Explore the ways we’ve been promoting opportunity, from broadening our students' horizons in Harrisburg to helping pass paid parental leave in Allegheny County.
Paid Parental Leave Passes
We are proud to have supported this historic policy through our participation in the Parental Leave to Help Families Thrive Coalition. The measure, passed by Allegheny County Council, requires most employers to provide 12 weeks of paid leave following the birth, adoption, or stillbirth of a child. As one of the nation’s most generous paid-leave policies, it represents a significant step toward improving maternal and infant health. Read more about the bill here.
Expanding Horizons in Harrisburg
Thanks to a generous grant provided by the Norfolk Southern Foundation, High School PATHmakers enjoyed an overnight trip to Harrisburg that broadened their understanding of post-secondary education and state government. Students toured Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, where they discovered the school’s unique combination of associate degree programs and skilled-trades training, as well as Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, where they saw technologies such as 3D metal printing in action. While touring the Pennsylvania State Capitol, PATHmakers gained insight into the branches of government and the electoral process. Finally, students were surprised with a trip to Hershey’s Chocolate World, where they learned how chocolate is made and created their own Reese’s cups to take home.
Lights on Afterschool
YWCA GP and H.O.P.E. for Tomorrow partnered to host a Glow Party for Lights on Afterschool, an annual nationwide rally celebrating afterschool programs and highlighting the vital role these programs play in the lives of children, families, and communities. This year, 40 children and their families enjoyed food and entertainment while participating in educational activities that helped them explore STEM concepts. Through making glow-in-the-dark slime, families learned about chemical compounds and ratios, while making LED name tags created an opportunity to explore open and closed circuits. To round out the celebration, YWCA GP raffled off educational baskets for students and a Giant Eagle gift card for families.
Trunk or Treat
Our Early Learning students collected toys and treats while showing off their costumes at our annual Trunk or Treat event. Volunteers from [TBD] helped make the morning a success by transforming the parking lot of our Homewood Education Center into a festive wonderland with their beautifully decorated trunks. Thank you to all of our volunteers for helping our students have a great Halloween!