Deer Lakes

School District

Educational / Enrichment Programs

Education doesn't just happen in the classroom. It also happens in the community. There are various programs out there for students to apply to and be apart of. These programs can help students gain a better understanding of the world around them and dive deeper into a career path of their choice. The following are some the DLSD is aware of:

CCAC BNY MELLON EARLY COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAM

Rising 10th grade students can take certain credit and non-credit courses offered virtually, for FREE.   The best part? They receive a stipend! This offer is a part of CCAC's Early College Program, which is a program funded by a generous gift from Bank of New York Mellon. The goal of this program is to help expand access to college and career readiness for those who may or may not have the resources to do so on their own.
 
Click HERE for a flyer with more information and how to register.
SUMMER 2024 OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Now is the time of year when students will start (or should start) investigating opportunities they would like to pursue over the summer. A directory of more than 1,300 opportunities for students has been published online by College Matchpoint. The list includes courses, programs, research options, and service opportunities available this spring and summer, with options for in-person, online, and hybrid activities.  Some programs are even free.
 


BNY MELLON FREE EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM @ CCAC

The BNY Mellon Early College program at CCAC is a FREE dual enrollment program for 9-12 grade students that live in Allegheny County.  Through this program, students are able to take courses in three professional tracks which are Business, Accounting and Computer Information Technology and students receive a stipend ($$) for the successful completion of their courses through this program.

This program includes:
  • FREE Tuition / Books / Course Materials
  • Academic Support Services
  • Student stipends:
    • Non-credit course completion:
      • $100.00 per course
    • Credit course completion:
      • $200.00 per “A” grade
      • $150.00 per “B” grade
      • $100.00 per “C” grade
The BNY Mellon Early College Program is completely free to eligible students in Allegheny County! All tuition, fees and books are funded by a generous grant from the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

In 2020, BNY Mellon announced a $20 million multi-year commitment in support of vital educational and workforce development programming. CCAC was one of two institutions selected to receive this targeted funding, which allowed the college to establish the BNY Mellon Early College Program.

The program is available to all schools and school districts in Allegheny County to help expand access to college and career readiness for those who may or may not have the resources to do so on their own.

ELIGIBILITY:

The BNY Mellon Early College Program is for residents of Allegheny County in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade (or the home-school equivalent).
  • 9th- and 10th-graders take non-credit courses and meet four to five times a semester.
  • 11th- and 12th-graders take credit courses and follow a traditional college calendar.
Before beginning the program, students will receive information about the program’s goals, potential career paths, and what college is like.  Parents will also be informed about students’ commitments and the benchmarks they must achieve to complete the program.  Throughout their enrollment, students will have access to CCAC support services to ensure their successful completion.

HOW TO APPLY:
  1. Complete and submit the BNY Mellon Early College interest form.
  2. Complete and submit the CCAC application.
  3. Complete and submit the CCAC Dual Enrollment Parent/Guardian Authorization Form.
  4. Ask your high school official to send your transcript to [email protected].
  5. Complete any required placement tests.
  6. Meet with an Academic Advisor to register for courses.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION!
SPIRIT OF AMERICA YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Accepting Applications for High School Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge
 
Open to high school students grades 10-12
Full Scholarships Available 

2024 PROGRAM DATES AVAILABLE:
July 18 - 21
Oct. 17 - 20
Nov. 7 - 10

More than 100,000 high school students from across the country have participated in our transformative Spirit of America Youth Leadership program. Students engage directly with the first principles of freedom and they debate both their constitutional rights and responsibilities in our Freedom Summit while learning about economic freedom, entrepreneurship and the free enterprise system.  Along with a thorough understanding of civic responsibility, students leave inspired to do their part in securing the liberties that only an active citizenry can safeguard in their own communities, guided by a greater appreciation for our history, ideals, and the relevance of our country’s charters of freedom. 
 
