Spring 2024 Newsletter - Issue 3

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH NEWSLETTER

Pitt-Greensburg Launches University Preview Online with Mentoring

Pitt-Greensburg's Office of Community Outreach aims to expand economic opportunity for all students by providing 21st-century skills and equitable pathways to success, especially for underserved students. We are rooted in creating equitable pathways to connect the classroom and workforce. This program was created to help support school districts address two problems: teacher shortage and language written into a recent bill passed by PA legislation in calculating Average Daily Membership (ADM) for College in the High School The tuition rate was lowered to $75 00 per credit, and a mentor was provided for enrolled participants

Pitt-Greensburg provided ten courses enabling students to utilize their district-issued school devices for fully online Pitt courses during study hall, after school, or at their convenience around school and home responsibilities. Paired with Pitt mentors, who met weekly via Zoom to ensure student success, these mentors received academic and socialemotional learning support training. This program not only grants students access to rigorous courses but also aids school districts facing critical teacher shortages, particularly in subjects like Science Linked to higher high school graduation rates, college enrollment rates, and faster degree completion times, this program offers exposure to higher education.

Serving as an excellent first-collegiate experience,

86% of dual-enrollment students achieve A or B grades in their Pitt-Greensburg class, while 98% earn at least a C. Pitt-Greensburg recognizes the importance of outreach in the community to expand economic opportunity for all students. Vice President of Academic Affairs Jacqueline (Jackie) Horrall feels that the dual enrollment program provides “exposure to the classroom” that benefits student success and preparation for college life There are students enrolled across the region; however, there are three partnering school districts: Greensburg-Salem School District, Jeannette City Schools, and Propel Schools

Twenty-two students have been enrolled for classes in the Spring 2024 term. The courses include Natural Science, Introduction to Psychology, Psychology of Personality, Public Speaking, US History Science 1865, and Modern Latin America. These experiences will empower our region’s students by providing the tools and information needed to make choice-filled lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond

The Office of Community Outreach is expanding this program and is excited to offer courses in the Summer term I For more information about our dual enrollment program, please visit the Office of Community Outreach website or contact Engagement Manager Audra Lewis.

First dual enrollment asynchronous orientation began on January 5, 2024

First asynchronous cohort enrolled across the region

College Ready Training For Dual Enrolled Students

The Office of Community Outreach (OCO) is dedicated to supporting students in achieving academic and professional success To prepare for the transition to asynchronous instruction, the OCO offered college readiness training on-site for all students enrolled in summer classes This training allowed students to meet their college mentor and develop essential college-ready skills, including familiarity with learning management systems, understanding the importance of syllabi, and honing time management skills.

At the event, students had the chance to interact with their prospective classmates and Peer Mentors. These mentors underwent training to handle academic as well as socialemotional learning challenges The mentors, including Rachel O’Neil, Olivia Petry, Mathew Janiga, and Faith Ellis, were specifically hired to assist students Each mentor boasts diverse leadership roles on campus and demonstrates strong academic performance Mentoring benefits mentees, instructors, and counselors by cultivating a positive work environment and supporting career advancement. In the contemporary work landscape, prioritizing career development is essential, opening doors to tailored professional growth opportunities.

The activities were designed to ease students' transition to college and position them by providing opportunities to build skills and mindsets for student success There was a focus on relational capacity, communication, and collaboration competencies, which are closely related to working effectively with diverse teams, making necessary compromises to accomplish a common goal, and assuming shared responsibility for collaborative work. Mentors and Mentees established their team to collaborate on the Paper Chain Challenge. This challenge required students to use critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. They had the same limited resources to create the longest paper chain possible in five minutes. The teams debriefed after the activities to discuss how these competencies play a pivotal role in the classroom and as an essential skill demanded to be college or career-ready

The final part of the training consisted of students creating the FAFSA pin to apply for financial aid to attend college Brian J. Beighley, FAAC® Director of Financial Aid, led the workshop for students and their families. Brian did a Q&A session afterward with parents while their scholar was in sessions with mentors.

Audra Lewis guides three teams through the “Paper Chain Challenge,” an activity that tests STEM skills through teamwork

Peer Mentor Faith Ellis leads her team

Audra Lewis and Ignacio Cisneros (Scholar of Experience Coordinator - Propel Schools) at College Ready Training Day.

