Cyber schools, with their virtual educational techniques, continue to make strides in the educational process, but one Pittsburgh based Charter School is putting together programs to help students excel even more.

PA Learners Online Regional Charter School, which is operated by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit—a nonprofit branch of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the largest of the 29 intermediate units created by the Pennsylvania State General Assembly—will begin accepting students in the Spring of 2012 for their Science Technology Research Engineer Arts and Mathematics (STREAM) Academy. The career based program will not only allow students to attend school online, but will set them up with on-location instruction in the specific career fields they are interested in.

by Derrick McCain
Former Courier Intern

With graduation quickly approaching the seniors this year, many are moving on to college or other forms of post-secondary education. With this in mind, along with the FAFSA, the first thing soon-to-be college students have on their mind in terms of paying for college is the Pittsburgh Promise.

The Promise scholarship ensures Pittsburgh Public Schools students with money to pay for college. However, the full $20,000 (it will be $40,000 as of next year) is only given if you’ve gone to Pittsburgh public schools since kindergarten, and even with the full award given, it won’t fully cover the cost of tuition. While the Promise is an important scholarship, one must remember it is not the only scholarship available.

In an effort to help young men and woman transition from high school to college or the workforce, A Second Chance, Inc. developed a basketball camp entitled, “Camp COPES (Children Optimizing Personal Experience through Sports).”

Camp COPES has been in existence for seven years, providing a unique experience for participants by equipping them with necessary life skills through teamwork, competition and mentoring. The camp is held Monday-Thursday throughout the summer at A Second Chance Inc., 8350 Frankstown Ave. The games begin at 4 p.m. and end at approximately 8 p.m. The summer games end with a Playoff and Championship week.

CAMP COPES RUNNERS-UP

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The White House opened applications to the 2011 Race to the Top Commencement Challenge. Students from public high schools across the country are invited to demonstrate how their school prepares them for college and a career by going to www.whitehouse.gov/ commencement and submitting an application. The winning school will host President Barack Obama as their 2011 commencement speaker.

“I’m looking for the school that’s doing the best job of preparing students for college and careers,” said President Obama. “The winning school will understand that their number one priority is making sure that our kids are learning what they need to succeed in this 21st century economy.”