Empowering Pittsburgh’s Youth
As members of the Pittsburgh community, SMI Aware and our employees participate in a variety of community activities and projects. One of these efforts is our support for The Neighborhood Academy
The Neighborhood Academy is a faith-based, college preparatory, independent school serving grades 6-12. Its mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty by empowering youth and preparing them for college and citizenship. Students follow a rigorous curriculum. Early on, the focus is on helping them catch up with their peers. Later, the program gives students the tools to excel academically and personally.
In addition to a top-notch education, every student receives critical support services. Every student gets three meals a day, transportation, career development programs, individual and group counseling. The Neighborhood Academy offers a supportive environment filled with caring faculty and staff. As a result, 100% of their seniors are accepted to college, and an impressive 75% graduate from college within five years – well above the national average.
How SMI Aware’s Support Started
Our CEO, Chris Randall, first learned about The Neighborhood Academy when his former high school lacrosse coach, Reverend Tom Johnson. After visiting the academy, Chris was immediately impressed by their vision and commitment to serving under-resourced communities in Pittsburgh.
Inspiried by their mission, Chris joined the Board of Directors in August 2020. He wanted to actively support the Academy’s goal of empowering students to excel and achieve their dreams.
Expanding Our Involvement
In addition to sitting on the Board of the Academy, Chris has looked for ways to involve SMI Aware’s analysts and staff with the school. As part of our growing outreach efforts, SMI Aware Analysts will visit the Neighborhood Academy this Fall. During these visits, our team will speak with students about responsible social media use. They will also share insights into careers in social media discovery and analysis.
How You Can Support the Neighborhood Academy
The Neighborhood Academy is a private, faith-based school. It doesn’t have access to charter school funding and relies heavily on private donations and community support. Your gift helps provide a college preparatory curriculum and a holistic set of programs designed to address challenges young people face today.
Donate directly
You can make a one-time or recurring donation directly to The Neighborhood Academy through their Donation page.
Give through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program
The Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program was created to stimulate and support giving to innovative educational organizations, like The Neighborhood Academy. Qualified businesses and individuals can earn tax credits equal to 75% – 90% of their contributions to approved Educational Improvement Organizations (EIO). The Neighborhood Academy is approved as an EIO. Your contribution through this program can help fund scholarships that change lives.
To learn more, visit the EITC page on the Neighborhood Academy website.
Discover More Ways to Give
Visit the giving page for more ways to support The Neighborhood Academy.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about The Neighborhood Academy. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please reach out to us.