Peer Mentor Matthew (Matt) Janiga leads his team

Peer Mentor Rachel O’Neill leads her team

Toolbox Series Constitutes StudentCentered Workshops

Starting in Fall 2023, the Pitt-Greensburg Office of Community Outreach (OCO) initiated funding for a new series aimed at bridging the gap between classroom learning and workforce readiness, with a focus on fostering economic mobility This initiative involves collaboration between faculty and current students, resulting in a workshop series named the Toolbox Series The name "toolbox" reflects the intention to equip students with essential skills and tools necessary for academic and professional achievement, facilitating the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical and technical skills.

The start of the initiative began by organizing subject specific workshops lectured by faculty. Three subject areas were determined and advertised to students: science, humanities, and social sciences We then looked at student interest in each of these three areas to determine a focus and potential professor who could provide information

For the first Toolbox Series event, the following presentations were curated: “Applying Psychology to the Legal System” by Dr. Vallano, “What to Do When The Product is You: Marketing and Branding for Writers and Other Creatives” by Professor Jakiela, and “Novice to Noticed: Building a Personal Brand as a New Nurse” by Professor Bugajski Students learned how to market and brand themselves in their respective fields of study Students were also taught strategies to set their resumes with specific language so AI readers would prioritize their resumes in applicant tracking systems.

Our Assistant Director of Career Services Marcy Yonkey led the spring set of the series, along with Audra Lewis, the Engagement Manager for the Office Of Community Outreach The workshop was designed to provide students with information on digital footprints and the importance of professional online presence

Thirteen students aged nineteen to twenty-five attended this workshopping session entitled “Brand Identity & Online Presence.” Students had a wonderful reaction to the ability to use real-life skills and technology in terms of joining the workforce. One student’s feedback found that the most valuable takeaway from the workshop was that “your name is your personal branding of how you can market yourself ” Another student agreed and stressed the importance of being “cautious about posting online ”

Essential skills for students have been ever-changing with the implementation of daily utilization of online platforms. Pitt-Greensburg has found that giving students access to learning 21st-century specific skills better prepares them as they enter the world outside of college. Regardless of the field that a student goes into, their needs for real-world experience has remained imperative.

Assistant Director of Career Services Marcy Yonkey speaks on “Brand Identity & Online Presence ”

Students learn about the impact of digital footprints

Pitt-Greensburg Students Get Professional Headshots

Students in the 21st-century live in a technology and media-suffused world, so free professional headshots are just one of the tools offered to students as they prepare to enter the workforce to establish their unique digital footprint Also, professional photographs can be a major cost for college students Eleven students provided feedback to our office after “Brand Identity and Online Presence” stating that they wanted more trainings on how to create their personal branding With the help of Destiny By Design (DBD) Photography, we gave students the convenience of free, professional headshots at McKenna Hall in February. From 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, ten minute slots were set for students photos. Multiple headshots of the participants were taken to allow them choices as they received the sharing information via email and Google Drive.

Students utilized their headshots in the creation of LinkedIn profiles LinkedIn is a social media platform that allows employers to connect with candidates and employees After the headshots were sent out to students, they received access to a free Canva page that allowed them to create professional content. One of the features that was available for utilization is the email signature template. Headshots could be directly input to the Canva email signature format and transferred over

to Outlook or other email software.

Learning technological programs allows students to tailor their professional footprint early on in their careers It is essential to understand and use the appropriate media creation tools and conventions to effectively convey messages in diverse, multicultural environments It is important to be aware of how media messages are constructed and their intended purposes, as well as how individuals may interpret them differently. Additionally, one must consider the ethical and legal issues surrounding media access and usage. By understanding these concepts, students can more effectively navigate and utilize media in a responsible and impactful manner.

To be effective in the 21st century, citizens and workers must be able to exhibit a range of functional and critical thinking skills related to information through the forms of media and technology The Office of Community Outreach strives to provide these essential skills to our students. Rapid changes in technology tools in the future are imminent; however, by teaching students how to adapt they become aware of their landscapes and are more prepared going forward into the workforce.

