“We’re trying to find trends and pull together high-level talking points.”

“He wanted to prove to his father that an artist could make a living and could matter in this crazy world of ours.”

STEM teaches kids that you can fail and try again. That’s when innovation happens.

Parents can take control of their schools, too. Each of the points in the report offers a “call to action” to address the issue. 

Who doesn’t love free? Pittsburgh RADical Days gives families the chance to visit favorite destinations without paying a dime.

“This is a winner in so many different ways. When you think about kids and think about their needs, this is an obvious one.”

“It’s not like Tinkerbell. It’s not like you believe and clap hard and it’s magic. It’s really hard work to teach every kid.”

“You can put a blinder on that everything is peachy-keen and happy-go-lucky, but when you dig through that and get to the core, there are a lot of people who just want someone to talk to.”

When their principal challenged them to a rap battle, little did the students know they were about to match skills against a former wunderkind from the 1980s Pittsburgh hip-hop scene.

“Civics prepares you to be a better citizen, and better citizens produce better results for all our lives.”

“We don’t want people to perceive this as a Democrat or Republican or Independent or any other party issue. It’s a kids’ issue and it should concern all of us.”

“When you look at the trajectory of what the Education Partnership has accomplished, going from zero to 45,000 students today, that’s remarkable.”

“The goal is to build a positive experience around reading a book.”

“Our approach is history should be fun. If kids are having fun, they’ll be learning in the process.”

“Imagine if a child learns about art history through LEGO” — Nathan Sawaya

“Those who need the most resources and support, get the most resources and support. That means uplifting and supporting and working alongside learners in poverty, learners of color, learners in remote rural areas, girls in STEM, learners of exceptionality.”

“Kids are trusting us to give them school experiences that will open life’s doors for them. I feel like too often we’re putting them into situations where we’re not opening those doors.”

“There’s nothing I love more than giving creatively to a kid and helping someone discover the beauty in their own work, the power of letting their feelings come out in poetry and song.”

Meet the Pittsburgh writers kids love to read. From sci-fi fantasy to pirates adventures and snuggly bedtime books, these local authors know how to entertain.