The students came to campus for the first PennWest Academy for College and Career Prep.
- Students at Penn HIlls Charter School participate in the PennWest Academy for College and Career Prep.
- Carrie Kromer, of the PSECU, discusses financial literacy with Penn Hills Charter students.
- Instructor John Craig demonstrates drone operation to Dai'Liyon Watson, a rising ninth-grader at Penn Hill Charter School.
- Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, interim president of Cal U, meets with Penn Hills Charter School students.
- Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson laughs with Penn Hills Charter School teacher Domenic Raspanti, Clarion '19.
California University of Pennsylvania has partnered with the Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship (PHCSE) to provide a college preparation program for students in grades 6-8.
The first PennWest Academy for College and Career Prep was held June 21-23. Seventeen students from PHCSE took academic courses as well as programs to develop their leadership skills and physical and mental wellness.
The four-day academy concluded with students and their families attending New Student Orientation at California, which provided opportunity to learn more about the first-year college experience, admissions requirements and the financial aid process.
“We seek opportunities to help our students explore potential career pathways and opportunities,” said Dr. Wayne Jones, CEO of PHCSE who earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management in 2008 and his M.B.A in 2010, both from California. He is a member of the school’s Alumni Association Board of Directors.
“Exposing them to a university setting will encourage and motivate them to do what is necessary to remain on the right track to get accepted to college or obtain a scholarship, if that is a path they choose.
The academy aligns with Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education’s mission to provide access to quality public higher education, said Anthony Mauro, vice president for Development and California campus administrator.
“This is a pilot program that we hope to be able to expand here and on the other PennWest campuses,” Mauro said. “It’s important for us to provide this opportunity for children, who oftentimes just need a seed to be planted for their futures.”