Senior Rachel O‘Neill Photo Credits: DBD Photography Sophomore Faith Ellis Photo Credits: DBD Photography

Junior Olivia Petry Photo Credits: DBD Photography

Junior Matthew (Matt) Janiga Photo Credits: DBD Photography

PPS K-8 Manchester Students Develop Leadership Skills

The Pitt-Greensburg Office of Community Outreach (OCO) developed a program called Tomorrow’s Leaders with the overarching goal of facilitating experiential learning and promoting teamwork This initiative aimed to enhance students' selfawareness and expose them to post-high school opportunities Our objective was to provide students with the necessary access and tools to advance their professional development and confidently pursue their career paths, thereby bridging the gap between classroom education and the workforce

Natasha Johnson, a sixth to eighth-grade math teacher at PPS K-8 Manchester in Pittsburgh, allowed us the wonderful opportunity to teach and discuss vital skills in the workplace Manchester PPS K-8 is a comprehensive school for the North Side that prides itself on engaging, student-centered instruction

All of the nineteen students in Johnson’s classes are eligible for Free or Reduced Lunches (FRL). The school works tirelessly to meet the socioeconomic needs of students in order to promote student success for all.

The leadership seminars Tomorrow’s Leaders promoted selfawareness through conducting SWOT analyses and engaging in discussions on external factors that may affect academic performance. The lessons highlighted the professional skills demanded in today’s workforce. Leadership Development is an essential skill demanded by employers in our region.

Leadership development promotes lifelong learning, instilling a commitment to continuous self-improvement, and adaptability to changing circumstances. Engagement Manager Audra Lewis (a former teacher herself) utilized educational philosophy and competencies in meaningful instruction on behalf of the office. It is when students are shown the confidence that others have within them that they begin to truly recognize and appreciate their natural talents. Furthermore, students gain their own self confidence and make meaningful relationships with others. Lastly, it facilitates critical reflection, encouraging individuals to extract valuable insights from past experiences to inform future progress, thereby contributing to their growth and effectiveness as leaders

A high-five is exchanged to a student for a job well done!

Audra Lewis conducts an activity based in an introception of personal strengths and weaknesses

Pitt-Greensburg Engages in Community Partnerships

On March 5, 2024, the University of Pittsburgh hosted their annual Community Engaged Scholarship Forum, or CESF, in Alumni Hall at the Oakland campus. The mission of the CESF is to celebrate and promote the university and local partners’ approaches toward community-engaged scholarship.

An essential part of the Pitt-Greensburg Office of Community Outreach’s (OCO) long-term goals are to expand economic mobility to strengthen our region as a whole Such initiatives are mutually beneficial for both the institution and the people affected by our community programming We were given the opportunity to learn more about how these missions are put in place across the Pitt system Additionally, connections have been created which will allow us to further expand our current programming efforts and progress on ideas for future initiatives and collaborations

As another part of our ongoing professional development efforts, the Pitt-Greensburg OCO has been a proud part of the Community Engaged Cohort, or CEC The Cohort is an applied-to planning resource for teams that are undertaking community-engaged and outreach projects Four sessions between October 2023 to March 2024 were hosted by Pitt Executive Director of the Engaged Campus Jamila (Jamie) Ducar and Manager of Special Projects Christine Chapman. Since October of 2023, the Pitt-Greensburg OCO articulated our goals to other participating teams to receive critical feedback. Through our CEC membership, the Pitt-Greensburg OCO has made strides in furthering our developmental planning, developing a pitch and funding strategies.

Audra Lewis (right) and Melissa Crookston (left) at the 2024 Community Engaged Scholarship Forum (CESF)

The Pitt-Greensburg Office of Community Outreach and a Greensburg-Salem School District partner at the final Pitt Community Engaged Cohort (CEC) meeting on March 7, 2024 in Homewood. (From left to right: Audra Lewis, Dr. Alaine Nativio, Melissa Crookston, and Dr Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell)

Community Engagement Scholarship Forum graphic from the chess pitt edu website

Pitt-Greensburg Hosts First DEI “Garden of Hope” Walk

Pitt-Greensburg senior Rachel O’Neill adds to a board that asks: “What would you change about the world if you could?”

