Pittsburgh, PA — Carlow University has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the McElhattan Foundation to expand the Power of One project, an initiative aimed at increasing the number of teachers of color in the Pittsburgh area. This funding will build on the program’s success, opening pathways for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to enter the teaching profession and positively impact the lives of students across the region.
Launched in 2021, initial funding for Power of One supported scholarships and stipends for BIPOC students pursuing teacher certification, plus a program coach to mentor participants. Over three years, Carlow exceeded its initial goal, directly subsidizing 22 pre-service teachers.
New funding from the McElhattan Foundation will allow Carlow to expand its partnerships with local education agencies and increase the program’s reach, benefiting up to 50 BIPOC pre-service teachers. The initiative will also establish a teacher residency program with support from the National Center for Teacher Residencies, providing aspiring educators with paid, hands-on experience in the classroom while earning their credentials.
“This initiative is about more than increasing numbers—it’s about changing lives,” said Kent McElhattan, chairman of the McElhattan Foundation. “A single educator can shape a child’s future. With this work, we are ensuring that more students see themselves reflected in their classrooms. We are proud to continue our partnership with Carlow University as they lead this vital effort.”
Research consistently shows that students thrive when taught by educators of varied backgrounds, particularly students of color. Despite this, as of the 2022-23 school year, only 4.6% of teachers in Allegheny County’s public schools were people of color, compared to 37.6% of the student population. By addressing financial and structural barriers to teacher preparation, Carlow has committed to closing this gap and fostering an education system that allows all students to thrive.
Through this expanded initiative, Carlow will offer multiple avenues for future educators to enter the workforce, including:
- Student-Teacher Model: Students receive scholarships and stipends, allowing them to leave their current jobs to complete student teaching.
- Teacher of Record Model: Participants earn a residency certificate through the Pennsylvania Department of Education or an emergency permit while working in classrooms.
- Embedded Practicum Model: Participants gain hands-on experience through apprenticeship and internship opportunities, supported by living wage stipends.
- Paraprofessional to Teacher Model: Scholarships and stipends assist school employees in transitioning to fully certified teaching positions.
“At Carlow, we believe that education is a force for empowerment,” said Carlow Education Department chair Keely Baronak. “The Power of One initiative aligns with our mission to create pathways for all students to succeed. We are deeply grateful to McElhattan Foundation for their continued support and commitment to this project.”
For more information about Carlow University’s Power of One project, visit the program’s website.