U can B – program details
U can B – programs and efforts align with nationwide trends. Americans have always taken pride in having the best-educated workforce in the world, but now that is no longer true. In Tough Choices, Tough Times, the New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce reports that over the past 30 years one country after another has surpassed the United States in the percentage of its population entering the workforce with the equivalent of a high school diploma, and many more countries are on the verge of doing so. Thirty years ago, the U.S. could lay claim to having 30 percent of the world’s population of college students. Today that proportion has fallen substantially, to 14 percent, and continues to decline. American students place anywhere from the middle of the pack to the bottom in all three continuing comparative studies of achievement in mathematics, science, and general literacy among advanced industrial nations.Students from low-income families are six times more likely not to finish high school than those from high-income families. Building Bridges is a 501(c)3 organization that educates and empowers through: • Live and virtual business education and workshops • Coffee With Film Series on CBS/KDKA digital with a 1.4 M home reach. • U can B teaching program • Student portal with data analytics • and Building the Bridges across the business and workforce ecosystem. Our mission is to strengthen the economic vitality of the region by providing educational programming and opportunities for small business and students to connect with vital resources. The U can B program highlights – • Proven curriculum – Taught in school and after school programs. • “Coffee With…” videos and in person interactive discussions are used to educate students on their purpose, passion and career options. • Educational programming – for students to connect with vital business resources. The students that U can B reaches will use the analytics dashboard that allows schools to follow participating students, gain meaningful and measurable analytics, and keep up with them longitudinally as they progress. • Follow Students • Internal Messaging • Post OpportunitiesImpact • See How They Compare • Show Certifications • Organize Achievements • Geographic Data • Skills Breakdown • Test Score...
read more3 Women Shaping the World of STEM
Even though they make up nearly half of the overall workforce, women fill fewer than a quarter of the STEM jobs in the US. In 2013, only 26% of computing professionals were female. While these numbers aren’t favorable, things are gradually changing. Thanks to programs that encourage young women and girls’ interests in science-based subjects at school, more women are making waves in STEM fields. Below are a few of the inspirational women leading the way for the future of women in science. Marissa Mayer: CEO at Yahoo, former Google engineer As Google’s first female engineer, Marissa Mayer has helped to break down the stereotypes that prevent women from entering the field in a major way. She says, “People ask me all the time: ‘What is it like to be a woman at Google?’ I’m not a woman at Google, I’m a geek at Google. And being a geek is just great.” For Mayer, the key to success was pursuing her passion no matter how great the obstacle. “I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough. Sometimes that’s a sign that something really good is about to happen. You’re about to grow and learn a lot about yourself.” Isis Anchalee, software engineer This 22-year-old engineer created the viral hashtag #iLookLikeAnEngineer which spread globally in over 50 countries and started millions of conversations around the world about the stereotypes that exist in STEM field. In an article for the Washington Post, Isis said, “Gender diversity challenges seem to be what mainstream media has picked up on the most. While I think that it is absolutely wonderful that this has sparked so many positive discussions about the way that women are treated in STEM, I want to clarify that #iLookLikeAnEngineer is intentionally radically inclusive. It’s not just about me and it’s not just about women. #iLookLikeAnEngineer is about anyone and everyone who wants to pursue STEM, regardless of their external appearances.” Elizabeth Holmes, Health Technology entrepreneur As the CEO of Theranos, a company that has developed a new method of blood testing, Holmes is proving that gender and age aren’t factors when it comes to being a major force in the healthcare field as well as the business world. Holmes studied chemistry before dropping out of Stanford University during her sophomore year to start her company. At age 31 she made Forbes’ Billionaires List as the youngest self-made female billionaire. Role models like these women are helping to break down the barriers for girls thinking about careers in STEM. In addition, we must focus on continuing to encourage young girls to pursue the careers they are passionate about. According to Fortune Magazine, “early exposure is crucial, as interest in STEM fields in general during high school is associated with the ultimate pursuit of an engineering or computing education or career.” Programs like U can B are looking to do just that. With courses in science and technology, students grades 6-12 are inspired to pursue their passions, no matter what their gender. Together, we can help more girls pursue rewarding careers in...