Students begin the walk around campus starting in the Chambers Hall gym while carrying pride flags

Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Roland Woods hosts the opening ceremony at “Garden of Hope” in October 2023

Senior Makala Ruffin passes the Pitt flag onto junior Aurora Arena signifying a continuation of DEI support and programming at PittGreensburg This is a start to a new, annual tradition to pass onto each rising senior class

Dean of Student Life & Success Dr R Leigh Hoffman reading one of the write-ups while holding a transgender pride flag

OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

YWCA Westmoreland Racial Justice Challenge

On April 6, the Pitt-Greensburg OCO is helping the YWCA Westmoreland in their Racial Justice Challenge Walk for their ‘Until Justice Just Is’ campaign The Racial Justice Challenge creates time and space to build effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. The Challenge fosters personal reflection, encourages social responsibility, and motivates participants to identify and act on ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. The Walk will commence at Lynch Field from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Experience Works+ with the WIB

The Pitt-Greensburg OCO is collaborating with the WestmorelandFayette Workforce Investment Board (WIB) on April 17. The Westmorland-Fayette WIB is a business, education, and community board that is empowered to lead workforce development activities in Fayette and Westmoreland counties The WFWIB will be highlighting its Experience Works+ program to students to promote internship opportunities and lead career readiness trainings. Focus will be centered around professional skill building Caitlin Slezak and Kerry Fagan are presenting inperson in Powers Hall

Dual Enrollment Awards & Accolades

On April 26, to commemorate the end of the Spring 2024 term, the Pitt-Greensburg OCO is hosting a ceremony to acknowledge student and mentor success. The Awards & Accolades is for our currently enrolled dual enrollment students, their families, and the Peer Mentors. Local businesses, school district leaders, Pitt-Greensburg staff, faculty, and administrators have also been invited to attend Honors, such as the GRIT Award, will be presented Lunch is going to be held at noon in Village Hall 118 and will be catered by Giannilli’s Italian Restaurant

MEET THE TEAM

Melissa Crookston Audra Lewis

Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell Engagement Coordinator Engagement Manager

Audra Lewis has spent nearly two decades transforming the lives of learners in the seventh-largest school district in the nation as an instructional leader. She believes that all learners should have equitable access to education and that their zip code should not determine access to high-quality resources and instruction.

Lewis is a person of agency who employs a strong character and leadership in her career and in service to her community A volunteer Girl Scout leader, she is motivated to serve because of her desire to improve the world. Her goal is to build capacity in others in order to shape a better tomorrow for all in society

Melissa Crookston provides her professional background in student affairs in higher education as the Office of Community Outreach's Engagement Coordinator. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg with a Bachelor's degree in history and minors in both education and psychology. Crookston's combined exposure as a Graduate Area Coordinator, orientation Peer Leader, and advising work study culminates her passion for educational equity Within her role in the office, Crookston assists in the creation of marketing tools and strategies to promote students' post-secondary goals.

Director of Office of Community Outreach Assistant Professor of Public Policy & Communication

Dr Danielle R Mehlman-Brightwell (Ph D , Indiana University of Pennsylvania) is an assistant professor of Public Policy and Communication at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and teaches courses in argument, interpersonal communication, rhetoric and public policy, policy practicum, theories of persuasion, and public speaking She serves as the public policy major advisor for PittGreensburg.

Mehlman-Brightwell is the supervisor for the Office of Community Outreach, and the Principal Investigator for the Richard King Mellon grant.

Audra Lewis Photo Credit: DBD Photography

Dr Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell Photo Credit: Pitt-Greensburg Directory

Melissa Crookston Photo Credit: DBD Photography

LEARN MORE ABOUT US!

The University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg’s Office of Community Outreach is located on campus in Lynch Hall 207. To contact our team, reach out to Engagement Manager Audra Lewis at aul35@pitt.edu or Engagement Coordinator Melissa Crookston at mrc292@pitt edu

The University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg is utilizing support from the Richard King Mellon Foundation's Postsecondary Educational Attainment Grant under Economic Mobility

The initiative is to increase young adults aged 14- 24 years old access to college-ready, career-related, and leadership development activities.