STO – Dollar Bank EITC Funding
For publication: February 24, 2020 This is a presentation by Dollar Bank for EITC funding that was allocated to Sto-Rox Jr/Sr High School. Mr. Jeffrey Robol and Mr. Tim Ayersman from Dollar Bank presented Mr. Scott Albert with a check that provides Sto-Rox Jr/Sr High School the opportunity to participate in the U Can B Program. Mr. Albert provides guest speakers to Mrs. Marshall’s Career and Entrepreneurship classes as well as walks them through several online activities to enhance their career and academic research. Pictured above is Scott Albert, Jeffrey Robol, Tim Ayersman, Dawn Marshall and State Rep Anita Kulik. Entrepreneurs and businesspeople, along with the non-profit organization Building Bridges for Business, are giving local students the chance to see what life is like after high school and college. The U can B Curriculum is tailored to meet our school’s needs, and allows each curriculum component to be expanded or contracted to fit within a specific number of weeks based on the strengths and weaknesses of the class. Classes included in the U can B curriculum include: Entrepreneurship Trades and Careers in the Trades Technology – Website design and SEO Technology – Careers in IT and web design Technology – Graphic Design and Animation Film, Television and New Media Science – Green and Sustainable practices and careers Science – Veterinarian Study and Animal Related Careers Science – Healthcare and Careers in Healthcare Government and Politics U can B – Career Preparation and Networking U can B – Soft skills and Leadership and...
read more#UcanB – Teaching STEM and Entrepreneurship
UcanB kicked off its 5th year at This Pittsburgh High School in October. This year’s #UcanB Career Education Program featured a series of STEM teachers and guest speakers who visited The Business & Career Planning Class on a bi-weekly basis throughout the school year. Presentation topics will include Science, Entrepreneurship, Business Ethics, Careers in IT, Careers in Criminal Justice and more!...
read moreOnline Learning and Certifications – Starting a Business, Non Profit, and Many More
Advantages Of Online Learning It’s the time of year when people look back on 2018 and begin planning their training needs for 2019. To any business, knowledge is its greatest asset and the biggest key to achieving business goals. How can you better prepare your teams to perform in a highly competitive environment? Through training. During our in person events, we often hear questions about how to start a business, should I start a non-profit, do you know a good CPA, who is good at raising funds? In 2019, we are committed to providing you with online resources. We reviewed many online learning platforms, took the courses ourselves and are now offering online courses. Check out our on-line course tab on our website. All courses… • are designed for a wide array of learners • combine interactive exercises, videos, and real-world examples or case studies • provides access to an expert in a related field who will answer your questions within 24-hours—through “Ask the Expert” feature • have been approved for CFRE and/or CEU credits among others • are available 24/7 via the Mobile app What are the top 5 benefits of on-line learning? 1. You can learn whatever you want! With online education, you can take any program or course present in traditional four-year universities. For example, let’s say you’re mostly interested in starting a non profit or growing your for – profit business. All it takes is a Google search for such online course, and you’ll easily find the online programs offered by some of the most prestigious universities from all around the world. The great variety of online programs and courses is a huge advantage of this type of education. It doesn’t matter where you live and what you want to study – you can always find a suitable course or even a degree program that you can follow from home. 2. Comfort. Forget about attending classes for hours, sitting in an uncomfortable chair, and suffering from back pain by the end of the day. You will not be bound to physical class session when you opt for online education. All lectures and needed materials are provided via online platforms, so you’ll easily access them from the comfort of your home. 3. Online courses look great on a resume. It doesn’t matter where your career stands at this moment; an online program will always look good on your resume. It will show potential employers that you’re committed to learning and you’re eager to obtain more knowledge and new skills. 4. Self-paced...
