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Designed and funded by Policy Innovations Institute, Inc.
“Policy Innovations Institute, Inc.* (PII) is a nonprofit research and support organization located in the County of Allegheny within the state of Pennsylvania. The Mission of Policy Innovations Institute, a 501(c)(3) corporation, is to strengthen urban communities by researching and establishing public-private partnerships to provide innovative solutions to housing and education issues.”
At Policy Innovations Institute we believe in….Better Housing…Better Education…Better Communities. Recently, we researched the strengths and weaknesses of the summer educational programs offered to children in the Pittsburgh area. Enclosed are some of the findings:
- There is no ’one stop shop’ for parents to access information from multiple organizations regarding Pittsburgh summer camps and kids programs.
- Program affordability is a potential obstacle.
- Only a limited number of scholarships are available for students; however, many of the application processes are complicated and confusing.
- Almost all summer camps (or kids programs) lack transportation assistance
- Many Pittsburgh camps or programs do not offer lunches; or other food options.
- Daycare (pre and post camp) for school-aged and young children is often offered, but at an additional cost.
Tragically, these obstacles prevent many low-to-moderate income students access to these Pittsburgh programs; in turn, it has a negative effect on the current “achievement gap.”
- PittsburghKidsPrograms.org now offers Allegheny (and surrounding counties) a one stop shop for parents to use when looking for summer camps and children’s educational programs.
- We have established a number of programs to help decrease the summer “achievement gap” and alleviate the some of the financial issues faced by Pittsburgh families.
- The Scholarship Assistance Program – An advisory program established to assist parents with the camp scholarship application process. Furthermore, we help lessen the obstacles of transportation and meals (for low-income parents.)
- Community Outreach Program – This is designed to bring educational outreach opportunities to community centers in distressed neighborhoods, and qualified public housing facilities.
- Summer Camp Scholarship Program (Coming in 2011) – Next year we will provide summer camp scholarship opportunities to qualified, low-income students.•
We are seeking the support of individuals, public organizations, and private corporations to help finance the above programs.
If you are looking to support our efforts, and expand the opportunities of our youth, please click on the above donation button. If you are a parent of student, and you need assistance, please contact us.
*Please keep in mind that PittsburghKidsPrograms.org (and Policy Innovations Institute, Inc.) is not responsible for the claims or services provided by any of the camps or programs listed on this Web site. This Site is for informational purposes only; please conduct your own investigation as to whether a camp or program is a suitable match for your child. Thank you!