Cutting-Edge STEM Skills

At the Will Allen Foundation, we believe access to STEM education in emerging fields like robotics and artificial intelligence is critical to preparing students from under-resourced communities for the future. High school students are trained in Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy curriculum and have the opportunity to achieve micro-certifications in robotics, with potential pathways to pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in local robotics companies. The Will Allen Foundation's VEX Robotics Program, delivered in partnership with the Eden Hall Foundation and Clairton City School District, is empowering the next generation of innovators by bringing STEM to life for younger students.

Through hands-on programs and partnerships with schools, universities, and companies like Google, students gain micro-certifications, build creativity and problem-solving skills, and open doors to academic and career opportunities in the innovation economy. Beyond technical skills, we emphasize ethical responsibility, empowering youth to use technology for positive change while being mindful of its impact on society.

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Recent Certifications

VEX Robotics Program Powered by Eden Hall Foundation

The Will Allen Foundation's VEX Robotics Program, delivered in partnership with the Eden Hall Foundation and Clairton City School District, is empowering the next generation of innovators by bringing STEM to life for middle schoolers. Watch as these students design, build, and compete, learning teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity along the way!

500+

NUMBER OF Students IMPACTED per year

Many schools in our region state that they want support to meet student's academic, social, and emotional needs.

14

number of years OUR STEM programS HAVE been running in pittsburgh region

This past year more than 240 elementary and middle school students participated in our VEX Robotics programs.

83%

THE PERCENTAGE OF Students ENROLLED in our programs WHO ATTEND COLLEGE

Students who participate in Will Allen Foundation programs are motivated to forge their personal Pathways to Success. By equipping them with tools, access, information, and knowledge, students are able to make choices for a successful future.

Current Schools

schools currently involved in Quest

Clairton High School
North Hills High School
Perry High School
The Neighborhood Academy

College Preparedness & Career Readiness

Education

Will Allen Foundation provides students with enhanced educational experiences that will prepare them to pursue opportunities in the innovation economy and sectors such as healthcare, electrical, and advanced manufacturing.

Professional Development

Our programs help students develop their potential for leadership through personalized programming and coaching. All of our offerings include opportunities to develop professional skills and practices that prepare them for the workforce such as public speaking and presenting, writing, active listening, problem solving, conflict resolution, decision-making, and personal accountability. Goal setting and strategy and the ability to relate to others who may have a different perspective or experience.

Health & Wellness

Students learn the importance of managing their own personal physical and mental health, avoiding risky behaviors, as well as how they can have an impact on the health of their communities.

Self-Empowerment

When provided with the right set of tools and resources, students develop a sense of personal identity and confidence that empowers them to take charge of their futures.

Community Service

Recognizing that we all have a responsibility to improve our communities, our students engage in civic activities and community service projects.

Financial Wellness

In partnership with Huntington Bank, we are helping to educate students in personal financial and wealth management. Students are empowered to advance their personal economic mobility and that of their communities.

resources for students

The best resources and tools for students

We strive to provide the very best resources and tools for students. As a part of the program, the students visit and explore science and technology labs, health science and research facilities, cultural art centers, and financial institutions.

The exploration assists the students in making well-informed college and professional career choices.

local partners

Local partners share their expertise

The Will Allen Foundation also fosters partnerships with local professionals, as well as key local organizations to share their areas of expertise with the students of the program. It is our hope and expectation that our students will improve in all aspects of their lives by utilizing the skills learned through program participation.

Ultimately, it is our goal that this programming will not only lead to classroom success, evidenced by improved attendance, grades and test scores but also greater personal and professional development. We are dedicated to building each student into productive leaders of tomorrow.

"Quest helped me plan things out better and made me into a well-rounded person. We have learned so much more than what we would in our regular classes. Classes in high school don’t teach you the information you need to know once you graduate."

Natasha Konik

"Quest has taught me what I need to step into the future. It has helped us learn to tackle the daunting tasks no one had ever prepared us for – How do you lead a healthy lifestyle? How do I prepare for an interview What is a credit score? Quest has given me an advantage in preparing for the world to come that I wish all students could have."

Sydney Brown

"The Will Allen Foundation does great work with children and for people who work with kids – it’s a breath of fresh air to see someone who does it for the right reasons. Thank you for sharing what God has blessed you with. The highest regards to you and the people of your foundation. Keep up the great work!"

Michael Fulmore
Athletic Director, Crisis Intervention Facilitator
Wilkinsburg High School