RAINIER REPORTS on the sights and sounds of kids and teens navigating life in the Burgh, and all the hype!

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The Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Hunt Armory ice rink in Shadyside has opened for its fourth season in partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In its fourth season of operation, the Highmark Hunt Armory ice rink will continue to support local city hockey programs including Chatham University, Pittsburgh Obama and various non-profits through its free community ice times.

This season features a robust array of programming including Learn to Skate, Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey and the Try Hockey for Free program.

Learn to Skate is an introductory program for children ages four to 10 that teaches the basic skills of ice skating in small class sizes with Learn to Skate USA certified coaches.

Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey is an introductory program for children ages five to 10 to learn the basic skills of ice hockey. The program provides first-time participants with full hockey equipment and weekly appropriate on-ice instruction from certified coaches in a fun and safe atmosphere. The Little Penguins program is presented by the NHL and NHLPA with the support of The Penguins Foundation and DICK'S Sporting Goods.

Try Hockey for Free, presented by U. S. Steel, is a one-hour clinic available for children ages four to nine who wish to give the sport of hockey a try with no cost or commitment. No prior skating and/or hockey experience is required for participation, and equipment will be provided for each participant.

Public skating is scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3:30-5:30 PM. Community groups may also utilize free ice time provided by Duquesne Light Company and the Penguins Foundation. For additional information, please contact huntarmoryicerink@pittsburghpenguins.com

The historic Highmark Hunt Armory Ice Rink opened in 2021 and is the first indoor community ice rink opened within the city of Pittsburgh in 25 years. The facility serves as home to the Pittsburgh Penguins diversity and community programming, as well as public skating and hockey. 28,000 community members visited the ice rink during the 2023-2024 season alone. Please go to HuntArmoryIceRink.com for more information about the facility and its programming.

Experience an immersive installation that is a tribute to the marvel of watching fireflies in nature.

Look up to see a field of 200 ‘firefly’ jars, each containing a light that will blink at random with a golden glow. When the light from one jar recognizes another glowing nearby, gradually the blinking between them synchronizes and their lights turn blue. Over time, the patterns of the blinking colors shift and flow from one end of the room to the other. Watch as the blue lights independently change back to gold creating new patterns, and then synchronize to blue again.

A custom soundscape entitled Nocturne layers in the sounds of summer insects, enhancing the flow and flicker of light and amplifying the Rhythm of Fireflies.

You can also find information about fireflies, their behaviors, habitats and ways you can help them flourish.

Spontaneous Order: The Rhythm of Fireflies is created by artist Sally Weber and optical innovator Craig Newswanger of Resonance Studio.

“In Pennsylvania, youth made up 13% of the total electorate. This is a start, but it is not enough!”

PA Youth Vote is a nonpartisan collaboration of youth, educators, and organizations working to elevate youth voices, improve public school civics education, and empower youth as civic actors. Together, we are building youth political power and changing the policy and culture around youth voting statewide.

Our Western PA Team, Dr. Holley and Journey, visited Duquesne University and helped the Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. register their members and peers on campus to vote! We also provided information on mail-in ballots and working at the polls this season!

#MakeYourVoiceHeard #PGH #PAyouthVOTE

• Register to vote: PAyouth.Vote/Register
  
  • Opt-in to nonpartisan text messages from PA Youth Vote: By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from PA Youth Vote. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.
• Not sure what party to choose, if any? Take the ISideWith.Com quiz. 
• Check your voter registration status

Stipends available in eligible public schools!

PA Youth Vote Team Captains - High school students leading school-wide voter engagement - Read more & apply.

• Act 158 Evidence-Based Graduation Pathway - HS Student Internships

PA Youth Vote Ambassadors - High school and college students organizing across multiple schools and in communities - Read more & apply.

PA Youth Vote Interns - College students working with local high schools and in operational capacities as PA Youth Vote staff members - Read more & apply.

Tour, explore, and more!

Teen Membership is a free pass to exploration and discovery available to all teens 13–18 years old who are residents of Pennsylvania. From youth artmaking to teen science challenges, the four Carnegie Museums provide so many creative ways for teens to connect with each other and their world—and, most importantly, to find their own voice.

Teen members enjoy*:

+ FREE general admission to Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum

+ Invitations to events and programming designed just for teen members

+ FREE reciprocal admission at 300+ ASTC museums and science centers

+ Discounts on classes, camps, educational films at the Rangos Giant Cinema, laser shows, lectures, and special events

+ A 10% discount in museum stores and cafes (20% store discount during Member Shopping Days)

*Teen membership benefits are valid for one named teen per membership. Teen membership benefits do not extend to parents, guardians, caregivers, household members, or additional guests.

