Community Building Archives

Escape the Deep is a brand new production created and performed by theatriQ, Dreams of Hope’s queer and Trans youth performing arts ensemble.
In 2030, the beloved town of Mortimer Harbor is flooding. Communities are displaced, housing is scarce, and the government’s denial and resource hoarding only make things worse.

The displaced flock to The Lighthouse, “where the lights are always on for you.” But what was once a source of vibrance for the community has been left to the elements.

Two friends reunite while another pair feuds. Still, they must gather the Lighthouse’s past patrons and delve into its history to uncover what led to the unraveling. With the water on the rise and the authorities closing in, will they be able to escape the deep?

Join us for this brand new production created entirely by queer and Trans youth!

Our budding mentorship program at Dreams of Hope offers you the opportunity to mentor queer & Trans young people. With daily transgressions against our humanity, we look to our community for models of leadership and care across generations!

If you want to share your journey, talents, and wisdom and impact a young person’s life, consider attending Dreams of Hope’s Mentor Training! The inaugural training with Dakota Rottino-Garilli is the first step to getting involved in our mentorship program as an adult mentor. We’re excited to have you!

(If you are looking to be mentored, save the date for our youth training on May 10th :D)

Please note: this event is available at no cost; however, space is limited. Please consider your registration a commitment and let us know if you can no longer make it!

Experience the forefront of innovation in Pittsburgh at the 2025 STEM Summit! This event highlights the wide range of dynamic and evolving STEM careers shaping the future workforce in the Pittsburgh Region.

WHEN: Friday, April 4, 2025 From 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Kick off and Experiences: CCAC Center for Education, Innovation, and Training | 808 Ridge Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 and then Multiple Tour Stops

We welcome students in grades 8-12 to connect with leaders from the innovation sector. Participants will have the opportunity to explore hands-on learning experiences at CCAC and then embark on industry tours to delve deeper into the STEM sector. The STEM Summit will also include a keynote address and exhibit booths presented by various organizations.

The interactive experience of the STEM Summit will highlight how an individual’s strengths, interests, and passions can lead to multiple pathways to jobs in the tech industry! More information provided upon registration.

Cost:

Students (Grades 8–12): $25
Adult Chaperones (with student groups): Free
Individual Adult Attendees: $25

Chaperone Policy: we require one teacher or adult for every 10 students.

TEACHERS: If you are registering multiple students and wish to be billed via invoice, please email Marie Pelloni at mpelloni@pghtech.org to get a group form.

Agenda:

Keynote:
Brian Joseph | Founder of Touchstone Research Laboratory, LTD

Brian Joseph is President, CEO, and founder of Touchstone Research Laboratory (www.TRL.com). Brian is a serial entrepreneur, scientist, and inventor. He is named on over 30 patents, has managed over 100 million dollars of R&D programs in the government and private sectors, and built a predominately government funded research laboratory that has won more than 100 SBIR contracts. Touchstone has spun out three tech companies in the areas of materials science, aerospace composites, and aerospace materials testing.

Step Inside the Advanced Manufacturing Industry at the 2025 STEM Summit! Are you ready to pull back the curtain and see what powers the future? STEM Summit: Forge the Future will take you straight into the heart of the advanced manufacturing industry! Experience the cutting-edge technology and innovation shaping tomorrow’s workforce in the Pittsburgh Region.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

TIME: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Kickoff and Hands-On Experiences: Digital Foundry at Penn State, New Kensington 855 5th Ave, New Kensington, PA 15068 Followed by Behind-the-Scenes Industry Tours

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Students in grades 8–12 with a curiosity for innovation! This is your opportunity to explore the tools, technologies, and skills that are revolutionizing the manufacturing industry.

Here’s what you’ll experience:

Exclusive Industry Access: Go behind the scenes with guided tours of advanced manufacturing facilities, where the future is being forged.

Inspiring Keynote: Hear from an industry leader about the incredible possibilities within advanced manufacturing.

Interactive Exhibits: Explore how the Digital Foundry at Penn State New Kensington is pushing boundaries and creating pathways to careers that shape the future.

This immersive experience will connect your unique talents, interests, and passions to career opportunities in advanced manufacturing. Learn how the combination of robotics, automation, and innovation is transforming industries, and how you can be part of it.

Unlock the secrets of advanced manufacturing and be inspired to build the future! Register today to secure your spot and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Agenda:

Keynote:

Donta Green | Executive Director, Trade Institute of Pittsburgh

Donta Green is a visionary leader, strategic thinker, and elite culture creator who has transformed the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh (TIP) as its second Executive Director. Under his leadership, TIP has strengthened its impact, equipping individuals with barriers to employment with the skills, support, and opportunities needed to build sustainable careers. With an exceptional ability to inspire and collaborate, Donta fosters an environment of excellence, ensuring TIP continues to be a catalyst for workforce development and economic empowerment in Western Pennyslvania region.