read moreGive Big Pittsburgh – Building Bridges for Business
https://www.givebigpittsburgh.com/organizations/building-bridges-for-business Thanks to you 19,427 students across the region received UcanB career education and FREE online career portfolios last year. On behalf of them, thank you for supporting career education for our youth. This year-end, we are fortunate to have a donor who will match 100% of the donations received in our online campaign. I recently helped a young lady named Diamond, find a job right out of high school We hosted a job fair after providing career education and soft skills courses at her school for the entire school year. Diamond knew that college wasn’t the next step and was able to get a good paying job close to her home. Without your help, Diamond and many other children may not have the resources to find career help. Today, she is working and planning her next career move. The stories range from very challenged communities to well-supported communities. As we all know, the more great advice and support, students and families receive the better their future will be. Every day, your support makes stories like Diamond’s possible. Today, we’re launching our 2018 Year-End Campaign. Our goal is to help an additional 5,000 students get additional career education, hands-on activities, online career portfolios, and interactive discussions and even lunch with industry experts. You see, even though we helped over 19,000 students last year there are still thousands of students that we couldn’t help because we don’t have the resources to do so. Thank you for your support. ...
read moreBuilding Bridges Year in Review
#UcanB continues to serve as the organization’s flagship program. Over 100 local businesses, non-profits, schools and government agencies participated in this year’s #UcanB Program. Our partners at US Probation & Pretrial Services continued to speak with our students about Careers in Criminal Justice; and this year the US Probation team expanded its scope of service to include presentations on Internet Safety, Keeping a Clean Criminal Record and more. The staff at UPMC deployed speakers into our classrooms: a nurse visited students to discuss the Realities of Direct Care, and a member of the executive team gave a Corporate Overview of a Large Health System. Students and staff from schools such as Penn State University, The University of Pittsburgh, Bidwell Training Center, Point Park University and New Century Careers all spoke with and met with #UcanB students to share information on higher education options. Western Pa’s Trade Unions and Apprenticeship Programs all got involved this year as representatives from the electrician’s, carpenter’s, sheet metal worker’s, laborer’s, heavy equipment operators’, iron worker’s and painter’s unions all visited #UcanB students! Local school district’s embraced the #UcanB Program like never before. PA Department of Education’s passing of the Career Education & Work Readiness (CEW) Standards required schools to provide intensive career services. Many of the school systems had never provided career courses. #UcanB’s existing school partners helped fine-tune services provided specifically to 8th and 11th grade students as these are targeted age groups for the CEW standards. Hopewell, Shaler and Pittsburgh Public Schools put together schedules for ALL 8th grade students to participate in #UcanB’s Career Portfolio and Career Assessment classes. Sto-Rox High School, Carlynton High School and Clayton Academy partnered with #UcanB to organize Hiring Events and Career Fairs to meet the employment needs of upperclassmen in the high schools. Springdale High School partnered with #UcanB to create a Lunch ‘n’ Learn series for 11th grade students. #UcanB greatly increased the number of service hours provided to many of its existing school districts, but still managed to forge new partnerships with schools in the Chartiers Valley, Springdale and Pittsburgh Public School districts. In addition, #UcanB has initiated plans to expand into the following areas this coming school year: Pittsburgh’s Hill District, East Liberty, Northgate, Pittsburgh’s Allderdice High School, CAPA and Avalon High School. Workforce Development Program Summary While #UcanB met the needs of dozens of school districts and thousands of local students, Building Bridges’ Workforce Development Team continued to provide employment and training opportunities to the community at-large. The Workforce Team expanded its efforts with State Representative Dan Deasy to provide job placement to residents of Pittsburgh’s West End communities. Workforce Development also continued its partnership with US Probation & Pretrial Services of Western PA to help serve the needs of men and women returning home from prison to Pittsburgh neighborhoods. The year concluded for Building Bridges for Business’ Workforce Development Program with two days of pre-release employment seminars at the Bureau of Prisons location in Morgantown, WV. The Pittsburgh Business Community supported workforce development activities in a similar fashion to the support it provided to #UcanB. Businesses and organizations, large and small, joined Building Bridges for Career and Hiring Events in Beechview, West End, West View and Northside. I.B.E.W. Local 5, The Builders Guild of Western PA, Allegheny County Sheriffs, Pittsburgh...
