New research with Black families’ captures their experiences with educational barriers, strengths, and key supports before and during the pandemic

At a virtual press conference on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, the Pittsburgh College Access Alliance (PCAA) and researchers with the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work and Center on Race and Social Problems spoke about their new report, which discusses findings regarding Black families’ educational involvement experiences in Greater Pittsburgh before and during the pandemic. Read more and see full report.

Jail study spurs Post-Gazette editorial

Dean Betsy Farmer, Daniel Lee, Christina Huerta, and Amanda Cruce completed a study that collected surveys from 1,418 people who were incarcerated at the Allegheny County Jail (ACJ). 

Inmates reported meals crawling with roaches and showers with bugs and mildew; the withholding of essential medications; inadequate food, hygiene products and medical care; shivering temperatures; exorbitant commissary prices; and corrections officers who verbally and physically abused them. Nearly 90% indicated they went to bed hungry. Read full editorial.

Rauktis president of Greater Pittsburgh Fulbright Alumni Association

Research Associate Professor Mary Beth Rauktis is the President of the Greater Pittsburgh Fulbright Alumni Association. The group covers most of the universities in the state up to Erie and over to Philadelphia. She is available to talk to anyone about Fulbright in terms of applying, sponsoring a scholar or student in a department, helping us to prepare student applications and faculty applications. There are hundreds of Fulbright alumni here in this region happy to help those considering applying--both students and faculty. You can reach out to her at mar104@pitt.edu.

Field Faculty Profile: Deborah Robinson

Field Assistant Professor & Director of the Home & School Visitor Program Deborah Robinson has her BFA in Painting and an Art History Minor from Seton Hill College, and her MSW in Community Organizing & Poverty & Associated Problems from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work. Read more about Robinson and her work.

Student in the Field Profile: Michel'le Long

MSW student Michel'le Long writes about her experiences in the field at a K-8 school in the Pittsburgh Public School District. "With my degree I hope to become a school social worker, work with impoverished communities to ensure students living in these neighborhoods have access to resources to restore their confidence and contribute to their success in the future. I would like to create a life skills class for middle schools, and lastly, I would like to give professional development courses to educators on inclusivity, modifications, accommodations, and restorative practices." Read more.  

Passion for creating connections drives Pitt’s new place-based initiatives czar

MSW alumnus Keith Caldwell is the new executive director of place-based initiatives in the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs. He and his staff are, by definition, out in the world — or more specifically, the greater Pitt community: engaging, making connections, addressing challenges while building bridges and relationships. Caldwell oversees operations at the University’s two Community Engagement Centers, and is working to develop a proposed center in Hazelwood. Read more in the University Times.

Geathers wins alumni award

Congratulations! Johnnie Geathers, MSW, LSW was honored on Saturday, October 22nd with the Leader Alumni Achievement Award from the Penn State Black Alumni Reunion committee.

Pitt-Johnstown therapist on how to improve mental health on campus

MSW alumna Emily Kist, a licensed clinical social worker with Pitt-Johnstown counseling services, has worked with countless students in her time as a therapist and professor of psychology at the university. She offers advice for students in the latest issue of The Advocate. Read more.

Alumnus named one of top nonprofit leaders

MSW alumnus Fred Brown President and CEO, The Forbes Funds was named #13 of the 2022 Pennsylvania Nonprofit Power 100 by City & State. As president and CEO of the Forbes Funds, Fred Brown guides a 40-year-old Pittsburgh organization devoted to supporting 500-plus human service and community-based nonprofits. Read more.

DHS Local Government Case Competition 2022 

Who participates? Graduate students in the areas of public policy, social work, psychology, public health, business, law, sustainability or other relevant fields to local government.  

When is the competition? Wednesday, November 9 – Saturday, November 12 

What can students expect? Participants will join us virtually on the evening of November 9^th, at which time they will be presented with a challenge facing the public sector and will meet the students they’ll be working with. Over the next 48 hours, teams devote as much time as they need to come up with a solution. Presentations will occur in person at the Human Services building in downtown Pittsburgh on Saturday, November 12. Winning teams receive cash prizes. More detailed info can be found in this brochure Local Government Case Competition brochure and on our website https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Human-Services/News-Events/Events/Local-Government-Case-Competition.aspx

How should students apply? Students should register here: the registration form by October 29, 2021.