News stories

By Rachel Sew, WQED Education Team. As summer nears its end, try to keep things fun and educational with these daily activities for a five-day countdown to the first day of school. These activities are meant to help your child get back into ‘education mode’ in a fun way and…...

The Almanac – It’s the most wonderful time of the year, if you believe the commercials that a certain office supplies retailer has aired on and off for the past couple of decades. Or maybe not. “The cost to send kids back to school rises every year,” Courtney Macurak observed.…...

Tribune-Review – Back-to-school sales already have started and the South Hills Interfaith Movement is ready to help ease the financial burden families face when getting ready for the new school year. SHIM is planning distribute 700 backpacks to local children and is asking the community for its support. School supplies,…...

Kidsburgh – It is hard to think about heading back to school in the thick of summer, but local non-profits have to do that just to be ready.  They are collecting supplies for kids in need, and they need your help. School supplies are expensive, so for families who are…...

The Almanac – The setup of Jennifer McDowell’s charity is simple: Only women. A yearly $500 membership. All money goes to childhood hunger. Despite its simplicity, Giving2Grow has granted more than $100,000 to seven childhood hunger organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania in the past three years. “This is an issue that’s…...

The Almanac – Despite the beauty and prosperity in our community, poverty is hidden in the shadows. Many families in our community struggle to make ends meet. They are working hard to put food on the table for their children, but many still need a hand to help ensure their…...

The Almanac – As is the case with many a bright, energetic 12-year-old, Gogan Phuyal aspires to be an astronaut. “And since my parents have given me the opportunity,” he said, “I want to make them proud and accomplish that goal.” Gogan was born in a refugee camp in Nepal,…...

The Almanac – Even those who tend to view high school as their “glory days” will concede that being a teenager is kind of tough. “You’re going through physical changes,” Susie Backscheider said. “You’re trying to fit in at school. You’re trying to figure out who you are. Backscheider coordinates…...

The Almanac – Even those who tend to view high school as their “glory days” will concede that being a teenager is kind of tough. “You’re going through physical changes,” Susie Backscheider said. “You’re trying to fit in at school. You’re trying to figure out who you are. Backscheider coordinates…...