Entrepreneurs

Three talented 8th grade students from Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship proudly represented PHCSE at the Startable Pitch Competition on May 16th at Dave & Buster’s! Students had the exciting opportunity to showcase their innovative products and businesses while competing against local middle and high school entrepreneurs for cash prizes to invest back into their businesses.

Ella Anderson pitched Bag It, a product designed to help everyone — especially individuals with hand or lower arm disabilities — carry shopping bags with greater ease and comfort.

Rosemary Torres presented Delightful Headbands, a business focused on creating comfortable, affordable, hand-made headbands for all.

Joy Dent showcased Works by Joyy. J., a mobile hairstyling studio specializing in braiding services that travel directly to clients at an affordable cost.

All three students delivered outstanding presentations and represented PHCSE with professionalism, creativity, and confidence. We are especially proud to celebrate Joy Dent for earning  1st Place in the Design Category and  2nd Place in the Presentation Category!

Congratulations to these incredible young entrepreneurs — the future is bright! 

Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship was awarded the Learning & Development Prize for its innovative coaching and development model that strengthens educator pipelines and improves retention and performance. 

At the end of March, Principal Abriana Leeper, Chief People Officer Valerie Nance, Director of Curriculum & Instruction Cynthia Gilmer, and STEM Teacher Rosa Heath traveled to Philadelphia for the Smithsonian Science Education Leadership Summit.  While there, the team engaged in a paradigm-shifting change simulation that reminded the group that change is not an event, but rather a process requiring clear, consistent communication, transparency, alignment, and persistence.  The intense, three-day summit allowed PHCSE's team to network and connect with teachers and school leaders from across the nation, while developing their leadership skills and mapping a problem of practice to develop a pathway to recruiting and retaining strong teachers at PHCSE.  

Listen to Chief People Officer Valerie Nance's interview with the Charter Connect Podcast.  Ms. Nance speaks to PHCSE's commitment to people-first leadership, emphasizing how investing in staff, fostering strong culture, and building meaningful relationships can transform an entire school community.