Pittsburgh Public’s new ethnic studies course examines local history and identity

WESA 8/17 11:33P Jillian Forstadt

Pittsburgh Public Schools has maintained its focus on introducing the high school ethnic studies course amid federal DEI education bans.

Pa. Senate passes budget bill, but Democrats oppose GOP education, transit plans

WESA 8/13 6:03A Tom Riese, Jillian Forstadt

More than six weeks past the state budget deadline, the Republican-led Senate returned to Harrisburg Tuesday afternoon to pass its own spending proposal — one that stands little chance in the Democratic-led House.

Pennsylvania universities cutting costs through layoffs, mergers to meet financial challenge

WESA 8/12 11:31P Stephen Williams | WHYY

The belt-tightening follows drops in the number of college-age students, federal fund cuts and higher costs. Ten universities have closed or merged since 2016.

Carnegie Mellon University launches new venture to further math research with AI

WESA 8/10 11:33P Rachel McDevitt

The National Science Foundation is awarding $6.6 million to CMU to start the Institute for Computer-Aided Reasoning in Mathematics.

Education advocates pressure Pa. lawmakers to include cyber charter reforms into late budget

WESA 8/7 11:30P Jaxon White | LNP / LancasterOnl

A dozen education advocacy groups sent a letter to state lawmakers on Wednesday urging them to reform the cyber charter funding mechanism as part of a deal to finalize the state budget, already a month overdue.

Carnegie Mellon University lays off more than a dozen computer science staff members

WESA 8/7 9:53A Rachel McDevitt

CMU cut 18 employees in administrative and academic support roles, according to a statement.

School closures loom over Pittsburgh and Philly. How they want to handle middle school differs.

WESA 8/6 11:34P Jillian Forstadt

Both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Public Schools face declining enrollment and aging school buildings. But their approach in addressing these problems differs when it comes to middle school.

Pa. Lt. Gov. Davis visits North Side youth radio show to celebrate state-funded summer programs

WESA 8/5 11:30P Eliyahu Gasson

Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) is Pennsylvania’s first major state investment in youth enrichment outside the classroom, Davis said. He serves as chair of the state agency that administers the grant. SLB, a longtime local...

A Pa. college made dramatic cuts to avoid closure. Experts say its financial future is still murky.

WESA 8/2 1:00A Amanda Fries | Spotlight PA

Albright College slashed operational costs, eliminated half of its full-time staff, and sold unused assets.

Penn researchers vote to unionize amid federal health and science funding threats

WESA 7/29 11:30P Alan Yu | WHYY

Organizers campaigned on salary increases and job security, especially for international scholars. They will soon bargain on a contract.

Pittsburgh colleges still examining impact of federal student loan changes

WESA 7/27 11:30P Rachel McDevitt

The law sets new limits on federal student borrowing, changes repayment programs, and aims to hold colleges accountable for student debt.

Penn State to buy former fraternity house where Timothy Piazza suffered fatal injuries

WESA 7/20 11:30P Anne Danahy

Penn State plans to buy the former fraternity house where hazing led to the death of Timothy Piazza in 2017, after reaching a $7.3 million agreement with the property owner.

Most Pa. cyber charters back mandatory weekly wellness checks as Senate moves to tighten law

WESA 7/19 1:00A Marley Parish | Spotlight PA Sta

The schools issued a statement as a bipartisan group of state senators prepared to vote on the measure. Not among them was Commonwealth Charter Academy, the state’s biggest.

Pa. universities to increase tuition if state doesn’t follow through with $40M funding increase

WESA 7/17 11:30P Ashley Stalnecker | LNP / Lancas

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education plans to raise tuition for its 10 state universities for the first time in eight years.

Pittsburgh high schoolers are using STEM to help people with disabilities

WESA 7/14 11:30P Eliyahu Gasson

Public and private schools are teaming up with local nonprofits to cultivate human-centered STEM innovations driven by a social justice mission.