read moreTax Credits for your Company
Building Bridges for Business Announces Participation in PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Support education while helping your company’s financial position. What is EITC? A PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) program that provides state tax credits to eligible businesses for charitable contributions made to Building Bridges for Business and their teaching program U can B. Is my business eligible? If you do business in Pennsylvania and pay any of several corporate taxes, the answer is Yes. How can I make EITC work for me and my business? Visit the PA DCED website for EITC Guidelines and access to DCED’s electronic Single Application system. Once you are approved* by DCED, make your contribution Building Bridges for Business. What’s the bottom line? Tax credits equal to 75% of your contribution up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year; can be increased to 90% of your contribution, if your business agrees to provide the same amount for two consecutive tax years. *Applications are approved on a first-come-first-served basis by date received, and approved until available tax credits are exhausted. EITC – Tax Credits. How to apply – Check out the online Application process here. https://www.newpa.com/programs/educational-improvement-tax-credit-program-eitc/ Email us at...
read moreGerman Dual Apprenticeship Program in Pittsburgh
The skills training system in Germany is a widespread and popular way to prepare young people to be effective contributors in the workplace. In the German dual training model, theory and practice are combined in a nationally standardized curriculum designed for each of 300+ careers; a young person is employed by a company in a training position and, at the same time, is also enrolled in a vocational educational program to acquire needed classroom knowledge. The two parallel experiences reinforce each other. No other apprenticeship system is as widely applied and successful as the German system. Every year, 1.5 million people train in the German system. Because of this, Germany enjoys the lowest youth unemployment of any industrialized nation (7.1%), and youth unemployment far below the United States (16.8%) and the Eurozone average (22.3%). This approach has been adapted for use in the United States, often with support from the German Embassy’s Skills Initiative. One example is South Carolina, where German-owned companies faced a shortage of skilled workers to fill open positions that offered good pay, job security and a career path. The same problem exists in Pittsburgh, where some of the local employers cannot easily find the right mix of skills and education in job candidates. At the same time, Pittsburgh’s youth unemployment rate remains at 18% (above the national average) because of the skills gap that exists. In order to address this need, the partnership between Building Bridges for Business and the Pittsburgh chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce has adapted the German dual training model for application in the Pittsburgh area. The project connects young people seeking skills training and employment with apprenticeship programs at Pittsburgh area companies. The apprenticeship program, facilitated by Building Bridges and the GACC involves time split between traditional classroom education and on-the-job training in the field that the trainee is interested in. The trainees are recruited as high school seniors, and they will be given the opportunity to finish their high school degree during the program. The curriculum for the program is based on the existing standardized German curriculum for each profession. The goal is that at the end of the program, the trainee will have a job waiting for them in the skill area from their host company, and the company will have a well-trained future employee so that both employer and trainee will benefit from the program. As a result of that, the local economy will have more resilient companies with a globally-minded, competitive workforce, and lower youth unemployment....
read moreU can B and Pittsburgh Perry High School Opportunity Fair
Pittsburgh Perry High School and local nonprofit, Building Bridges for Business, hosts Opportunity Fairs for parents, students and local employers. Building Bridges for Business, Perry High School and the Pittsburgh Public Schools will host the Opportunity Fair at Perry High School in the Northside of Pittsburgh, PA. Councilwoman Darlene Harris said, “I’d like to thank the Pittsburgh Public Schools and Building Bridges for organizing this unique event. It is important for the city’s youth to know that there are great opportunities for blue and white collar jobs on the North Side, and throughout the Pittsburgh region. I encourage both parents and students to attend.” The Perry High School – Opportunity Fair will be held in March 15, 2016 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Perry High School cafeteria. Employers and recruiters will give information to potential employees. Both adults and student job seekers can attend the Opportunity Fair on March 15, 2016. Parents and students are encouraged to bring a resume and apply for positions that evening. Parents and students will be able to meet with 15+ employers including The City of Pittsburgh, Modcloth, Bidwell, Rosedale Technical College, Goodwill, Allegheny Health Network, Job Corps, The Program for Offenders, UPS, Atlas Dreams Languages, US District Court, Logix Guru, American Income Life and local Northside businesses. Building Bridges for Business is a 501©3 organization providing career education via their program U can B. U can B has 80+ weeks of curriculum meeting the Pennsylvania State Education Association teaching standards. The U can B program also uses their Coffee With Show videos and in person speakers to engage students. 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. Building Bridges for Business will host several other Opportunity Fair events throughout Allegheny County. Every event will provide access to education and the region’s amazing business resources. Details of the organization’s history and programs can be found on www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org. Contact for the Press Release Ebony Pugh, Public Information Officer, Pittsburgh Public Schools Work phone is 412-529-3616 and cell...
