Pittsburgh's Youth Civic Leadership Academy welcome 2nd class of students

The Youth Civic Leadership Academy’s second class of students were welcomed into the program Thursday in a ceremony at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh’s Strip District.

The program gives middle and high school students an opportunity to earn college credits, learn about local government and engage with various city departments.

“Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the voices and changemakers of today,” said Jaime Ursic, director of learning at the Heinz History Center.

She urged participants to use the academy as an opportunity to participate in civic life, learn about the city’s past and become an advocate for its future.

Gabriella Burbano-Smith, a 17-year-old high school senior, said she views the program as an opportunity to experience something new.

Derra Brown, a 15-year-old sophomore at Obama Academy, said she joined the program “to get a better understand of civics” and feels it will “give (her) a better start for college.”

Students who complete the program can receive three college credits, as well as a stipend for engaging with various city departments. The Youth Civic Leadership Academy is run through a partnership between the city, Heinz History Center, Community College of Allegheny County, Partner4Work and Youth Enrichment Services.

“I feel like this is going to be really inspiring to me,” said program participant William Sheffield, 16.

About thirty students graduated from the inaugural class in January.