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The Promise Transforms

Our Impact

The Pittsburgh Promise promotes high educational aspirations among urban youth, funds scholarships for post-secondary access, and fuels a prepared and diverse regional workforce.

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Students Funded

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Million in Scholarships Given

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Regional Companies Have Hired our Alumni
See our impact
Victor
"By the time I’m thirty, I’d like to create a company designed to help Pittsburgh artists with legal representation in order to elevate the city’s greatest talents."
Chauncey
"I used to think that success was just about money, but I am learning that success is also about passion. You can have a million dollars and still be miserable."
Heather
"You never know what is going to happen tomorrow, good or bad. I am afraid and yet excited about the unknown."
Theresa
"I absolutely feel like my college experience was one I hoped for. I made life long friends, countless memories, and professional connections."
Leah
"UPMC helped make The Pittsburgh Promise happen and I am proud to say that I am now a UPMC employee."
Amanda
"These past four years (at La Roche) have taught me that life isn't perfect, but things work out the way they're meant to."
Jessica
"I made a documentary on body positivity when I was in high school. I would love to recreate it and promote it as I learn more in college."
Morgan
"Ideally, I'd love to run my own coffee shop. I imagine wood floors, comfy stools, fast wifi, and supremely good coffee."
April
"My dream is to work as a speech therapist for children with disabilities. I want to use language to help people."
Raj
"I enjoy programming in different languages from Java to HTML. I would love to work at Google."
Angelica
"When I was little, there was a commercial on TV about ultrasound techs. I looked at my mom and told her, "that's what I want to do."
David
"I've always had a broad variety of interests and have never fallen in love with just one topic. I would love to have a job that combines my interests and involves the arts."
Amani
"I promise to keep my head up high and to never surrender when it comes to accomplishing my goals."
Kacey
"Through pharmacy I have the opportunity to give back to my community with my passion, and I couldn't be more excited."
Marna
"I've dreamed of becoming an engineer ever since my first visit to Penn State's Blue Roof. They create homes for the elderly, disabled, and veterans."
Rojanai
"My dream career is to become a physical therapist in the field of exercise science. I want to interact with people and make sure they can live comfortably."
D'Angelo
"My dream career is to run my own heating and cooling business. Everybody needs those services."
Drue
"Since the third grade, I've felt that I have words and stories trapped inside my head. I have to put them on paper."
Miriam
"College is an opportunity to expand my horizons. I plan to try many different classes and internships. I'm excited for the unknown and the places it will take me."
Jameelah
"Being a creative director someday will allow me to express my ideas. Creativity is important to me; it has the power to change the world."
Ra'Naa
"When I am upset I like to do my make-up, hair, or get a massage. I want to open a therapeutic salon and spa, someday."
Divine
"I've always been interested in building and exploring. My dream career is engineering!"
Tommaso
"The Promise is a fantastic incentive for furthering my education in subjects that interest me at a professional level."
Jada
"The Promise motivates me to go to college and to fulfill my dreams, stress-free."
Joey
"My dream career is to be a neurosurgeon. The thing that attracts me the most is the uniqueness of each human brain."
Carlyle
" I love acting and I love making people laugh. I think I have the personality and characteristics to make it a career."
Mariah
" I can be so upset, but just listening to music and dancing makes me happy. Dancing is my therapy."
Nate
"When I was younger, my greatest fear was financial stability. But when I started working in bio labs, I knew it was where I wanted to be. I didn't care what it payed."
Thomas
"At any level of politics, there are opportunities to help people. The presidential elections of '08 and '12 drew me in and I knew that I wanted to pursue politics for a living."
Katelyn
"I've always wanted to go in to the medical field and I've always wanted to help people. As a physical therapist, I get to listen and make my own plan of recovery."
Adriana
''I knew I wanted to become a neurosurgeon after doing research at Duquesne University. Learning about neuroscience showed me how complex the brain is."
Miranda
"For me, The Promise is one less major stressor for my future and one big step towards my dream."
Imani
"At Harvard's 13th Annual Alumni of Color Conference, I listened to ministers speak about injustice and then relate it to spirituality. Since then, I have felt called to theology."
Morgan
"I knew I wanted to do something with computer science, but it really became clear when I was voted "Most Technological Female" of my 8th grade class."
Theo
“My favorite thing in the world is the people that populate it. Everyone has their own story, and I want to spend my life hearing each one.”
Jessica
“The Promise offered me a way into college, and as an alumni, I am proud to represent the education I've earned, and where I've earned it.”
Kayla
“I am grateful that my college experience has taught me to be responsible and organize my priorities.”
Kayla
“The Promise allowed me to attend a university that helped me discover what I wanted to pursue, and then to flourish during my pursuit.”
Dan
“For big decisions, I always ask myself what feels right; I'm the one who's going to have to live with the outcome of my choices.”
