Over 500 Pittsburgh Leaders Gather for 2023 “Magic of Mentoring” Celebration
Mentorship Academy honored alongside Heyward House and Consortium for Public Education as organizations deeply committed to championing the region’s youth.
October 22, 2023
By Positive Energy Hub Staff
On October 10, more than 500 leaders from throughout the Pittsburgh region came together to recognize and celebrate CNX Foundation’s Mentorship Academy, Cameron Heyward’s Heyward House, and the Consortium for Public Education as three organizations deeply committed to championing the region’s youth. The Mentorship Academy received the Thieman Award for exceptional work in mentoring throughout the region, while the Heyward House received this year’s Daniel M. Rooney Champion of Mentoring Honoree Award.
“This award is a group achievement,” said Nick Deiuliis, President and CEO of CNX Resources. “There are so many elements that make this program a success, including our volunteer mentors, our partners in the communities, and the students who participate in the program. Tonight recognizes all of their efforts, and I hope it encourages other organizations to join us.”
Founded by Deiuliis, the Mentorship Academy is CNX Foundation’s flagship initiative, tying directly to CNX’s Appalachia First vision by leveraging the region’s resources to connect students to the opportunities created through an energy-based economy. It prepares 11th and 12th graders from rural and urban communities to become impactful citizens, workers and family members through transformative learning, community engagement and leadership development. Students accepted into the program develop relationships with peers and business leaders across western Pennsylvania, as well as an understanding of the region’s career opportunities and how to pursue them.
From hospitality to healthcare and from the energy field to building trades, Mentorship Academy graduates leverage the program’s opportunities to connect with regional organizations and their leaders, identifying areas of professional interest to pursue after high school.
The Mentorship Academy helps students further their opportunities in the workforce and in education, connecting students with partner organizations to demonstrate the depth and breadth of opportunity in the region, including apprenticeships and skilled trades. Mentorship Academy partners —which include Deep Well Services, UPMC, Chemstream, Howard Hannah Real Estate Services, and Eaton, just to name a few — are committed to the students now, and down the road.
“Every kid is special, with tremendous potential and individual talents,” said Shani Yeldell, Pys.D., Community Relations Manager for the Mentorship Academy. “It’s about what we pour into them, and providing them the resources they need to find a path forward. This is where the Mentorship Academy really excels.”
“There is a huge need in our region for this kind of program,” said Deiuliis. “We’ve proven that this program works, and it’s scalable. We invite other organizations to come join us. It isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.”
If your organization is interested in partnering with the Mentorship Academy, email [email protected].
Learn more about the Mentorship Academy in Nick Deiuliis’ recent commentary, “Falling, Failing, and Finding Success: Mentoring Young Adults in 2023.”
