The Schenley Heights Community Development Program (SHCDP) is a nonprofit faith-based community organization whose mission is to nurture, support, and develop their community through wholesome programs that address the academic, moral, cultural, health, and recreational needs of their children, youth, and their families in the Hill District and metropolitan Pittsburgh. Their year-round programming includes the After-School Tutorial and Enrichment Program (A-STEP), Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), and the Nadia Track Club.

2020-2021 was a positive year for SHCDP as it met the challenges of COVID-19. This propelled SHCDP to develop ways to ensure their continued engagement with youth and the community. They offered programs and initiatives that addressed the academic, health and safety, social, recreational, and basic needs of children, youth, and families.

During the school closure and “stay-at-home” order that began in March of 2020, they developed and implemented initiatives to meet the determined needs of the community and improve communications through technology. They accomplished their goals of providing quality programming while maintaining a safe and healthy environment by:

• Organizing virtual parent and staff meetings, student assemblies, mentoring, and faith-based activities,
• Providing educational support with laptop distributions, educational packets, and
• Delivering “Porch Drops” of educational packets for all grade levels.

Little Anita is an example of SHCDP’s effectiveness. She received all F’s on her first report card during the online learning period. She had multiple obstacles including a lack of comprehension, inconsistent attendance, and failing to complete homework. Her mother asked A-STEP to intervene. Tutors worked diligently and lovingly with Anita. She finished the year with B’s and C’s and even won A-STEP’s spelling bee contest.

– Dan Paul, Outreach Commission