Update from the Executive Director

Hello Friends,

This summer at The Pittsburgh Project was nothing short of incredible. Our campus overflowed with joy, energy, and discovery as students explored new skills, deepened friendships, and experienced the love of God in both big and small ways. Each day, I was reminded that the seeds being planted here will bear fruit for years to come.

We offered an exciting range of electives: cooking, art, robotics, dance, personal finance, poetry, gardening, video editing, sports, and more. What struck me most wasn’t just the variety, but the way students leaned into these opportunities and uncovered gifts they didn’t even know they had.

In engineering and robotics, students discovered a new passion for building. Two of our fourth-grade girls spent more than three hours designing, building, and programming a robot to navigate a complex course. It wasn’t easy; they faced setbacks along the way, but their determination and teamwork carried them through to the finish. Watching them persist was truly inspiring.
In art with Ms. Sandy, creativity reached new heights. Students designed bold and unique projects that stretched their imaginations and gave them a sense of accomplishment.
Our book club, which at first, we weren’t sure kids would enjoy, quickly became a highlight. Students not only read but also shared their perspectives and connected through conversation.
In video editing, students explored how media shapes the way we present ourselves online. They began thinking critically about how their digital presence reflects who they are and who they want to become.
Middle schoolers loved their boxing class with Mr. Tom, eagerly showing up for drills and workouts, even the tough ones. They weren’t happy when he missed a day, which speaks to how much they valued the challenge and the discipline it taught them.
Our garden project provided a chance for students to harvest vegetables they had grown and then cook and share a meal together. Seeing the full journey, from seed to plate, was a tangible lesson in patience, responsibility, and the reward of hard work.
And of course, there were plenty of moments of pure joy: Christmas in July, complete with costumes and games, teachers joining in on the fun, and a giant bounce house party with a dunk tank on the final day of camp. The laughter and excitement on our campus was a gift in itself.

As I reflect on this summer, I am reminded of Psalm 78:4: “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” Every elective, every laugh, every project finished, and every challenge overcome points to this truth: we are called to invest in the next generation, helping them see God’s power and presence in their lives.

Friends, none of this would be possible without you. Because of your prayers, your giving, and your belief in our mission, young people across Pittsburgh were able to discover new talents, grow in confidence, and experience the joy of community this summer. Together, we are living out our purpose: sharing hope, empowering youth, and building community.

As we look ahead to the fall, we are eager to see God continue this good work through our afterschool programs, mentoring, and neighborhood partnerships. Please keep our students and staff in your prayers as we step into a new season of growth, and know that your support continues to make all the difference.