Beyond his leadership at TIP, Donta is a dynamic motivator and mentor, serving as head football coach at his alma mater, Pittsburgh Westinghouse. His ability to build a winning culture was evident in 2019 when he led the team to its first city league championship in 26 years, and again in 2022 when they reached the state championship for the first time in school history. Donta and his staff has won five conference championships in his first six seasons at the helm. His program was nationally recognized in 2023 when DICK’s Sporting Goods Foundation awarded Westinghouse its first-ever 75for75 Sports Matter Grant.

Deeply committed to community service, Donta serves on several boards, including the Homewood-Brushton YMCA and the Laurel Highlands Workforce Opportunity Center. He has been recognized as a leader among leaders, earning numerous accolades such as Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40, the Pittsburgh Business Times C-Suite Award, and the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association’s Coach of the Year. In 2023, he was honored with the prestigious FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. He was recognized in 2025 as the Emerging Leader Awardee by the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.

This event will focus on blending computer science, gaming, and ELA to support integration of game-based STEM learning into educational and community spaces.

The workshop will feature interactive sessions, hands-on discussions, and opportunities to collaborate with educators, curriculum coordinators, school leaders, and after-school program organizers.

Key topics include:

Discovering needs of schools, teachers, and community organizations in implementing game-based STEM curricula
Identifying challenges in scaling computational thinking and data literacy in middle school environments
Collaborating with experts to develop actionable solutions
Exploring funding opportunities to support STEM and game-based initiatives

Paper Bag Princess Day is a day to celebrate the children’s book, The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch and its message of empowerment to readers of all ages. The annual celebration is held on the first Saturday in March. Annick Press launched the program in 2020 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the book’s publication. This year’s theme, BE YOUR OWN HERO, highlights Elizabeth’s courage and self-reliance as she outwits the dragon and proves she doesn’t need a prince to save her. Elizabeth has also always shown that being a hero can take many different forms.

Children, in K-5th grade, are invited to join us for our first Paper Bag Princess Day at West Liberty University on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon in the Elbin Library. Activities include designing a cape, creating a super power poster, folding origami dragons and making a paper bag outfit. Participants will also receive a copy of the book, while supplies last.

Space is limited so those who are interested in attending should register at https://forms.gle/VXHTzM832oAeWeLx8 We ask that an adult accompany all children. Families and small groups are welcome.

West Liberty University’s Paper Bag Princess Day is a collaboration among the Center for Arts and Education, College of Liberal and Creative Arts, Creative Arts Therapy Club, Elbin Library, Social Work Program and Student Activities.

The Southwest PA Environmental Literacy Hub is excited to announce the Western PA Environmental Education Summit: “Learning Without Walls” Conference will be held at Waynesburg University on June 10, 2025!

Our primary goal for the conference is to empower educators of Southwest PA and contiguous West Virginia counties with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration they need to integrate environmental literacy and sustainability and outdoor learning experiences into their curricula and teaching practices. We will bring together passionate educators from diverse backgrounds and environmental professions to foster a community of environmentally conscious and engaged teachers who can, in turn, inspire and educate the next generation of environmentally responsible citizens.

Highlight Happy Hour: Celebrate Education & Connection at The Roundhouse

Join us for an exciting happy hour where members from the education sector at The Roundhouse will share their mission and insights. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the inspiring work being done by organizations making a real difference in education. Whether you’re in education or just curious, come enjoy drinks, snacks, and great conversation as we connect and support each other’s work.

Highlight Happy Hour: Celebrate Education & Connection at The Roundhouse

Join the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project for an interactive and dynamic writing experience designed to inspire educators to empower student voices. This event will introduce a digital choice board featuring a diverse array of prompts rooted in poetry, journaling, and narrative, allowing participants to engage in writing that resonates with them.

Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on texts by Ida B. Wells, John Lewis, Amanda Gorman, Maya Angelou, Brent Staples, Edwidge Danticat, Raquel Willis, and Danez Smith, exploring themes of identity, resistance, and literacy as a tool for power. Writing will be shared in pairs and collectively, fostering meaningful dialogue on student choice, multilingual perspectives, and inclusive representation in the classroom. A collaborative Padlet will serve as a living archive where participants can share their work, whether through text or images, creating a space for ongoing reflection and inspiration.

Whether you attend live or contribute asynchronously, this event offers practical strategies to elevate student voices and integrate choice-driven writing into your teaching practice.

Come write, reflect, and reimagine the role of literacy in shaping empowered learners! Gratitude and appreciation to our WPWP Fellow Hannah Lewis for designing and organizing this convening!

This is a hyrbid event. There is no need to register for the in-person option. Use this link to register for the virtual option:

https://pitt.zoom.us/meeting/register/-DJ3gLsJQKWKIuofqda6PQ