Tag: In Person

An impactful and engaging education system puts people first – students, parents, teachers, community members. Human-Centered Design (HCD) provides the toolbox and mindset to ensure a system stays agile and responsive to current and future stakeholders.

This course will introduce school leaders to design thinking and, more specifically, Human-Centered Design. Design thinking encompasses five phases of design: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Throughout this course, participants will learn about and apply each phase of the design cycle to a challenge within their school system that will foster student growth and achievement.

HCD is a subset of design thinking that focuses on empathy as a means for collaborative problem solving. When school leaders know their students well, the school systems better meet their needs. When leaders understand the challenges facing their communities, they can adapt to their priorities.

Participants will work throughout the course to develop and implement a plan for addressing an area of need in their school system around student growth and achievement.

This course includes direct instruction, individual and group activities, independent assignments, as well as job-embedded applications. Resources, including explainer videos and design templates, will be available.

Synchronous Meeting Dates and Times
Thursday, September 25, 2025 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thursday, January 29, 2026 – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Participants who complete the course will receive 50 hours of Act 45 credit. These hours include 25 face-to-face (synchronous) hours; 10 online hours (asynchronous); and 15 job-embedded hours of work.

Pittsburgh region educators, teachers, principals, deans and professors – retired or working! We’re looking for educators from schools of all kinds to give us feedback on a new product. It’s an AI based system for educators for skills tracking and development. You’ll be able to have input on the cutting edge of the next generation school software platform. Includes Panera bagels, pastries and coffee and company swag on Sat. May 10, 10AM-12PM at Panera Bread at 3401 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA. We are aiming for a small group of up to 8 educators. RVPS required jeff@yourclassroom.ai.

Experience climate change education in a local context by combining classroom learning with climate friendly adventure activities that focus on real-life science and field research. Learn how to initiate climate action through meaningful STEM projects. During the Climate Change Adventure Education Project, you will explore the causes and impacts of climate change by…

– Researching water quality while kayaking.
– Measuring soil and forest health during a hike.
– Monitoring air quality while geocaching.
– Participating in citizen science projects.
– Examining how land use affects ecosystems.

FREE to Western PA Teachers (Grades 6-12). Teachers completing project requirements will be eligible to earn One Act 48 Credit (30-hours).

Attention educators, especially for those that are new to multimedia storytelling!

Join PBS News Student Reporting Labs, in partnership with WQED Creator Academy, for a FREE hands-on workshop in Pittsburgh on Saturday, May 17 (9 AM to 3 PM).

We’ll teach you how to teach multimedia storytelling using phones, tablets, and cost-effective gear. No prior experience is necessary — just bring your curiosity.

You will leave with tools, tips, and ACT 48 credits that will assist your students in creating amazing video, audio, and podcast projects.

On top of that, there is a tour of the WQED studios, home of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and maybe even see Big Bird along the way. We’ve got lunch too!

Space is limited; sign up here https://bit.ly/4jqrdIb

This collaboration with Northgate, Brentwood, and South Park School Districts will again bring Harvard’s Project Zero to Pittsburgh for an incredible day of learning on the North Side. This conference, featuring Mark Church, will be an opportunity to attend interactive presentations delivered by local educators, Harvard researchers, and participants from across the United States. Join us for the day as we work to answer the following difficult questions:

How do we create the conditions for deep thinking and learning within our classrooms, buildings, and school communities?

How can we design for and with diverse learners and in diverse contexts?

What does it mean to understand?

How does understanding develop?

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!

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:

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM | Welcome & Keynote Speaker
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM |STEM Training Experience
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Grab & Go Lunch, Travel to tour stops
12:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Industry Tours
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Board Busses and return to Digital Foundry
1:30 PM | Return to Home School

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.

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:

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM | Welcome & Keynote Speaker
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM |STEM Training Experience
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Grab & Go Lunch, Travel to tour stops
12:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Industry Tours
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Board Busses and return to CCAC
1:30 PM | Return to Home School

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.

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