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.