Program Updates

After School Club

"April always marks the beginning of the transition toward the theme of reflection at After School Club. We begin to think about the year that has gone by, who we are, and the experiences we have had. This year was no exception - after finishing the post-secondary readiness unit with a final session on college cost and how students pay for college, the students at After School Club spent some time in conversation with mentors about their experiences at school. Students and mentors learned about counter-storytelling, discussed their reasons for and experiences attending school, and reflected on whether or not education really is a “great equalizer”. With only a few sessions left in the program year, May will be spent getting feedback from students on the program and celebrating the year together.

As many of the local colleges and universities enter finals and graduation week, we just want to extend a special thank you to all of the volunteer mentors that have been a part of After School Club this year; your presence at the program makes everything we do possible and brings such warmth to our space. Thank you for bringing all of yourselves to the program, and we wish you the best of luck in the next stage of your journeys!"

-Mike Sirera (he/him). Program Manager

Girls Art and Maker Group

"Our April meeting was full of warmth and newness! We had a relaxed conversation about our emotions and identity with Zuly. She also led students in a storyboard activity where they could reflect on their past experiences that led them to this moment.

Two students pose for a photo taken by one of our alumni.

In the afternoon Rukiya, our Storytelling and Curriculum Planning Intern led our creative portion. Students started by sharing their favorite stories from childhood and then created a collage based on an artwork from Puerto Rican artist Juan Sánchez. It was an amazing session full of exploration of our identities, stories and places we call home. I’m so grateful for Zuly and Rukiya for leading and to the students for their wit and creativity. I’m looking forward to the final session in May and all the fun things we have planned!"

Student collages created from the session led by our Storytelling and Curriculum Planning Intern, Rukiya.

-Erica Hughes (she/her). Program Manager

Youth Steering Committee

"As the weather warms up and the school year comes to an end, I feel gratitude for the time we spent together at the YSC! This month we’ve focused on planning a YSC-led event that will take place at the End-Of-Year Celebration, and is a culmination of conversations we’ve had, themes we’ve explored, and skills we’ve built. Additionally, we see this as an opportunity to engage with the larger ARYSE student community in an effort to build connection, transparency, and share information and ideas with one another. Lots of exciting things happening!"

-Meg Booth (she/her), Youth Advocacy and Education Specialist

Post-Secondary Support

"April was a huge month for the program and I’m looking back on it now with a big smile on my face. From a successful financial empowerment event to campus visits at the Pittsburgh Job Corps Center, CCAC Allegheny, Carlow University, Bidwell Training Center, and Carnegie Mellon University, it has been amazing to see students interacting with each other and our partners from around the city as they continue to express and work toward their goals for after high school.

Dakota introduced everyone to the first ever Post-Secondary program event: Understanding Money, Entering Adulthood.

Seniors will be crossing the stage at graduation in just a few short weeks, and I can’t wait to be there to support them as they take their next steps toward college, career training, and building life on their terms."

Students learn about CCAC during a presentation while on tour of the campus on April 8th.

-Dakota Rottino-Garilli (she/her), Program Manager

PRYSE Academy

"Spring has sprung, and summer is coming in hot! With just two months remaining before PRYSE Academy, we have officially begun our enrollment of new and existing students and closed the door on this year’s hiring campaign.

This year’s team will be nothing short of remarkable, and we are so grateful to everyone who gave consideration to our seasonal positions at the program. These next few weeks will surely be busy, but the excitement of making final preparations while reconnecting with students and families after a long winter will keep us both energized and excited. Happy Spring everyone!"

-Cody Weisel (he/him), Program Manager

April Recap!