Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center Blog

Throughout the year, the Center continued its work to strengthen regional partnerships and provide meaningful opportunities for students to learn, connect, and lead in Pittsburgh.

As summer winds down, the Penn State students in this year’s City Semester Pittsburgh program are reflecting on their experiences living, learning, and working in the city. We asked some of the students to share more about their internship work, what they’ve learned in the classroom, and the highlights of their summer in Pittsburgh.

This past June, students from Penn State and South West College in Northern Ireland came together in Pittsburgh for an immersive, three-week experience focused on sustainable building design, cross-cultural learning, and workforce readiness.

This summer, the Center is proud to host several transformative programs that immerse students in hands-on learning and community engagement, welcoming high schoolers and college students from Pittsburgh, across Pennsylvania, and around the world.

Evaine brings a rich background in community development, nonprofit leadership, design, and consulting to her role as instructor.

Black history is deeply woven into the fabric of Pittsburgh, shaping the city’s culture, economy, and social progress. From the early days of the Underground Railroad to the rise of Black leaders in business, education, and the arts, Pittsburgh has long been a hub for Black excellence and resilience.

The Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center at Penn State is proud to offer two transformative summer programs: High Performance Building Summer Program and City Semester Pittsburgh. Whether you’re passionate about sustainable building practices, sustainability or community engagement, these programs provide hands-on learning, expert mentorship, and career-ready skills.

As our team reflects on 2024, we celebrate a year filled with meaningful collaborations, innovative programs, and remarkable achievements. Here are the highlights of an impactful year.