read moreYouth & Entrepreneurship: Progressing Past Lemonade Stands
Youth entrepreneurship is growing rapidly in the United Staes and internationally. These stories prove that kids can be just as impactful in the business world as adults! With programs like U can B, we can prepare the next generation for college and beyond. More importantly, we can start unburying their passions today instead of tomorrow. Age is just a number. Let’s teach our kids there’s nothing they can’t master with a little knowledge and hard work. After that, we’ll see more and more youth entrepreneurial success stories, just like these! Rachel Zietz: Gladiator Lacrosse In 2013 at the age of 13, Rachel Zietz founded Gladiator Lacrosse. As a lacrosse player herself, Rachel found that sports equipment was too expensive and not particularly durable. To solve this problem, she has created a line of quality and affordable rebounders and practice goals for lacrosse players. Three years after its founding, Gladiator Lacrosse generated more than $1 million in revenue and Rachel was honored as one of the finalists for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Entrepreneur Award. Moziah Bridges: Mo’s Bows Moziah is only 14 years old, but he is already the CEO of his own company! Fueled by his love for fashion, this dapper CEO launched his own bow-tie business at age 9. Since its launch, Mo’s Bows has been featured on the Steve Harvey Show, the Today Show, Good Morning America, and Shark Tank. Mo hand picks every fabric and approves every visual element, and has sold more than $300,000 worth of bow ties and men’s accessories. Additionally, he’s dedicated to giving back to society. In 2012, Moziah started “go mo!” a charity focused on sending Memphis children to summer camp. Youth entrepreneurial success stories don’t have to be headline news. As technology and society advances, our education system needs to follow. That’s where programs like U can B come in. With courses in entrepreneurship, students grades 6-12 can be inspired from a young age to create their own opportunities in life! Together, we can make these types of success stories a prominent part of our culture, and not so taboo. Investing in our youth is investing in everyone’s future....
read moreGACCPIT’s First Annual Ice Gala Was a Great Success!
The German American Chamber of Commerce, Pittsburgh Chapter (GACCPIT) was founded in 2015 to promote and support bilateral trade between Germany and the U.S. On January 30, 2016, the GACCPIT held its first annual Ice Gala at the newly-renovated Energy Innovation Center. More than 170 members and friends of the German-American business community came to celebrate the sold-out gala. The attendees enjoyed music by the River City Brass Band, cuisine from top chef, Mike Twigg of the Teutonia Maennerchor, Penn Brewery’s Award-winning beer, and top-rated German wine. The Ice Gala also included an Ice Room with ice sculptures designed by Mastro Ice, authentic Glühwein and a few surprises to create an Alpine-themed winter market. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Scott Lammie, CFO of the Ice Gala Presenting Sponsor UPMC Health Plan, Congressman Tim Murphy and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. Ongoing tours of the Energy Innovation Center, whose mission is focused on sustainability and workforce development, were offered to provide a look at the building and its organizations. Proceeds of the gala benefit the dual training apprenticeship program that the GACCPIT has initiated together with U can B. In the apprenticeship program, high school students receive both classroom instruction and on-the-job time at a company. The theory they learn in class is reinforced by the practice at work. They also learn work habits and responsibility and, if all goes well, absorb the culture of the company. And both employer and employee generally hope it will lead to a permanent job—for employers, apprentices are a crucial talent pool. The pilot with the German-owned company VEKA was kicked off in January 2016. More companies will follow this year. More information on the GACCPIT and its events and projects can be found on www.gaccpit.com. For more information on U can B – email...
