The Learning Hub
at The Bridge
The Hub opened during the COVID-19 Pandemic in early February 2021 as a space where students could complete their online schooling. The site was well-received by both the parents and the students. In fact, some children recommended it to their friends! Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) partners – Arsenal & King were immediately supportive, showing staff how to navigate the system, help finding additional staff, talking to student’s families, and always ready to recommend neighborhood children for the program. By the end of March, most of the students appeared to be ‘caught up’ with their tasks and the lines of communication with the school were working well.
After Spring Break, the transition began to hybrid learning. PPS worked with the Hub to identify which students would be in attendance on a given day and to ensure that food service would continue. There were a few staff changes that led to the hiring of 2 new individuals that had a very positive impact on the Hub – bringing skills in relationship building and classroom management. The Hub’s reputation had encouraged parents to seek us out directly and ask for help for their children.
The school year program evolved into a Summer Hub. It was a huge success – with a mix of arts, crafts, and educational activities. By the end of the program, the children were showing up early and leaving late. They had really bonded with their teachers! A few tears were shed on the last day as the children said goodbye to their teachers.
Due to the success of the first Learning and Summer Hubs at The Bridge, Kidceletate decided to continue offering The Learning Hub as an afterschool program and The Summer Hub as a summer camp each year. Designed for students in grades K-8, it is an alternative to going home to an empty house or getting into trouble after school. The students feel the encouragement and love when they enter the space. They are eager to show their teachers their improving grades and awards. Incentives keep the students interested and a star on the wall marks special achievements. A typical afternoon includes homework help, individualized tutoring, learning activities, art, and/or music.
For more information on how to enroll your Northview Heights student in The Learning Hub, please contact Ms. Peggy at [email protected]
Interested in volunteering at The Hub? The students love having special helpers come to visit! Email Rev. Beth Nelson at [email protected]
Want to help out but don’t have the time? You can donate through our website or by sending a check to Kidcelerate, PO Box 100086, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. You can be the bridge to a successful future for children struggling to succeed!
Green Thumb Project
at The Bridge
Located behind The Learning Hub’s building is the beginning of a brand new project - The Green Thumb Project. It will be the perfect space for children and families from the Northview Heights community to experience the joys of gardening. It’s no secret that a healthy, balanced diet helps lead to healthy, balanced kids! The Green Thumb Project will encourage children to find satisfaction in a lifestyle of growing, eating, and enjoying healthy and fresh produce.
While the outside garden is being prepared for use, the students at the Learning Hub are working on their indoor garden--growing plants from seeds in their indoor hydroponic systems! Every student has the opportunity to plant, grow, and harvest their own plant.
If you have a green thumb yourself or are have experience building raised beds, please reach out to Cheri at [email protected].