VISION

“I have a vision for a better Pittsburgh. Four years from now, I havehopes that my hometown will be on the cutting edge of technology, andhave an excess of jobs to offer its residents—all while still remainingenvironmentally friendly.”JASON SCHACHTERLangley High School

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MY VISION “I imagine a city not only known forbridges, the steel mills, the sportsteams, the arts, but also for thegrowth of the Pittsburgh PublicSchools.” ZOE LEVENSONAllderdice High School

“I want to see schools find better, fun,and more enthusiastic ways to teachstudents… I want to see more com-munity involvement where more thanone person or organization helps outwith their neighborhood.”KIJEV M. JAMESWestinghouse High School

“I am so happy to be able to attend college and my vision is to seethat young people take pride in this city, in our schools, our neigh-borhoods and in this wonderful place that we call home.”DANA RAE KINGNorthside Urban Pathways Charter School

“In order to ensure that publicschools in Pittsburgh are in a bet-ter academic state, I am willingto be one of the people to showother students that it will benefitthem to challenge themselves.”CHRISTOPHER PRICEPeabody High School

“The first step that we musttake to reach our bright futureis to create more jobs andkeep the homegrown talentthat we have at home… If wecan keep our talent here inPittsburgh, then we will bewell on our way to becomingthe great city that I envision.”PHILIP FERGUSONOliver High School

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Before the emergence of credit cards, the phrase “I’llhave to wait until payday” to purchase something wasmore frequently stated and followed than it is in today’ssociety. We live in a world of instant gratification and theneed to have things now seems more prevalent. Thismentality has fueled the expansion of the payday lend-ing industry.

Many individuals turn to payday lending and checkcashing outlets in order to borrow funds from a futurepaycheck prior to its receipt. Payday outlets advertisethese loans as quick and easy ways to get cash which isattractive to a growing number of consumers for reasonssuch as unanticipated expenses; lack of financial educationwhich prevents the consumer from creating a realisticworking budget and those who simply have a mistrust orlack of confidence in traditional financial institutions suchas credit unions or banks. They may feel that a financialinstitution can’t help them because of poor or no credithistory or they’ve bounced checks in the past whichhaven’t been repaid and thus prevents them from secur-ing a checking account.

The payday lending debt trap locks borrowers into acycle of revolving credit with an average APR of 400%and fees as high as 1,000% APR. When the paydayloan is due, generally within 14 days, consumers havethe choice to pay it off in full with the postdated checkthey were required to supply at the onset of the loan orpay fees and refinance for another term if available.

Example: In an emergency, Jane needs to pay $300 forher rent. To cover the shortfall, she takes out a paydayloan. She writes a postdated check for $345—the $300owed to her landlord and a $45 payday lender fee.When her paycheck comes in, she discovers that thereisn’t enough to pay back this loan and meet her expensesso, she extends the loan for another two weeks and nowowes $390 due to an additional $45 fee.

In the past few years regulators have made strides totighten payday lending laws throughout the country.

Don’t fall victim. In this case, what may appear con-venient at the time will cost more in the end.

4 Do your research and open an account at a creditunion or a bank that is right for you. Many of these insti-tutions even offer free financial counseling and moneymanagement services to help educate consumers.

4 If there is a history of bounced checks—pay off yourdebt. A number of conventional institutions will give youa second chance.

4 Break the cycle. If you are using payday lenders andcheck cashing facilities, there are other options. Spreadthe word to your friends and families.

Lisa FlorianDirector of Business Developmentand Marketingriverset credit union

DON’T FALL VICTIM TO HIGH COST FINANCIAL SERVICES

PLEASE VOTE!2011 SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS

DISTRICTS 2, 4, 6, and 8MAY17

The Pittsburgh Public School Board makes decisionsthat directly impact every aspect of a child’s education.School Board members are responsible for managingmore than $526 million in Pittsburgh tax dollars.

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But, in the last two School Board elections, fewer than 20percent of all registered voters made the effort to vote.Now, School Board seats are up for re-election in SchoolBoard Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8. This is the year to showyour care by voting on May 17!

GET READY FOR ELECTION DAY. Visit www.votespa.com to confirm that you’re registeredand find your polling place. If you’re a new voter, you mustregister by April 18. Call the Allegheny County Departmentof Elections at 412-350-4150 for any election specificquestions not answered here.

Call 1-877-OUR-VOTE (1-877-687-8683) to find yourpolling place. Bring appropriate identification if you’re afirst-time voter.

KIDS CAN’T VOTE…BUT YOU CAN.Your vote for School Board is a vote for:ProgressStudent SuccessPittsburgh’s FutureYour Investment in SchoolsSchool Board Accountability

22 spring 2011

RO S E D A L E

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“ When I first started at PTI I thought it was just about getting my degree, but now as I’m graduating I realize it’s more about getting real-life experience and hands-on training to start a great life.

Trevin G.Langley High School graduatePTI Hospitality student

”

24 spring 2011

INSIDE PPS

PITTSBURGHOBAMA

In this issue of the IdeaPod we feature the students of four of the Pittsburgh Public Schools:Pittsburgh Obama High School;Pittsburgh Science and Technology High School;Pittsburgh Milliones High School;Pittsburgh Peabody High School. Photographs by Josh Franzos.

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PITTSBURGHSCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

26 spring 2011

PITTSBURGHMILLIONES

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PITTSBURGHPEABODY

28 spring 2011

Your future looks promising, and Penn State can open doors. Take advantage of all we offer to help you achieve your potential.

> Twenty campuses and more than 160 majors for undergraduates

> Tools for success: academic advising, career planning, internships, scholarships and other funding options

> Leadership opportunities through a variety of student organizations

> Resources for multicultural students: educational services, guidance, support

Contact one of our campuses and take the first step toward fulfilling your promise.

Promise fulfilled.

Penn State BeaverMonaca, PA724-773-3800, 877-JOIN-PSUbeaver.psu.edu

Penn State Erie, The Behrend CollegeErie, PA814-898-6100, 866-374-3378behrend.psu.edu

Penn State Greater AlleghenyMcKeesport, PA412-675-9010ga.psu.edu

Penn State New KensingtonNew Kensington, PA724-334-LION (5466) 888-968-PAWS (7297)nk.psu.edu

Pittsburgh Community Recruitment CenterPittsburgh, PA412-263-2900E-mail: pghcrc@psu.edu

Penn State ShenangoSharon, PA724-983-2800 shenango.psu.edu

PENN STATE IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

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CIERA2008 UPMC Scholarof The Pittsburgh PromiseRobert Morris University

1901 Centre AvenueSuite 204Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219www.pittsburghpromise.org

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NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPITTSBURGH, PAPERMIT NO. 205