The Pitt-Greensburg College in High School Program allows high school students in their junior or senior year to fulfill an introductory 3-credit college courses for prospective Education majors. Enrolled students in the introduction to Education course, called Social Foundations of Education, learn about the teaching profession, career pathways, and gain hands-on experience working with children in your district. This introduction to education course, called Social Foundations of Education, is transferable to most education programs across the country.
Students enrolled in Educational Psychology learn about the psychology underlining learning, instruction, motivation, classroom management, and assessments. This course not only supports teachers, but anyone interested in psychology, coaching, or working with learners in any capacity.
Students can take either or both classes contingent on their school’s offerings.
Benefits
- Obtain credit for both a high school class and a university class simultaneously
- Obtain a university transcript from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
- Learn more about becoming a teacher and what an education program entails
- Showcase your academic abilities to universities
- Increase your likelihood of receiving scholarships
- Fulfill a prerequisite class(es) prior to attending university
Pennsylvania is facing a growing teacher shortage, with the crisis hitting particularly hard in areas like Westmoreland County. The number of graduating teachers has dropped to just a quarter of what it was a decade ago. To combat this decline, Pennsylvania legislators in 2023 promised a $10,000 grant incentive to student teachers committed to teaching in the state for at least three years; this grant was expanded in 2025.
The pilot year (2024-2025) at Charleroi and Southmoreland school districts was a great success! The opportunity for schools across the state is now open for the 2025-2026 academic year. Any school district interested should contact Dr. Melissa Marks at mjm37@pitt.edu.
Students in schools that are implementing this program will be given a link for the application.
Applications may be sent in to the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg (via mail or email) or turned into directly to your designated high school teacher or guidance counselor. Please check with your district’s procedures for their College in High School policies.
