Penn Hills School District's Innovation Institute to implement community ideas

Penn Hills School District officials have named the 2025-26 cohort for the newest program offered by the district.

The district’s Innovation Institute announced the launch of its fellowship cohort and ambassador program May 13. The initiative aims to elevate learning experiences by evaluating and implementing ideas for improvement submitted from students, educators, parents and community members.

The cohort is made up of people whose submitted ideas were approved to be enacted by institute leaders.

“Innovation is successful when someone is empowered,” said Matthew Dado, the district’s director of technology and innovation.

Fellows include Kristin Brown, Marlon Heywood, Eric Kulczyski, Kirsten Kriss, Nunurai Mavesere, Aesha Rice, Rick Staley, Christine Stupakis and N’Rae White.

Student ambassadors include Kelise Boyd, Calix Clark, Chance Deluco, Ani’Yah Hickman, Kingsley Nwachukwu, Ashleigh Pickens and Kameron Turner.

Dado said people from all facets of the district were able to apply for the program.

“For students, they see the district every day and can give more insightful suggestions or idea because of their lens,” Dado said. “Teachers can propose programs, pilot classes, clubs. Community members or parents can suggest things they notice from an outside perspective.”

Fellows and ambassadors will be paired with expert mentors, including district leaders, industry professionals and community advocates, to guide them through the implementation of their projects. Participants will go through training in strategy, project development and leadership that will help bring their ideas to fruition. Ideas developed by the cohort will be implemented into the district.

The institute is actively reaching out to companies and other community entities to form partnerships, said Renel Williams, assistant to the superintendent for teaching, learning and assessment.

“The Innovation Institute brings together people in our district and community who want to create real change,” Williams said. “This cohort will provide the leadership and inspiration necessary for our students to thrive. As we support these projects, we know they will have a lasting, positive impact in our classrooms and the broader Penn Hills community.”