JOHN CRAIG, instructor in California’s UAVS program, demonstrates drone operation to Dai’Liyon Watson, a ninth grader at Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship during the PennWest Academy for Career Prep program.
California University of Pennsylvania partnered with Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship (PHCSE) to provide a college preparation program for students in grades 6-8, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned.
The first PennWest Academy for College and Career Prep was held, June 21-23. Seventeen students from PHCSE took academic courses as well as programs to develop their leadership skills and physical and mental wellness.
The four-day academy concluded with students and their families attending New Student Orientation at California, which provided an opportunity to learn more about the first-year college experience, admissions requirements and the financial aid process.
“We seek opportunities to help our students explore potential career pathways and opportunities,” said Dr. Wayne Jones, CEO of PHCSE, who earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management in 2008 and his M.B.A in 2010, both from California. He is a member of the school’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. “Exposing them to a university setting will encourage and motivate them to do what is necessary to remain on the right track to get accepted to college or obtain a scholarship, if that is a path they choose.”
STUDENTS OF PENN HILLS CHARTER SCHOOL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP participate in a quiz during a session of the PennWest Academy for College and Career Prep.
The academy aligns with Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education’s mission to provide access to quality public higher education, said Anthony Mauro, vice president for Development and California campus administrator, in a statement.
“This is a pilot program that we hope to be able to expand here and on the other PennWest campuses,” Mauro said. “It’s important for us to provide this opportunity for children, who oftentimes just need a seed to be planted for their futures.”