read moreUcanB provides a look inside Hiring Companies
The Pittsburgh Community rallied around the #UcanB Career Education Program. A vast array of organizations and individuals contributed to help educate youth. More than 50 guest speakers from more than 50 local organizations and businesses visited #UcanB classrooms, participated in #UcanB events and hosted #UcanB students for tours. This allowed #UcanB the opportunity to expose students to a multitude of career paths and job opportunities. Students met with a diverse group of businesses representing government, retail, IT, entrepreneurship, military, media, advanced manufacturing and more! Some of the programs at Propel Braddock over the years are described below. Erik Ross of Bitcore and Scott Albert from #UcanB led a STEM seminar at Propel Braddock. Students in the Media and Technology Courses at Propel Braddock participated in the program. This included 10th-12th grade students who are preparing for and learning skills needed to compete in the IT, Media and/or Gaming Industries. Topics for the seminar included Careers in IT, Careers in Media, IT Skills Needed to Succeed, Video Game Design and Entrepreneurship. The #UcanB Program at Propel Braddock ended with one of the year’s most unique presentations. Drew Cady, Sound Engineer for Seismic Island Labs in Seattle, concluded the 5-week IT seminar with a Skype presentation for students. The accomplished sound engineer, whose experiences include sound design for Pirates of the Caribbean and Finding Nemo, shared with students the creativity process he now applies to the video game series Guild Wars 1 & Guild Wars 2. Mr. Cady shared videos of his team creating sound effects out of everyday items such as cardboard boxes, musical instruments, animal calls, and even scrap metal turned to fireballs! Every student in the class had the opportunity to ask specific questions. Mr. Cady was very gracious with the time he spent with each student. In addition to the presentations, every student at Propel Braddock received a FREE online career portal accounts. This most recent UcanB program at Propel Braddock was made possible through the generous support of the Verizon Foundation. Previous to that, the program was made possible through the suport of the Education Foundation. Classes in 2018, focused on careers in entrepreneurship, the entertainment industry, softskills and networking, and careers in criminal justice. Recent speakers included: Aaron Aldrich – Bridgeway Capital Lee Davis – Presidental Award Winner, Braddock Native, and Entrepreneur Julius Boatwright – Julius Boatwright, MSW, LSW – Person-Centered Community Servant – Will Allen Foundation Jessica Albert – US Probation – Careers in Criminal...
read moreThank you UcanB Speakers
As another successful UcanB school year comes to a close, I would like to take a minute to thank the people who make our Career Education Program possible. Our guest speakers share invaluable, real-life experiences with local 6-12th grade students to help our kids better understand the realities and expectations of future careers. The following individuals helped educate thousands of Western Pennsylvania students throughout the 2017-18 school year… Rocco Cozza – The Cozza Company Shannon Krohe – UPMC Health Plan Domenic Mantella – I Got a Guy Solutions Gino Palmosina – Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith’s Office Joe Martelli – BOSS Labor Group Joe Ellis – UPMC Magee Dan Deasy – PA State Representative Jessica Albert – US Probation & Pretrial Services David Holzer – Pittsburgh Combat Club Erik Ross – Bitcore Jessica Lee – Jazz Vocalist/Vive Venture Jim Gabriel – Sevan Multi-Site Solutions Traci York – Career Training Academy Walt Bentley – Local 5 Electricians Union Dan Quigley – Quigley Photography Paul Sheldon – Dreamosophy Patrick Sullivan – Civil Environmental Consultants Erin Long – Omni William Penn Ross Acuri – Brightwood Career Institute Breanna Logan – Student @ Penn State University Anita Williams – Penn State University Greg Hojdila – Local 712 Electricians Union Julius Boatwright – Steel Smiling Lee Davis – Lee Davis & Associates Earl Lamar – Mon Valley Initiative Aaron Aldrich – Bridgeway Capital Amy LaSota – Bidwell Training Center Anjali Martin – Partner4Work/Learn n Earn Cheyenne Lamar – Partner4Work/Learn n Earn James Protin – Mackin Engineering/Author & Speaker Patrick Stefano – PA State Senator Alexander Nichols – Omega Business Consulting Camera Chatham Bartolotta – PA State Senator Corey O’Connor – Pittsburgh City Councilman Students from dozens of local school districts participated in guest presentations. These included Pittsburgh Public Schools, Sto-Rox, Springdale, Carlynton, Hopewell, Propel