Dear Students,

     Studies show that those with college degrees are more likely to find jobs and earn higher salaries than those without college degrees. As residents of “America’s Most Livable City,” I want to help ensure that Pittsburgh’s young people are properly prepared for successful career in our City.

     I am proud to present the Pittsburgh College Success Roundtable, which will work to increase the number of Pittsburgh high school students who are college-ready, and who enroll and graduate from post-secondary institutions. Members of the Roundtable – comprised of professionals from non-profit and campus-based college prep programs, university admissions, financial aid officers and the City of Pittsburgh Public Schools, and YOU – will meet on college campuses throughout the Pittsburgh region to discuss common concerns, such as students’ academic preparedness, college entrance and placement examinations, and parental involvement.

     This is the City’s next step toward ensuring college preparedness among Pittsburgh’s students. We recently teamed up with the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling (PACAC) and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to hold a College Success Forum at Robert Morris University, which brought together education professionals to discuss issues regarding college access and success. The Forum led to establishing the Pittsburgh College Success Roundtable.

     We have also made a Promise to Pittsburgh – to help Pittsburgh’s students reach the dream of higher education. The Pittsburgh Promise provides Pittsburgh Public Schools students with up to $40,000 to pursue higher education at an accredited college or university, providing they meet GPA and attendance requirements. The Promise also guarantees that urban public schools will be reformed and developed to ensure that where students live and go to school are places that are conducive to learning and success in higher education.

     Our newest initiative - Promise Coaches - trains adults to connect with youths and engage in supportive, meaningful conversations and guide them on a positive path through graduation and beyond. You can find information about these opportunities, and more, by visiting pittsburghpa.gov/mayor.

     The Pittsburgh College Success Roundtable will become yet another resource for students in the Pittsburgh region, and you can become a member! Our City is filled with opportunity—now it’s up to you to grab ahold of your future!

You can become a member of the Pittsburgh College Success Roundtable! Contact:

Olivia Benson
Youth Policy Manager
Mayor's Office of the City of Pittsburgh
541 City-County Building
414 Grant St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
olivia.benson@pittsburghpa.gov
phone: 412-255-2258 | fax: 412-255-2687