Adam
“If I wasn't writing, I don't know how I'd get through my days. It's a career that makes me excited to venture above and beyond every day.”
Jordan
"A dream career is the product of hard work, determination, and taking advantage of opportunities in order to really serve others."
Phillip
"By junior year you should be looking at internships in an ideal field. This was critically important for me leading into post-grad life."
Zack
“Try to take in as many perspectives as possible. It's incredible that so many people can see so many things in such different lights."
Alex
“Having just finished my junior year, and having enjoyed numerous research experiences, I know I've chosen the right path.”
Sha-Phawn
“My biggest advice would be to never strive to be perfect. No one is!”
Solomon
“The Promise was my primary reason for staying in Pittsburgh. Now I know that if I had gone somewhere else, I never would have gotten my start-up company off the ground.”
Tal
“I cannot see myself doing anything with my life other than performing in the theatre.”
Teireik
“The Promise kept me hopeful about college and gave me a line of sight.”
Wade
“The Promise allowed me to attend college and focus on my education as opposed to worrying about how I was going to pay for it.”
Zachary
“Find something you’re good at and wouldn’t mind doing, then find a career path where you can apply those skills. All those years of school will finally pay off.”
Zachary
“I hope to improve myself and inspire others. My motivation comes from seeing others achieve something. If one person can do it, we all can”
Zoe
“I really see myself as my biggest motivator. I push myself to keep going because I know that I can.”
Nick
“I love that I can proudly say that I graduated from Pittsburgh Public Schools, I am a Promise Alumnus, and I am employee of UPMC.”
Qawiyah
“Stay focused! College is overwhelming at first and it can be challenging at times, but as long as you remain focused you'll get through it!”
Quincy
“Students should know that some things just aren’t negotiable, for example, grades and attendance. Knowing that puts you steps ahead.”
Rachael
“The Promise encouraged me to work hard, and inspired me to become more involved.”
Rebecca
“To be able to attend an Ivy League school using The Promise is pretty amazing. Once I was admitted to Penn, I made such great friends. My peers are intellectually curious and hard working, but at the same time very fun. ”
Rebecca
“The Promise allows me to participate in projects, activities, clubs, and classes. Without it, I would have to make a job the priority over my college experience.”
Rieko
“Singing jazz and opera, modeling and experiencing new things are just some of my passions. I try to do the things that make me happy.”
Rosie
“The trials and tribulations that I have endured are my inspiration. My life lessons push me to strive for the best.”
Sadik
"I travel because it gives me the opportunity to reflect. The long flights allow me to put the world into perspective.”
Sam
“The Promise has inspired me to show up and get good grades. I can't throw away a chance for free money for college.”
Sara
“It can be easy to avoid challenging yourself in high school, but in the long run you’ll thank yourself if you do.”
Sarah
“It’s amazing how one event in your life causes a chain reaction; the circles go on and on.”
Shanda
“I want to make a mark. Making a difference is important to me.”
Dan
“Find something you love to do. If you like what you’re studying, it makes school so much easier and more enjoyable.”
Dana
“Knowing that The Promise is going to be there with a scholarship each year drives me. I was able to pick the college of my choice and not be burdened by debt.”
Diamen
“I was surprised that all of the money for Promise scholarships is given by organizations, and even regular people. I am so grateful to them.”
Elizabeth
“I know that it's up to me. I am the only one who can make things happen for myself, good or bad.”
Erika
“College has given me a taste of the real world. It is my responsibility alone to get to class on time and meet deadlines. Coming to the realization that every outcome is solely up to me has been quite the wake up call.”
Gabe
“The Promise made me look at in-state schools and realize that they are just as great even though they are close to home”
Gerrod
“My brother got The Promise and I will too.”
Jacob
“I've always wanted to be a combination of Maya Angelou, Gandhi, and Master Yoda, but I'll settle for becoming an elementary school teacher.”
John Alex
“I like to build and create. A game called Minecraft got me into building complex circuitry to make new devices, which I share with my friends.”
Jordan
“The Promise gives my peers even more drive to do well in school. In the future, I hope to be in a position to give back to my community.”
Joshua
“Without The Promise, I would not, most likely, be going to college as my family does not have the financial means to pay for it.”
Kim
“All three of my brothers have used The Promise for college and it helped tremendously. My whole family is benefiting from The Promise. ”
Michelle
“Disabilities shouldn't divide us. It shouldn’t matter how someone looks, how they talk—or how they cannot talk—or what they can’t do!”
Chesarai
“I encourage my younger brothers to do their best and not to worry about what others are doing around them. I know from experience that they can use education to achieve what they want from life.”
Courtney
“Without The Promise, I would be in a lot of debt and would not have gone to the school that was best for me.”
Curtis
“The biggest challenge in college is doing everything on my own. Independence is a luxury, and a burden, that I enjoy and embrace.”
Cydney
“My advice to other students is to take advantage of programs that allow you to study abroad. It may seem daunting, but it’s worth it.”
Daeja
