University Times

The School of Education’s Center for Urban Education and the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences BRIDGES program have won 2016 University Prize for Strategic, Inclusive and Diverse Excellence (UPSIDE) Awards.

Each program will receive a $10,000 award.

Formerly known as the Chancellor’ Affirmative Action Award, the honor is given to programs that increase access to all parts of the University by minorities, women and other protected classes.

The selection committee singled out the Center for Urban Education for its community-driven outreach — its brown bag lunches, visiting lecture series and work within the Pittsburgh Public Schools. It also noted how the center empowers faculty members to engage in research and partnerships that address societal issues. As Chancellor Patrick Gallagher noted: “Without a doubt, the center has shaped our discussions on urban education, especially as they relate to race and class.”

The BRIDGES program uses a peer-mentoring model to retain high-achieving freshman scholarship winners. The program’s members help to shape the program to meet their specific needs, be it support services or leadership opportunities.

“The program’s results are impressive,” noted Gallagher. “Its graduation rates, particularly for African-American students, are a major accomplishment.”