Pittsburgh Events – Remake Learning

Join Defy the Design: Poetry Circle on Friday, October 16th, a community reading meets creative workshop!
Together, we will read select poems from Defy the Design: a poetry anthology from inside prison walls (the poetry part of Let’s Get Free’s 8th art show). Afterward, we will take time to create in response to prompts based on the art exhibit and poems.
You are welcome to bring works of your own or others that meet the theme of “Defy the Design” to share as additional inspiration!

Food provided. Physical copies of the poetry book are available for purchase at the event space from $10-$30. Defy the Design is showing from September 25-October 25. Visit creative-resistance.org for gallery hours and full event schedule.
Presented in collaboration by Dreams of Hope’s speaQ and Let’s Get Free.

Mingle with other educators while enjoying food, drinks, gallery talks, silkscreen printing and a guided tour of our exhibition “Sharif Bey: Homecoming”. In celebration of the ceramic sculptor and educator’s return to Pittsburgh, this exhibition traces Bey’s artistic journey and enduring ties to the city. As you gear up for the new school year, join us for an evening of professional development and inspiration to bring back to your classroom. Teachers in attendance receive scholarship information for field trips and Artists in School partnerships and can receive four Act 48 credit hours.

Hosted in partnership with NCWIT’s Advising for Future-Ready Students program, Allegheny IU, Pittsburgh Tech Council, CyberHub PGH, and PaTTAN, this full-day experience brings together local middle and high school counselors, CTE advisors, and career coaches. Hear directly from expert panelists across K-12, higher education, and industry to learn how to build equitable access to tech careers across Western PA.
• Identify high-demand career opportunities and postsecondary options.
• Help students navigate industry credentials, CTE options, and degree programs.
• Acquire actionable strategies to expand technology and digital citizenship opportunities for all students.

AI has had an immediate impact on education across all levels and has created just as many questions. Is AI a tool to assist with homework or a crutch harming critical thinking? AI’s role in education is and remains a contentious topic. Join us for a conversation with panelist from varying education levels to discuss AI’s role in the classroom and education. This program takes place in the South Wing Reading Room on the 2nd floor of CLP-Main Library. Registration is recommended, walk ins welcome.

The 2027 Three Rivers EdTech Conference (TRETC) is an exciting professional development opportunity to advance the integration of educational technology for teachers, administrators, students, and industry experts in Southwestern PA.

Join us for TRETC: Learning Amplified and engage with thought leaders, educators, and technologists as we uncover the tools and strategies that are revolutionizing how knowledge is constructed. Through feature speakers, professional development sessions, topic-based mini-summits, and an Innovation Hall, participants connect to elevate learning outcomes.

The goal is to leave with at least: One new skill. One big question. One meaningful connection.

TRETC 2027:
Date: Monday, January 18, 2027 (MLK Day)
Time: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Fox Chapel School District, Fox Chapel High School, 611 Field Club Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238

2026 is the FIRST EVER Unicorn Palooza. You might be saying, “Why did Assemble wait so long to have such a fun event?” Great question! We decided to remix MakerDate (thank you for all the years) and transform it into something new, like nothing before. Instead of bidding on dates during the live and silent auction, we will be remixing carnival games where folks can “spin the wheel” to land on a learning experience with a local ceramist, welder, writer, or celebrity! Pick up the duck to see if you won tickets to a museum or a charcuterie board! Unicorn Palooza will have plenty of amazing opportunities to connect with creatives, artists, makers, and technologists. Want to sign up to offer a making experience? Fill out our Maker Form here!

The Unicorny Awards
To be announced soon…

In celebrating 15 Years of Assemble, we want to shout-out our gratitude to the folks who have helped Assemble to keep Assemble-ing!

Awards include: Unsung Unicorn, Fabulous Funder, Afrofuturist Activator, and Magical Maker.

Why Unicorns?!
Our mascot, which was designed by Brenna Thummler in 2016, is a Unicorn Robot in Outer Space. From kids to grown-ups, folks love Unicorns – and feel like them too! Do you ever feel like you have something special to share, yet it might not be visible to others? You, too, might be a unicorn.

All funds raised at Unicorn Palooza directly support Assemble’s STEAM education programs for youth, teens, and adults, like Assemble Afterschool, Saturday Crafternoons, Hack the Future, and Summer Camps!

What to expect at Unicorn Palooza:
Carnival Games, featuring a variety of local Makers Experiences (sign up here!)
The inaugural Unicorny Awards
Flash Tattoos and temporary body art
Drinks by WBU
Delicious hors d’oeuvres
Community Cookie Table
Hands-on activities & games made by Assemblers
Green-screen photo booth
Music by DJ
Spectacular fun for a good cause!
Event tickets include drinks tickets + hors d’oeuvres.

All proceeds raised at Unicorn Palooza support Assemble’s STEAM education programs.

Celebrate summer with a mushroom walk at Frick Park with author & mycophile Maria Pinto! Learn some of the basics of mushroom identification, reading the landscape, and traveling at mushroom speed. Seekers of all levels welcome!

Meet us Wed, July 22nd, 4 pm @ Frick Environmental Center & join us post-walk for a cooking demo with foraged mushrooms at the Kingsley Association.

Presented in collaboration with Dreams of Hope, The Black Unicorn Library and Archive Project, and Rainbow Serpent.

NOTE: Spaces are limited, so registration is required. If you need to cancel your ticket, please email us at info[at]dreamsofhope[dot]org so we can give it to someone else

Join us on August 4th the first program in our 2026–2027 series of teacher trainings. Register here.

These trainings are designed for teachers across grade levels and subject areas, whether you are new to teaching the Holocaust and antisemitism or looking to deepen your existing practice. Each session will offer practical guidance, classroom-ready resources, and time to think through common challenges with other educators.

Act 48 credits will be available.

Many telescopes and astronomical program publish data online. In this workshop Dr. Carlos Badenes, University of Pittsburgh Physics and Astronomy, will present introductions to several databases. Teachers will then work in small groups to start projects based on the data and report back. Everyone will leave with ready-to-implement projects for middle and high school students.

Lunch, Act 48 credit and a $100 honorarium is provided for teachers. Others are welcome and will receive lunch.

Please contact kerry.handron@pitt.edu with any questions.

Registration at https://tinyurl.com/AOTeacherData

Come together with Dreams of Hope and Cutting Root Farm for this TEAtastic workshop! Michelle Soto will guide us in making personal tea blends and share herbal medicine wisdom.

NOTE: Spaces are limited, so registration is required. We ask that you treat registration as a commitment. If you need to cancel your ticket, please email us at info[at]dreamsofhope[dot]org so we can give it to someone else. Visit dreamsofhope.eventbrite.com to register.

Meet us Sat, March 14th 2 pm @ Kingsley Association 6435 Frankstown Ave, PGH, PA 15206
Accessible via the 74, 75, 77, 82, 86, and P17 bus lines. Also 71C, 88, and 89 (5-10m walk from Penn Ave)
Parking lot and nearby street parking.