It's an incredible program that receives high praise time and time again from students, parents, and teachers! Share this opportunity with your high school student or friends and ask them to apply for our in-person 2023 Spirit of America Youth Leadership programs today.    
SEE FLYER FOR MORE INFORMATIONNew SOA Promo Flyer.pdf
 
Questions can be directed to [email protected] or by phone at 610-933-8825 ext. 221.
OTHER ENRICHMENT INFORMATION & PROGRAMS

My Next Move.org https://www.mynextmove.org/ is an interactive tool for job seekers and students to learn more about their career options. My Next Move has tasks, skills, salary information, and more for over 900 different careers. Users can find careers through keyword search; by browsing industries that employ different types of workers; or through the O*NET Interest Profiler, a tool that offers personalized career suggestions based on a person's interests and level of work experience.  My Next Move is developed and maintained by the National Center for O*NET Development, under the sponsorship of the US Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA) through a grant to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

Bestcolleges.com  https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/  Find in-depth guides for studying smarter so that you can get the most out of your college education. Find information on college planning, career planning, financial planning, health & wellness, scholarships, diversity & inclusion & student voting guide.

Best-trade-schools.net   https://www.best-trade-schools.net/  Whether you’re a recent high school grad, an adult changing career paths, or a military veteran, deciding on additional schooling can be difficult.  With so many different programs and locations, it becomes even more challenging.  Best-Trade-Schools.net has all of the information you need to make the right choice for your education.   Our site has all of the necessary tools that allow you to select the best trade school for your lifestyle and future. Here, you can get information on locations, programs, financial aid, and student services. The vocations range from underwater welding to dental assisting. We list facts about schools across the country so you can find one near you.

Thinking about becoming a nurse?    
 
Thinking about a career in the military?    

Thinking about becoming a Physician’s Assistant?

Thinking about becoming a Doctor?
Direct BS/MD Programs guarantee students admission into medical school directly out of high school. A select number of universities across the country offer these guaranteed programs, so you can bet that they are very competitive. Further, offer insight into the field of Medicine, to help you - the applicant - decide if Medicine is the field for you!   DirectBSMD was launched with one focus in mind: to inform potential applicants about current BS/MD programs and to help prepare and guide them to reach their dream of becoming a physician. We've offered a ton of free information on this website so you can make sure you're the very best candidate!

Find Your Future in Healthcare.
EduMed.org connects students with the best and most affordable online degree programs in more than 60 medical and health fields. Take your first step toward a career in care.
 

EARN YOUR PA CDL LICENSE AT CCAC BOYCE!

The FMCSA recently added an apprenticeship program so that CDL holders who are between the ages of 18-21 will be able to cross state lines when working for certain trucking companies.   

CCAC now offers training for a Pennsylvania Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).  Classes meet at CCAC's Boyce Campus. CCAC's curriculum prepares students to take the CDL Class A knowledge, skills and road tests.   Train for a Pennsylvania Class A CDL License in eight weeks!

The knowledge test covers general knowledge, combination vehicle, air brake, hazardous materials, tankers and double-triples. The skills test requires performing a pre-trip inspection and various backing and parking maneuvers. The road test consists of driving a predetermined route.

The curriculum also covers:
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) & Hours of Service regulations
  • Map reading & trip planning
  • Shifting techniques
  • Industry terminology & career opportunities
Before taking the CDL Class A course, students must successfully complete the CDL Class A prerequisite course (Part 1) and also pass a DOT physical and drug screen.
 
SIGN UP FOR THE CDL PROGRAM TODAY!
Classes begin monthly. For more information email Rick Susalla at [email protected] or call 412.788.7365    

FOR MORE INFORMATION:


UPMC MEDICAL ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITIES

Are you interested in a career that provides plenty of opportunity for growth and development?  If you are passionate about patient care and looking for a career that offers great benefits and plenty of room for growth, UPMC invites you to explore the opportunity to become a Medical Assistant.   SEE FLYER!  →  UPMC Medical Assistant Opportunities.pdf


CCAC & UPMC RESPIRATORY THERAPY PROGRAM PARTNERSHIP

UPMC has teamed up with the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) in a commitment to bring more skilled respiratory therapists to our region.   You could have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community, saving and improving the quality of your patients’ lives.   SEE FLYER!  →  Respiratory Therapy Program flyer


POWERING AMERICA'S CERTIFIED ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Powering America’s Certified Electrical Apprenticeship Program is a debt-free career option and offers hands-on and classroom instruction, college credits and wages and benefits during training.  Certified electrical apprenticeships are the first step in the path leading to careers in this industry.  Powering America’s apprenticeships offer a superior education, at little or no cost to the students, and full time work as electricians, line workers and telecommunications technicians.  https://powering-america.org/careers/