read moreOpportunity Fair for Parents and Students
Perry High School and local non profit, Building Bridges for Business, hosts Opportunity Fairs for parents, students and local employers. Building Bridges for Business, Perry High School and the Pittsburgh Public Schools will host the Opportunity Fair at Perry High School in the Northside of Pittsburgh, PA. Parents and students will be able to apply for jobs. Councilwoman Darlene Harris said, “I’d like to thank the Pittsburgh Public Schools and Building Bridges for organizing this unique event. It is important for the city’s youth to know that there are great opportunities for blue and white collar jobs on the North Side, and throughout the Pittsburgh region. I encourage both parents and students to attend.” The Perry High School – Opportunity Fair will be held in March 15, 2016 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Perry High School cafeteria. Employers and recruiters, will give information to potential employees. Both adults and student job seekers can attend the Opportunity Fair on March 15, 2016. Parents and students are encouraged to bring your resume and apply for positions that evening. Parents and students will be able to meet with 15+ employers including Allegheny Health Network, The City of Pittsburgh, Modcloth, Amazon, Bidwell, Rosedale Technical College, and local Northside businesses. Building Bridges for Business is a 501©3 organization providing career education via their program U can B. U can B has 60+ weeks of curriculum meeting the PA STATE teaching guidelines. U can B also uses their Coffee With Show and in person speakers to engage students. 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. Building Bridges for Business will host several other Opportunity Fair events throughout Allegheny County. Every event will provide access to education and the region’s amazing business resources. Details of the organization’s history and programs can be found on...
read moreU can B teaches Career Readiness
U can B teaching Students – As students graduate and enter an increasingly competitive job market, academic success alone is not enough to ensure a successful career. Employers are searching for the “soft skills”–those traits that are so vital to interpersonal relationships, cooperation with coworkers, and customer satisfaction. These skills include things like communication, problem solving, time management, leadership, working on a team, a strong work ethic, maintaining a professional appearance, and more. “The guest speakers from the U. Can. B Program are a lot of fun! They give us more options for career choices, as well as present real life experiences to the topic.” “I enjoy listening to the speakers and asking questions. They are interesting and informative.” Frequently, students are lacking in this vital preparation for the responsibilities and realities of the work world. This handicaps them in their future job searches by reducing their employability, and impacting their ability to function well in an office environment or retain a job. By providing opportunities for students to practice these important personal interactions, problem solving processes, communication cycles, and other key skills, educators can help lay a foundation for future success in the work world. “The guest speakers are nice and they do not make me feel like I cannot own my own business in the future. Everyone is not meant to go to college, and I now feel confident that I can do something else to make a living when I am an adult.” “The guest speakers make sure the students understand what they are presenting.” “I look forward to the next workshop. Can someone present more often ?” Big Ideas U can B teaches related to Career Readiness ● Interpersonal skills are just as important as subject area knowledge to creating and maintaining a successful career. ● Continuing to learn and grow in your personal life can lead to both a successful career and greater satisfaction in your life. ● Leadership, communication, problem solving, and time management are vital for any career....
read moreU can B Career Program
U can B teaches career awareness in Public, Private, Cyber schools and in afterschool programs. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us and been part of our programs. If you want more information email Info@BuildingBridgesforBusiness.org. Join us for 2016 !! Below are some of the major U can B results. 1) I am confident in my ability to write a resume – 74% increase. 2) I know the requirements to get into a post secondary school – 92% increase. 3) I know the different types of post secondary education – 66% increase. 4) 100% of of the students agree or strongly agree that they know how to conduct themselves in a job interview. 5) 100% of the students agree or stongly agree that they understand the importance of having a career that they will...
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