Building Bridges for Business would like to take this opportunity to thank Justine Coyne, a reporter with the Pittsburgh Business Times, for writing a story about our U Can B entrepreneur program that is currently in it’s second year. We have had great success with our program and are very excited that additional schools have an interest in it. This article brings further awareness of our program to the community. Thank you, Justine, for your hard work in this endeavor.
Below is a copy of the article. Let us know what you think.
Building Bridges for Business Expands High School Education Program
Following a successful pilot program, Building Bridges for Business is expanding its U Can B education program to serve more students in the Pittsburgh region.
The program, which began last year at Keystone Oaks High School, provides students in grades eight through 12 exposure to a variety of careers through classroom curriculum and in-person interactive discussions with business leaders.
The 24-week program highlights community leaders in diverse fields, with a focus on entrepreneurship, said Building Bridges For Business CEO Renee DeMichiei Farrow.
“This program is really about opening a dialogue and giving students the opportunity to learn about careers and fields they may not otherwise be exposed to,” she said.
Participating schools are provided with the group’s proprietary curriculum, as well as access to Building Bridge’s “Coffee With…” educational film series. Students can also participate in “Power Trips,” which are in-person site visits to locations ranging from the City-County Building to Google Pittsburgh’s offices.
“Teaching students about entrepreneurship is important, even for students who aren’t interested in running their own business,” said Jim Ellenbogen, Allegheny County Council member for District 12, who represents the Keystone Oaks school district, said in a statement. “Given how the economy has shifted and the uncertainty of the job market, entrepreneurship and evaluating career choices is something we should be teaching at an early age.”
Farrow said the organization is working to bring three additional city schools on board this year, with the possibility to take on up to eight additional schools this winter.
Founder Linda Handley said they are looking for schools throughout different areas and different socioeconomic backgrounds.
“Especially for those students that may not be interested in going to college, it may help them realize there is opportunity to do something else and start a business,” Handley said. “It’s another way to give students a sense of direction.”
Schools do pay a fee to participate in the program, but the organization is looking to get support from local foundations to cover or offset the cost, she said.
The group is hosting an event Oct. 30 at Keystone Oaks high school for eight schools across the county. More information can be found here.
