Education

Three participants of the Gwen’s Girls program are sitting in front of computers and interacting with each other as they hone their skills. Particpants in the Gwen's Girls program working on their computer skills. Photo by John Altdorfer
At a Glance

  • Public education is an essential pathway to a more just and equitable society.
  • Learning is a life-long pursuit that can occur in multiple venues.
  • Learning experiences should be accessible, equitable and high-quality in school, out of school and in the broader community.

Overview

The Endowments’ Education Program staff believes that public education is an essential pathway to a more just and equitable society. Likewise, it recognizes that learning is a life-long pursuit and best suited for multiple venues rather than limited to one. Consequently, the program’s overall goal is to use its leadership and grantmaking to advocate for all children in grades K-12 and their families living in the Pittsburgh region, especially in distressed neighborhoods, by supporting learning initiatives and experiences that are accessible, equitable and high-quality in school and out-of-school settings and in the broader community. To achieve this goal, the Education Program invests in efforts to cultivate strong teacher and administrator leadership, innovative instructional practices, community partnerships, and a policy environment that is intentionally student- and family-centered so that children can thrive and subsequently contribute to the region’s intellectual and economic success.

Highlighted Grantee
Five cohort teachers are playing with a vandagraph generator during their visit to YouMedia at the Chicago Public Library. They are laughing and holding hands. Fluency cohort teachers visit YouMedia at Chicago Public Library to learn how the design of a space can support learning goals. Photo by Dror Yaron
The CREATE Lab’s Fluency Project

The Fluency Project is designed to help students go beyond the fundamentals of data, technology and media literacy to being able to fluently convey their own voice and creativity through all three avenues. The program also seeks to provide students with the training they need to they feel proficient and confident enough to act as leaders and agents of change in their communities.

Learn more about the Fluency Project

Our grants tell the story of what we care about - people and the places where they live.

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Program Staff

Related Strategic Areas

Creativity Learning Sustainability

The Endowments’ work in Creativity supports and celebrates the importance of creativity in all aspects of the region’s success — through its artists and cultural organizations; the quality of life in its neighborhoods; the excellence of its public realm; and the voices of its citizens as active participants in cultural life.

View Strategic Area

The Heinz Endowments’ focus on family and child well-being, holistic education and workforce readiness helps to build a community where curiosity, collaboration and innovation are encouraged and everyone has the opportunity to learn and achieve.

View Strategic Area

As part of its efforts to pursue a just and sustainable Pittsburgh, The Heinz Endowments is advancing an equitable, clean economy that protects public health and the environment, and benefits all citizens of Pittsburgh.

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