The event emphasized real-world financial skills , and participants even dressed like Wall Street professionals while experiencing the pressures of trading .
Junior Achievement ensured that the event was accessible to all interested teams by covering transportation costs for schools in need .
PHIPPS EXPANDS CLIMATE TOOLKIT TO FIELD STATIONS AND NATURE CENTERS
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has expanded its Climate Toolkit initiative to include field stations and nature centers . Launched in 2020 , the toolkit helps museums , gardens and zoos address climate change within their operations and inspire community action . This expansion , in partnership with the Organization of Biological Field Stations ( OBFS ), brings the expertise of research and educational institutions into the initiative .
Field stations and nature centers , which focus on environmental research and public engagement , are now joining the effort , with participants already signing on from Canada , Mexico , and the U . S . These institutions will contribute knowledge in climate studies while benefiting from shared resources and mentoring opportunities provided by the toolkit .
The Climate Toolkit outlines 33 goals across nine areas , such as energy use , food systems and transportation , to help participants reduce their carbon footprint . More than 200 institutions from 25 countries are involved , highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing climate change .
Learn more at climatetoolkit . org .
DVSSP SERVICES
The new year is a time for fresh beginnings , but for some it ’ s a time of fear and uncertainty . Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA ( DVSSP ) offers free , confidential services like counseling , legal advocacy , and safe housing for anyone experiencing domestic violence . For those ready to take the first step toward safety , call the 24 / 7 helpline at 800.791.4000 or visit peacefromdv . org . You ’ re not alone — DVSSP is there to help .
PHOTO COURTESY OF PBT . ORG
PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE SCHOOL LAUNCHES NATIONAL AUDITION TOUR FOR SUMMER 2025 PROGRAMS
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School began a national audition tour for its 2025 summer programs on Jan . 10 , visiting 27 U . S . cities and offering an additional video audition option due by March 1 . Open to ballet students ages 12-24 , the auditions provide entry into three prestigious programs :
• Intensive Summer Program ( June 23 – July 26 ): A five-week immersive experience offering training in ballet , repertoire , jazz and more , with expert instructors and workshops on topics like injury prevention and dance psychology .
• Company Experience ( June 9 – 20 ): A two-week workshop for dancers 16 + to experience professional company life , featuring classical and contemporary choreography .
• Pre-Professional Program ( September 2025 – May 2026 ): A year-round , elite training program for aspiring professional dancers .
Registration for auditions is open at danceapply . com , with a $ 45 fee . The Intensive Summer Program offers housing at nearby Chatham University .
For more details , visit pbt . org .
KEYNOTES MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION 2025
Keynotes is accepting applications for its 2025 music scholarship competition , which will be held May 10 at the Fine Arts Theatre of Mt . Lebanon High School . Cash awards totaling more than $ 16,000 will be available . Requirements are :
• Instrumentalists must be under 26 years of age by June 1 , 2025 , and vocalists must be under the age of 30 .
• The student must be a full-time music major at a college , university or music school or a graduating high school senior accepted for admission as a full-time music major .
• Contestants must be current legal residents of Pennsylvania for one year , or if out of state , attending a school in Pennsylvania and can provide proof of PA address ( e . g ., campus address , university mailings , apartment or utility bills ). For an application , contact the scholarship chairman , Lori Walter , at 412.260.6972 or houdini5 @ hotmail . com .
Online scholarship application is available . The deadline for application is April 30 .
For further information , visit the website at keynotesmusicscholarship . com or on Facebook at Keynotes Music Scholarship .
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