Priority Areas

University of Pittsburgh’s Horizon Scholars offers comprehensive support to prospective and current students who have experienced the foster care system, helping them navigate their educational journey at the University of Pittsburgh. This collaborative effort is led by the Educational Outreach Center and the Office of the Provost, in partnership with the School of Public Health, School of Social Work, and the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. This campus support program aims to tackle the distinctive challenges faced by Horizon Scholars that impede persistence, retention, and graduation. To do so, the program provides a wide range of support services including housing support, academic coaching, financial wellness support, employment and internship opportunities, social/emotional support, resource navigation, mentorship, and more.

Human Services Center Mon Valley’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is available to low-income students going into their senior year of high school at East Allegheny, McKeesport Area, Penn Hills, West Mifflin Area, and Woodland Hills High Schools. Staff are placed in the high schools, where they regularly meet with students individually. Staff help students identify their interests and strengths and create action plans catered to their specific goals. They provide support on the FAFSA, college applications, scholarships, and financial aid. Students attend job shadows, college tours, and college fairs throughout the program year. Staff provide case management to ensure students have the support they need to achieve their goals.

Open Field leverages the global game of soccer to improve the lives and futures of more than 400 youth from immigrant, refugee, and other marginalized communities in Allegheny County. The Future Forward program provides teenagers with pathways to higher education through organized soccer competitions, enrichment workshops, and year-round mentoring. The College Program partners with the Community College of Allegheny County to operate a club soccer team to attract, retain, and support students to earn a degree and increase opportunities for economic mobility.

Neighborhood Allies partners with Advantage Credit Counseling Service to provide free, confidential credit counseling and debt management at the Allegheny County Financial Empowerment Center (FEC). Economic Opportunity initiatives like the FEC position households to take transformational actions by accessing the resources and support they need to achieve long-term, sustained financial well-being and build generational wealth. A partnership between the FEC and Community College of Allegheny County will bring financial counseling to students, helping them to stabilize their financial situation, remain enrolled, and graduate.