“I would love to travel abroad to teach poetry and reading skills to children who have less educational opportunities.”
Daniel
“The Promise removed a financial burden on my family. That is really important to me. I know that no matter what happens my family will always be there to support me and my decisions.”
Desiree
“Music has helped me through all of the good and bad times. It was there for me when no one else was and it will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Grant
“The Promise gives me hope for my future.”
Hannah
“It’s okay if you don’t know what you want to be or if you change your mind. I'm learning to open my mind, try new things, make mistakes, and learn with every step I take.”
Jacalyn
“The Promise has made it possible for me to stay on campus. Without The Promise, I would have to live at home which would have completely changed my experience.”
Janay
“I hope to start my own nonprofit that helps urban youth become the best that they can be.”
Jasmine
“The Promise motivates me to succeed in high school because if I do well in high school, I know that I will able to handle the challenges of college.”
Kai
“The Promise is one of the reasons why I’m at Carnegie Mellon, which for me has been like a human incubator. I've grown in every way and at such a fast rate. I've changed completely, but for the better.”
Kaitlyn
“The Promise allows more and more kids from my community to receive higher education. It has been the motivation for kids to stay in school and always work their hardest.”
Kendre
“My grandmother motivates me the most. She didn’t go to college but she understands how far an education can take you.”
Kenya
“I try to just stay on the right track. It's harder to try to get back on track if you slack off for a bit.”
Kielle
“I see myself in a career that I love, doing something that I love. I see myself traveling the world, which is my biggest dream.”
Lauren
“The Promise had a large impact on my school choice. There is no way I could throw free money down the drain. My family struggled supporting my older sister through college. I knew I needed to get The Promise to relieve that financial stress.”
Leeza
“After completing an internship and two years of college, I realized that my life and my future are totally up to me. The challenge of discovering my path has no boundaries or limits.”
Lindsay
“When I write I feel like I am my best self. Creating characters and poems filled with my emotions and ideas is always freeing.”
Mallory
“After my freshman year of college, I was among the first group of interns at The Pittsburgh Promise. I’ve been volunteering ever since!”
Marcus
“When I play basketball, I feel relaxed. I don’t have any worries in the world at all.”
Maria
“My brother inspires me to be successful since he is a year ahead of me. He pushes me to work to my full potential.”
Marna
“The Promise gave me a goal to work towards. It helped me realize that there are people working on my behalf to make my dreams a reality.”
Matthew
“I see myself working to create ‘the next big thing.’ I hope to become a true innovator.”
Megan
“Without The Promise, Penn State might not have been an option for me. I worked hard to get The Promise and will work even harder to keep it.”
Megan
“The Promise has been a catalyst in bettering my education.”
Miranda
“My family is very supportive and that’s what keeps me going. I think of all of the people around me, cheering me on.”
Mitchell
“I feel like The Promise gave us hope. Now more students are not only trying to graduate, but trying to graduate with good grades.”
Aedan
“The biggest challenge that I have faced has been budgeting time accordingly so that I can excel in the classroom and on the field as a student athlete.”
Alan
“A lot of people do not have the opportunities that I've had. The Promise eased the burden of tuition which makes me passionate about doing well and helping others in order to pay it forward.”
Alexis
“Writing is my passion. I like creating voices for characters and stringing words together with poetry.”
Alexis
“It’s pretty unlikely I’d be born with a rare eye condition, but I’ve found that almost every teacher wants to help—sometimes a little too much, but I can forgive them for wanting me to learn.”
Amedeo
“I truly believe that I have changed more throughout my short time in college than I have in my entire life. I now better understand not only my limits, but my potential as well.”
Angela
“The Promise inspired me to look at more colleges and want to push myself.”
Anita
“I know that receiving a Promise scholarship will help turn my aspirations into my realities.”
Aryell
“The Promise helped me find my dream school. Without The Promise, I would not have been able to attend Temple University.”
Aysar
“The Promise opens doors. Anyone who works hard enough can get to college because of it, which is an amazing thing.”
Bakir
“I found that if you keep a calm mind, never stress out, and hold a steady pace, you can meet the challenges of college head-on.”
Benjamin
“The impact The Pittsburgh Promise has had on my life has been profound; not only has it helped immensely with my college finances, but it also kept me in Pittsburgh by way of CMU. I truly believe Pittsburgh is one of the greatest cities in the world.”
Blaise
“One piece of advice I would give to a freshman is that you have to work hard to achieve success because nothing is handed to you in college.”
Brianna
“My motivation mainly comes from my mother. I watched her thrive in school and it inspired me to do the same thing. I want to make her proud.”
Charmaine
“Hopefully when I graduate I’ll land a dream job, which for me is a job that I can love to do every day.”
Alexis
“College life is expensive. I try to save for essential expenses before spending on things like a new pair of shoes or a concert.”

12,345

Students have pursued their dreams

with a Promise scholarship

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