Or, complete the Teen Membership Application and return it to any of the four Carnegie Museums
or mail to:
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
ATTN: Membership
4400 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Teen Membership is generously supported by The Grable Foundation and the Robert and Mary Weisbrod Foundation

The mission of Gwen's Girls  is to empower girls and young women to have productive lives through holistic, gender-specific programs, education, and experiences.  Why Girls? It is reported that 

42% girls in the United States now live in low-income families, and 1 in 5 below the poverty line (State of Girls 2013). Growing up in a low-income home increases a girl’s likelihood to encounter physical, emotional and behavioral hurdles. They are a higher risk for various social challenges including:

violence

abandonment and family dysfunction

sexist, racist or homophobic messages

abuse and exploitation

teen pregnancy

negative peer influences

academic failure

low self-esteem

Few services exist to help these girls. Without support, it seems like these girls’ futures are predetermined – and they are part of a cycle that is doomed to repeat. 

PUM catches up with  Dr. Kathi Elliott, CEO of Gwen’s Girls to learn more about the various solutions Gwen’s Girls is offering, including holistic, gender-specific programs, education, and experiences for Allegheny County’s at-risk children and young adults. More importantly, the organization offers a safe space where girls and young women can form relationships, build self-esteem and gain resiliency.

PUM: Tell us more about Gwen's Girls, it's mission and how it is enhancing the lives of Black girls from the Pittsburgh region?

Dr. Kathi Elliott: For over 20 years, Gwen’s Girls has provided educational opportunities, emotional support and enrichment experiences that have improved the quality of life for at-risk girls in the Pittsburgh region. Our prevention and intervention programs have helped over 6,000 girls and young women transform their lives and achieve economic self-sufficiency. They also enable girls to realize their individual strengths and potential and – as a result – become contributing members of society.

 PUM:  Recently your organization was presented with proclamations from county Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey honoring Black Girls Equity Month and the contributions of Gwen’s Girls to raise awareness and address the systemic racial biases that contribute to the juvenile justice and child welfare systems.  Tell us more about how your organization is addressing the systemic racial biases in this region for Black girls.

Dr. Kathi Elliott: Gwen’s Girls, in partnership with the Black Girls Equity Alliance (BGEA) and the Gwendolyn J. Elliott Institute (GJEI), have been at the forefront of advancing systemic change around issues that affect Black youth – particularly Black girls. Gwen’s Girls has the expertise, mechanisms for convening stakeholders, and networks in place to reduce local racial and ethnic disparities in Allegheny County’s juvenile justice system. In Pittsburgh, where Black girls are 10 times more likely than their white peers to be referred to the juvenile justice system, Gwen’s Girls has created programming and community outreach that supports the unique needs of Black girls while providing the expertise to affect policy and create systems-wide change.

PUM: Black girls face tremendous challenges when it comes to Education, health, wellness and

 trauma-informed care, reproductive justice, comprehensive sex education, commercial sex exploitation, juvenile justice, and child welfare. Tell us more about how Gwen's Girls is helping to address these important issues through your various programs. 

 Dr. Kathi Elliott:  We know that our girls have limitless potential, but so many face obstacles that threaten to stand in their way. Many of our girls live in neighborhoods with high rates of poverty, crime and violence. Gwen’s Girls hopes to continue to put these girls on a level playing field by providing high quality, gender-responsive programs, education and experiences. Our programs at Gwen’s Girls are designed to help girls realize their individual strengths, transform their lives and become essential and valued members of society. We believe that, when given the opportunity, any girl can succeed.

In addition to our after-school and community-based programs and services, Gwen’s Girls has a number of specialized programs to support high-school aged youth:

The BGALA Program stands for Black Girls Advocacy Leadership Alliance.  BGALA is a program for our Gwen’s Girls that are in high school, ages 14 to 18 years old. The program allows our girls to express themselves in a positive and judgement free environment. BGALA teaches the girls how to develop skills and use their voice and advocate against things such as adultification, colorism, and other social injustices facing black girls today. BGALA also empower the girls to love the skin they’re in, to be leaders in their schools, and their communities.

The S.T.A.R.S. Program stands for Striving to Achieve Resilience & Success. This is a 12–15-week mentoring program that is strength-based, community-based, & youth-driven. S.T.A.R.S. assist court involved, and at-risk youth identify goals by creating a “pathway plan” and making action steps towards self-improvement & empowerment. By pairing the youth with a mentor that guides the youth according to their individualized needs and provide advocacy supports to meet goals and connect them to community resources.

The See the Best In Me program is a prevention, intervention and regional capacity building strategy focused on populations most vulnerable to and/or victims/survivors of sex trafficking in urban and rural communities, with a focus on Allegheny County and surrounding urban and rural counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. Three identified target populations include girls who are Black, involved in the child welfare system, and/or runaway/homeless.

Caring Connections- With the help of the United Way 2-1-1, Gwen’s Girls Caring Connections for YOUth support network has implemented a centralized call center ​that will provide assessment, ​intake, and a community-based referral process for youth 10-21 ​years of age to connect them to preventative and support services. 