Schools, Clayton Academy, Belle Vernon, Laurel Highlands and more! Pictured below are some highlights from guest presentations. Jessica Albert of US Probation & Pretrial Services of Western Pennsylvania discussed Careers in Criminal Justice with students at Hopewell Junior High. Mrs. Albert visited Hopewell School District twice this school year. She also spoke with students at Sto-Rox High School, Springdale High School, Carlynton High School, Westinghouse Summer School and Propel Braddock High School. Chief US Probation Officer Belinda Ashley spoke with students at Pittsburgh Classical Academy. US Probation and #UcanB were solid partners throughout the year. Our two organizations also partnered to organize and host a community career fair on behalf of State Representative Dan Deasy and PA Senator Wayne Fontana. Julius Boatwright of Steel Smiling visits students at Propel Braddock High School. Mr. Boatwright also visited Clayton Academy Middle School students. His presentations included a career overview and a message to give back to the community. Julius Boatwright was both informative and inspiring for our #UcanB students. We look forward to having him back as a partner for the 2018-19 school year. State Representative Dan Deasy has been a regular guest speaker for the #UcanB Career Education Program for three years now. Mr. Deasy visited Sto-Rox for the second year in a row to discuss Careers in Government & Politics. He has also visited Pittsburgh Classical Academy. In addition, our organization and Rep. Deasy have partnered to host a number of career fairs and hiring events for adults in Pittsburgh’s West...
read moreBuilding Bridges Announces UcanB Program exceeds Career Education and Work Standards
Building Bridges Announces UcanB Program exceeds Career Education and Work Standards Building Bridges for Business’ Education Department provides career education and job placement to thousands of Western Pennsylvania’s middle and high school students via its UcanB Program. UcanB began this programming with 1 school (Keystone Oaks High School) and 20 students in 2013. The program now partners with 30 school districts and thousands of students who rely heavily on the services, resources and education provided by UcanB. This project and partnerships with many local foundations and companies allow 6th – 12th grade students to see what life is like after high school or college. UcanB’s provision of these services is critical to student development and the needs of every school district in the State of Pennsylvania. In 2017, Pennsylvania’s Department of Education instituted its Career Education and Workplace (CEW) Standards, which require all school districts to provide education in the areas of career awareness, career exploration and job readiness. Pennsylvania school districts now must document and report CEW Standards classroom activities for all 5th, 8th and 11th grade students. UcanB makes this easy for its educational partners because this is exactly the type of career education the UcanB Program has been providing for four years. Schools across the region call UcanB team members to be able to meet and exceed these standards. For example, all of UcanB’s 8th grade students receive digital career portfolio’s that are developed with the guidance of a UcanB instructor and a classroom teacher designated by the individual school. The portfolios house all student documents related to career education such as Copies of Career Assessments, Documentation of Career Research, Resumes, Letter of Reference, Test Scores & Grades, Extra Curricular Activities and a College Tracker list, that allows students to follow colleges and universities for info, open house announcements and scholarship opportunities. At the time of audit, school teachers and administrators can go directly to student’s portfolios and download all documents that demonstrate CEW Standards have been met. The Pittsburgh Community has rallied around the UcanB Career Education Program in support of this effort. A vast array of organizations and individuals contribute to help educate youth in Western Pennsylvania. More than 50 local groups participate in Opportunity Fairs hosted by UcanB students and parents and guardians. This allows UcanB the opportunity to expose students to a multitude of career paths and job opportunities. Students also meet with a diverse group of businesses representing government, retail, IT, entrepreneurship, military, media, advanced manufacturing and more! This provides realistic exposure to high-demand career paths, opportunities for mentorship and a ‘live’, active learning environment which immerses students in the study of career...