TUITION FREE MACHINIST TRAINING PROGRAM

New Century Careers provides tuition-free training in the high-demand industry of precision machining and manufacturing. The M2K program trains you with the necessary skills to become a machine operator or entry-level machinist. They also provide career readiness and placement assistance into SWPA manufacturing companies. M2K is a PA state registered pre-apprenticeship program. There are three training locations including Pittsburgh (South Side), Latrobe (EWCTC) and McKeesport. The application to apply can be found HERE.
GOODWILL IS HOLDING FREE CDL TRAINING AT CCAC BOYCE CAMPUS

Goodwill Southwestern PA is holding FREE CDL Training @ CCAC Boyce Campus
 
If you are ages 18-24, earn your Pennsylvania Class A CDL license in just 8 weeks!
Gain the skills needed for the Pennsylvania Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Our FREE classes meet at CCAC’s Boyce Campus. Stipends paid weekly!

This class prepares students to take the CDL Class A knowledge, skills and road tests. The knowledge test covers general knowledge, combination vehicle, air brakes, hazardous materials, tankers, and double-triples. The skills test requires performing a pre-trip inspection and various backing and parking maneuvers. The road test consists of driving a predetermined route.
 
The curriculum also covers:
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) & Hours of Service regulations
  • Map reading & trip planning
  • Shifting techniques
  • Industry terminology & career opportunities
Additional support and incentives:
  • Transportation assistance
  • Financial literacy
  • Interviewing skills
  • Employment services
  • Follow up support
  • Mentoring & leadership skills
Eligibility:
  • Out-of-school (GED or high school diploma not required)
  • Between ages 18-24 and currently living in Allegheny County
  • Valid PA Driver’s License
Before taking the CDL Class A course, students must successfully complete the CDL Class A prerequisite course (Part 1) and also pass a DOT physical and drug screen.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO REGISTER, CLICK  HERE
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN STEM CAREERS

Students who are interested in pursuing STEM careers (science, technology, engineering & math) have lots of opportunities. The demand for talents in these fields have never been higher. Students who start learning relevant skills now will set themselves up for a successful future and excellent earning potential.  

Click HERE for some great resources that may help students learn more about the possibilities these careers offer them.

CCAC SKILLED TRADES DEGREE & CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

CCAC has nearly 30 certificate and degree offerings in the skilled trades and energy technologies, which include several apprenticeship programs, to prepare college students for rewarding careers in these highly skilled sectors.  Certificate programs help students develop the skills and knowledge needed for entry-level positions.     Graduates who wish to continue their studies at CCAC have the opportunity to complete the additional courses required for an associate degree in many programs.
See the brochure for more information.  →  CCAC Skilled Trades Degree & Certificate Programs.pdf
PA TRANSFER & ARTICULATION CENTER (PA TRAC)

The Pennsylvania Transfer & Articulation Center (PA TRAC) is an interactive website that helps students plan their postsecondary education.    As a high school student, PA TRAC can help you:
  • Learn about ways you can earn college credit while enrolled in high school
  • Find out how college courses you've taken, or plan to take, transfer to a  PA TRAC college
  • Explore your post secondary options

For more information:  
PIEDMONT TECHNICIAN TUITION PROGRAM

The Piedmont Tuition Payment Program is an amazing opportunity for those interested in the aviation maintenance field who may not have pursued it for a variety of reasons.   The program sets each candidate up for success by funding their studies and certification fees as well as providing them with a career after completion.

SEE THE FLYER FOR MORE INFORMATION!      Piedmont Technician Tuition Program Flyer.pdf 
PITTSBURGH JOB CORPS

Pittsburgh Job Corps Center
Outreach & Admissions
7175 Highland Drive
Pittsburgh, PA   15206
                         (412)441-8700 Ext.  8779
                         E-mail:  [email protected]
                         Website:  https://pittsburgh.jobcorps.gov/

Job Corps is a no-cost education program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people improve the quality of their lives through vocational and academic programs.  Job Corps' mission is to teach them the skills they need to become employable, independent, and place them in meaningful jobs or further education.    Pittsburgh Job Corps, College Sponsorship Program is affiliated with CCAC and Butler County Community College.

For more information: