Greensburg Salem, Jeannette students explore careers in Pitt-Greensburg workshops

Jeff Himler | Friday, June 2, 2023 6:00 a.m.

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review

Greensburg Salem Middle School eighth-grader Malik Booker tries to stack nails on top of each other while participating in one of the activites that illustrate scientific principles during a career exploration program Thursday at Pitt-Greensburg in Hempfield.

Students from the Greensburg Salem and Jeannette City school districts explored career fields during an array of workshops Thursday at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg campus.

The students were placed in career-focused groups based on their interests and participated in morning workshops organized by the campus’ newly established Office of Community Outreach.

Under the guidance of Christie Orlosky, part-time Pitt-Greensburg instructor of natural science, students participated in hands-on activities that challenged them to use skills — such as observation, inference, prediction and communication — to solve scientific problems.

They tested three solutions (water, vinegar and baking soda) to determine which would more quickly dissolve Alka-Seltzer tablets. They also had to figure out how to untangle themselves after being connected together with string.

Amber Bugajski, instructor of nursing, taught students techniques of hands-only CPR and discussed educational requirements and opportunities for registered nurses.

Melissa Marks, professor of education, asked students to ““draw what education looks like” and to evaluate their dispositions as potential teachers.

Published authors Lori Jakiela and David Newman, who teach creative writing and related subjects at Pitt-Greensburg, directed students to draw upon their experiences to complete written pieces. The students had the opportunity to share their work with their group and receive feedback from the instructors.

Paul Adams, associate professor of political science and chairman of the Behavioral Sciences Division, led a Zoom session on “Public Service, Politics and Policy” that included input from Pitt-Greensburg alumni. The workshop provided insight on employment opportunities in the social sciences.

The university’s community outreach staff plans to offer additional programs to area school districts.

“We want to build equitable pathways for students that support school districts in their goal to help students to be college- and career-ready,” said Audra Lewis, engagement manager in the Office of Community Outreach.