The PCHE Board of Directors was approached in 2018 by leaders within the foundation community about an opportunity to bring an innovative two-generation higher education program to the City of Pittsburgh. Over the next several years, despite the pandemic, the planning and hard work brought it to fruition in 2022. PCHE successfully launched the Pittsburgh Scholar House, an affiliate of the Family Scholar House, a program that is dedicated to using two-generation strategies to disrupt the cycle of poverty by enabling post-secondary educational attainment and comprehensive support services. These services are to improve the quality of life for income eligible single parents and their children. Under the inaugural CEO’s leadership, Dr. Diamonte Walker established the Pittsburgh Scholar House as a standalone 501c3 in August 2023.

About the Program

Led by Dr. Daren Ellerbee, CEO, Pittsburgh Scholar House, and her team that includes Dr. Sherlyn, Harrison, Chief Program Officer, Taneshya Williams-Wood, Director of Program Operations, and Natasha Tull, Wayfinders Program Coordinator, the Pittsburgh Scholar House delivers an innovative, evidence-based higher education program for single-parenting students and their children.

Pittsburgh Scholar House is a social impact organization composed of a community of experts with both the lived and technical experience needed to help single parents provide economic security for their children. Our partners have extensive experience in human services, community and economic development, higher education, early learning access, and philanthropy, which allows Pittsburgh Scholar House to empower families as they increase their economic mobility and improve their quality of life.

Becoming a PCHE Scholar

For those Pittsburgh Scholar House participants that attend one of the ten PCHE colleges and universities, the Pittsburgh Scholar House, PCHE staff, and campus staff will offer highly coordinated wraparound supports and robust access and recognition opportunities throughout your academic journey. Beginning with a President’s lunch, coffee with the Provost, a certificate and pinning ceremony, intentional mentoring ensuring access and social capacity opportunities, advising and specialized workshops and supports, the PCHE Scholar will experience the value and recognition that they deserve. Our single-parenting students are exemplary scholars this program is meant to celebrate their accomplishments while reducing and alleviating barriers.

Are you a single-parenting student and want to become a Pittsburgh Scholar House participant and a PCHE Scholar? Contact us by clicking here and we’ll let you know how to enroll.

In the News

New Pittsburgh Courier: Catapult, 1 Hood Media among grant recipients via McAuley Ministries

Next Gen Parent Lab: Empowering Parents, Inspiring Children

The new Pittsburgh Scholar House seeks to replace cycle of poverty with ‘virtuous cycle’

Pittsburgh Scholar House names former Urban Redevelopment Authority official as inaugural CEO