PITTSBURGH — We know that education gaps exist in our area - across communities, social class, gender, race and other demographics. There are resources available to help every student succeed. Here are some of them for our area.

Pennsylvania Department of Education

The state Department of Education oversees 500 public school districts, more than 170 public charter schools, public cyber charter schools, career and technology centers/vocational technical schools, public intermediate units, the education of youth in State Juvenile Correctional Institutions, Head Starts and publicly funded preschools, and community colleges.

You can find contact information for the state Department of Health HERE.

Education Partnership

The Education Partnership provides school supplies for students and their teachers in low-income schools in southwestern Pennsylvania.

According to their website, the nonprofit helps 55,000 students and 5,500 teachers at 144 schools in our area.

You can call the Education Partnership at (412) 922-6500 or contact them via their website or social media.

Free/Reduced Internet Access

Here is a list from a variety of internet providers if you need to sign up at a free or reduced cost:

Comcast Internet Essentials:
AT&T (Phone: 855-220-5211)
Sprint
Spectrum
Verizon
USAC
How to turn your phone into a hotspot (be sure to check with your cell phone provider regarding possible charges)

Connecting Kids Initiative

The wireless industry’s Connecting Kids Initiative is a new resource for schools and school districts to help keep kids learning in these unprecedented times. Schools districts are encouraged to submit their connectivity needs and we will help connect them to wireless operators in their communities.

You can find more information HERE.

Pennsylvania’s Education for All Coalition

Mission statement from their website: We believe that children of ALL BACKGROUNDS AND ABILITIES should be successfully educated together in their neighborhood schools within the general education curriculum.

The group has a list of resources for parents and families which is available HERE.

Literacy Council of Southwestern PA

The mission of the Literacy Council of Southwestern PA (LCSWPA) is to empower adults and families with literacy skills that enable them to lead successful, fulfilled lives as members of our communities.

Address: 351 Montgomery Avenue, Washington, PA 15301
Phone: 724-228-6188
Email: lauren@lcswpa.org

You can also fill out a form on the Literacy Council’s website.

Library of Congress Free Education Resources

The Library of Congress offers classroom materials and professional development to help teachers use primary sources from the Library’s vast digital collections.

If you have additional resources you think should be included in this guide, email us at pittsburghgetsreal@wpxi.com

Cox Media Group

Education Resources in Western Pennsylvania