read moreUcanB – 8th Grade – Highlight
Students begin 8th grade as children and leave 8th grade as young adults. Eighth grade tends to be an odd and often awkward school year for most young people. Social pressure sets in as kids really try to figure out who they are and who they want to be. Many 8th grade students make decisions about the extracurricular activities they will carry on in high school while others continue to dabble in a variety of options trying to make up their minds. It is a transition year full of self-exploration and choice. By the end of the school year, 8th grade students are asked to select their high school courses in accordance to their career interests while many have not thought that far ahead. (Post by Scott Albert, Vice President – UcanB Career Education) Eight graders who participate in Pittsburgh’s #UcanB Career Education Program receive guidance, resources and mentors to augment their Career Education. At Shaler Area Middle School, just north of Pittsburgh, 8th grade students meet every Monday with a #UcanB instructor. The #UcanB instructor guides Shaler’s 8th graders through a series of career assessments and discussions related to work, college, military or apprenticeship. All students leave the #UcanB program with a digital career portfolio, which they can continue to use throughout high school. At Hopewell Junior High, another Pittsburgh-area school, 8th graders also develop a digital career portfolio with #UcanB, but their program is supplemented with a series of guest speakers as well. Professionals from the US District Court, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Penn State University and Natural Capitalism Solutions have visited Hopewell’s 8th grade classes to discuss various career paths, green technologies, STEM degrees and the importance of safe social media. Pittsburgh Public Schools also participates in the #UcanB Career Education Program. For example, 8th grade students at Pittsburgh Classical Academy (PCA) participate in a version of #UcanB that is very similar to Shaler’s #UcanB class. PCA’s 8th graders spend every other Friday in a computer lab with their #UcanB instructor. The students complete a battery of O*Net career assessments and use the results of these assessments in the development of their digital career portfolios. These are three examples of over thirty Pennsylvania school districts that have adopted a version of #UcanB. As Pennsylvania’s requirements for Career Education and Work Standards (CEW) have recently changed, school districts find great value in their partnerships with #UcanB. The 8th grade classes are of particular importance. The #UcanB Program assists 8th graders with their transitions from middle to high school; #UcanB also assures that school districts meet the newly adopted CEW goals and outcomes. Every 8th grade #UcanB student completes the #UcanB Program with a Digital Career Portfolio, a Basic Resume, a Complete O*Net Career Assessment & Profile and Documented Participation Career-related Classroom Presentations, which are conducted by outside professionals. Some 14 year olds leave the 8th grade with very definite decisions and a game-plan for high school. Others are continuing to explore options. The #UcanB Program meets these young people where they are. The resources provided via #UcanB help some of these young adults to advance their plan while the same resources help other 8th grade students to continue exploration. While #UcanB serves many students in grades 6-12, the #UcanB organization is particularly proud...
read moreMay is Careers Month for UcanB
Career education has been provided by UcanB for several years – inschool – after school and in summer programs. May is Careers Month for #UcanB Students. Below is a list of upcoming events. Career Weeks, Careers Days and Career Month !! May 7-10 is Career Week @ Sto-Rox High School. Mini Career Fairs will take place everyday in the school cafeteria from 11:00-12:30. Employers & schools will have tables set up. May 14-18 is Career Week @ Hopewell Junior High. In-class presentations every morning from 8:55-10:30. Speakers will present to back-to-back groups of 8th graders. May 21 is Career Day at CAPA. Seeking presenters to discuss Artistic Careers. May 23 is the Career Fair at Carlynton High School. Throughout the day in the school’s gym. May 30 is the Career Fair and Cookout at Clayton High in the North Side. Fair is from 10-12…cookout immediately after. May 30 we will also have #UcanB speakers at Career Day at Environmental Charter School. Each school will share careers and also soft skill education for students provided by UcanB. The summary findings for the Allegheny Conference /US Chamber of Commerce report: Recent college graduates and employers agree that soft skills are important for workplace success. There is a gap between how prepared recent college graduates think they are, and how prepared employers find them to be. Recent college graduates and employers differ on which soft skills are most important. Recent college graduates and employers differ greatly on which soft skills merit training. Recent college graduates and employers agree that a certificate course in soft skills training would be beneficial for college...
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