QVC is helping Pittsburgh-area students prepare for more education after high school.
On April 27, QVC presented a $100,000 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh to support mentor2.0, a program that helps high school students improve their academic performance and navigate the transition to college or other training programs.
“QVC’s generous gift will provide support to guide students through their academic challenges and the process of pursuing their education,” said Jan Glick, CEO of BBBS of Greater Pittsburgh. “It’s proven that successful completion of college and other training creates opportunities and makes future endeavors achievable.”
Launched in 2014, mentor2.0 matches college-educated mentors with ninth grade students. Each month, the pairs meet at school for prescheduled events and connect online over a secure and professionally-monitored interactive platform. High academic expectations are essential, and the goal is that all students will take at least one advanced placement (AP) course prior to graduation. Currently 145 9th- and 10th- grade students are enrolled in mentor2.0.
QVC’s generous gift will provide support to guide students through their academic challenges and the process of pursuing their education
“QVC believes in embracing opportunities to give back to our local communities in Pennsylvania and beyond,” said Suzanne Quigley, director of Community Affairs at QVC. “By forging an even stronger connection with Big Brothers Big Sisters through our support of the innovative mentor2.0 program, we hope to empower young minds to reach their full potential and shape a better future.”
QVC’s gift is being made as part of Pennsylvania’s Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. It will be given to BBBS of Greater Pittsburgh in two $50,000 installments over the next two years.
The donation was presented at Brashear High School of Pittsburgh’s Beechview community during a mentor2.0 session with students. Pennsylvania State House Speaker Rep. Mike Turzai, State Sen. Wayne Fontana and State Rep. Dan Deasy were also in attendance.
“I commend QVC for their commitment not only to Pennsylvania with the employment of over 4,000 associates, but also for their commitment to Pittsburgh and the Big Brothers & Big Sisters mentoring program here at Brashear,” said State Rep. Deasy. “As a proponent and supporter of the EITC program, I know the positive impact that QVC’s pledge of $100,000 will have on the Brashear students participating in this vital mentoring program, and I thank them for their generosity.”