PUM:  How is your organization living up to the legacy that your late founder Gwen Elliot, Pittsburgh Police Commander envisioned?  For you overseeing the organization as the CEO what would your mom think about how Gwen's Girls is positively impacting Black girls lives? 

 Dr. Kathi Elliott:  The inspiration for Gwen’s Girls came from my mother, Commander Gwen Elliott. She was truly a trailblazer, and her amazing achievements have inspired many others. I believe that my mother would be proud of the work we’re doing, and will continue to do, to make the world a better place for Black girls and young women.

PUM: Recently your organization hosted your 7th  Annual Black Girls Equity Alliance (BGEA) She Matters: Centering Youth Voice for Systemic Change Summit, what significant goals and information came out of this event? 

 Dr. Kathi Elliott:  By hosting our 7th Annual Summit, we believe we have raised positive awareness about our goal and mission to empower girls and young women to enjoy productive, successful and fulfilling lives. That was the driving force and purpose behind this summit, which is why the theme of the summit was She Matters: Centering Youth Voice for Systemic Change.

The Emerging Leaders from our BGALA program co-planned and co-facilitated the panel discussions and break-out sessions, as well as youth from other programs from across the country.

PUM:  How can the public get involved with your organization? 

Dr. Kathi Elliott:   Anyone who is interested in volunteering or donating to Gwen’s Girls can visit our website at www.gwensgirls.org

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) is thrilled to announce the opening of a new Clubhouse at Aliquippa Junior Senior High School for the 2024-2025 school year. This exciting development is the result of a collaborative effort with the Greater Aliquippa Advisory Committee and aims to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for the youth of the Aliquippa community.

The Greater Aliquippa Advisory Committee was established by a diverse collection of dedicated community leaders to guide this process. Members include Dr. Mitchel Nickols, Dr. Cheryl King, Dr. Melvin Steals, Dr. Phillip Woods, Joe West, Tina Price-Genes, Olivia Benson, Ed Palombo, Ed DeMailo, Tyrone Patillo, Mike Warfield, Michael Hauser, Genetha Short, Nora Lemon, Rob Jones, Sam Gill, Rick Shymoniak, Tamu Gilbert, Robert Digiovine Jr., and Salina Moreland.

The Aliquippa Clubhouse will serve students ages 10 through 18 offering both after school and summer programs as well as during school teen programs designed to support academic success, career and life readiness, character and leadership development, and healthy lifestyles. This initiative aligns with BGCWPA’s mission to activate and advance the potential of every child, especially those who need services the most.

“The kids of Aliquippa deserve every opportunity to thrive and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania is honored to be invited to serve this wonderful community,” said Christopher Watts, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. “This new Clubhouse will be a safe, fun, and inclusive place for kids and teens and we are privileged to collaborate with the dedicated leaders of the Greater Aliquippa Advisory Committee and Aliquippa School District to turn this longtime vision into a reality.”

“Speaking on behalf of the Aliquippa Advisory Committee, I know we are making a big step for our community by bringing a Boys & Girls Club to Aliquippa,” said Dr. Mitchel Nickols, Chair of the Advisory Committee. “Having spaces for our kids to learn and thrive will have a tremendous impact across all of our community.”

“The ultimate goal is to inspire and motivate school-age children to embrace their potential, creativity, and individuality, and to encourage them to dream big and work towards their goals,” said Dr. Phillip Woods, Superintendent, Aliquippa School District.

The after-school program for ages 10-13 will follow the Pennsylvania Keystone STARS quality rating improvement system, ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants. Activities will include, arts, reading activities, math and reasoning activities, science and nature activities, and cultural awareness. Programs are designed to be engaging and inspiring, fostering a love of learning and creativity in a safe, inclusive environment. Youth enrolled in these programs are eligible for Child Care Works (CCW), making the programs accessible to families in need of financial assistance.

For Grades 9-12, the Teen Outreach Program (TOP) will be a cornerstone of the high school offerings during the school day. This evidence-based program focuses on building social-emotional skills, developing a positive sense of self, and encouraging community

engagement through service projects. Key components of TOP include skills building, self-learning and engaging with the community.

BCGWPA and the Greater Aliquippa Advisory Committee also announced the initiation of a fundraising effort specifically for the Aliquippa Clubhouse. Donations can be made via checks payable to “Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania” with “Aliquippa Clubhouse” specified on the memo line, sent to our headquarters at 317 East Carson Street, West Tower, Suite 238, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Contributions can also be made online at https://bgcwpa.org/give, specifying “Aliquippa Clubhouse” in the memo section.

Peoples, an Essential Utilities Company, made a gift through the Essential Foundation to support the Aliquippa Clubhouse to kick off the Clubhouse fundraising effort. “Peoples believes in making lives better through support of important community organizations, and we’re glad to work with Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania,” said Vice President of Reliability Ed Palombo. “Their Aliquippa Clubhouse will be a great asset to children and families in the area, and we look forward to seeing the growth that comes from this initiative.”

For more information about BGCWPA visit bgcwpa.org.