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.
 


WAYNESBURG UNIV. SPORTS ANNOUNCING & JOURNALISM CAMP 6/10 - 6/14/24

DEADLINE TO REGISTER:   April 29, 2024  (or until spaces are filled)

Hosted by Lanny Frattare, this camp offers the theories and the practical experience necessary to start a student on the road toward a career in either sports broadcasting or sports journalism.   The camp runs from 6/10 - 6/14/24 & is held at Waynesburg University.

Former voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates Lanny Frattare will host Waynesburg University’s Sports Announcing & Sports Journalism Camp. Its purpose is to allow students interested in those fields to learn the philosophies and techniques of the profession. Attendees receive practical experience in reporting sports, interviewing, doing play-by-play and more.
Current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to attend.

Eligibility:
If you are currently a high school...
  • sophomore
  • junior
  • Spring 2024 graduate
...then you are eligible to attend! 

Registration Details:
The cost of this camp is $500. This cost includes meals, housing, instruction and camp materials.

The deadline to register will be April 29, 2024 (or until spaces are filled). A non-refundable $100 deposit is due by that date. The remaining $400 is due by May 27, 2024.
 
For more information, click HERE for the brochure. 
 
ELMER HAFER AMERICAN LEGION-STATE POLICE-NATIONAL GUARD YOUTH CAMP  6/9 - 6/15/24

DATES:   June 9 – 15, 2024
LOCATION:    Messiah University,  Mechanicsburg, PA

DEADLINE TO APPLY:   May 15, 2024

The Elmer Hafer American Legion-State Police-National Guard Youth Camp brings together the PA National Guard, the American Legion and the State Police to give students firsthand experience in many areas of law enforcement and the military.   This program enhances leadership skills, discipline and self-esteem to morally, intellectually and physically prepare cadets as future leaders.

The Youth Camp is a six day program for students ages 15 – 17 interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or the military.   Cadets must be Pennsylvania residents between the ages of 15 – 17 before entering the camp on June 9th.   

Cadets should be physically fit, in good health and have a good academic record.   This is not a recreational camp!!

A fee of $175 includes meals and lodging.  The fee is paid by a sponsoring post, unit, or other civic group and is nonrefundable. (Cadets must take their application to their local American Legion Post!!)  Price is subject to change.   Transportation is the responsibility of the sponsoring group or the Cadet’s parents.

Click  HERE for more information and the application.  Copies are also available in the School Counseling Office.
GIRLS WHO CODE SUMMER PROGRAMS

CODING, SISTERHOOD, BRAVERY
High school students gain the computer science skills they need to make an impact and prepare for tech careers in our free, virtual Summer Programs. Summer Program participants invest in their future by learning about tech jobs and meeting industry leaders, all while building a supportive community of sisterhood. These Programs offer incredible benefits including professional connections, financial grants, tech support and much more - no previous computer science experience required!!
BUILD SKILLS
Learn to code through hands-on real-world projects in game design, cybersecurity, data science, web development, and artificial intelligence.
BUILD COMMUNITY
Join our diverse sisterhood and make meaningful friendships as you become part of our lifelong alumni network.
BUILD A PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
Invest in your future by spending your summer with the world’s hottest tech companies. Learn about tech careers by connecting with engineers and entrepreneurs and participating in skill-building workshops.

Girls Who Code offers two FREE Summer Programs:

  • A two-week Summer Immersion Program to learn game design in live virtual classrooms  FOR CURRENT 9TH – 11TH GRADE GIRLS
     
  • A six-week Self-Paced Program to explore some of the biggest topics in tech independently FOR CURRENT 9TH – 12TH GRADE GIRLS

Students can apply for BOTH programs, if eligible, using this application. However, students can only participate in one summer program.   Click HERE for summary of programs
 
PA AMERICAN LEGION - KEYSTONE BOYS STATE  6/16 - 6/22/24

WHEN:    June 16 – June 23, 2024
WHERE:   Messiah University
COST:       $200 – PAID BY LOCAL AMERICAN LEGION POST
 
ELIGIBILITY:   High School students who have completed their Junior year and have at least one semester remaining before graduation.
 
Keystone Boys State is an educational workshop for high school student leaders.   Students selected to attend KBS have the opportunity to gain leadership skills through an intensive wee-long summer program.   The focus of KBS is its hands-on simulation of municipal, county and state governments.  Click HERE for the Brochure.  Copies are also available in the School Counseling Office.   
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:
Feb. 22 - 25
Feb. 29 - Mar. 3
Mar. 7 - 10Apr. 4 - 7
Apr. 11 - 14Apr. 18 - 21
Jun. 13 - 16July 18 - 21
Oct. 17 - 20Nov. 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.
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: