Education
We provide opportunities for all children to benefit from outstanding learning tools and initiatives.
our impact
1M+
minutes read through our Reading Champions program in 2023.24
20%
increase in reading proficiency through Reading Champions in the West Mifflin School District
249
scholarships awarded to date
The Penguins Foundation's education programs aim to boost academic engagement, provide mentoring, support educational leadership, and promote literacy among students.
Reading Champions
Built by U. S. Steel
The Reading Champions program, designed by the Penguins Foundation in partnership with U. S. Steel, promotes reading among third-grade students through a competitive and inclusive approach. Each classroom receives a Penguins-themed toolkit with 10 books emphasizing values like teamwork and resilience, spanning topics from hockey to conservation. Students collectively tally their reading minutes, with classes competing to log the most.
The program supports reading skills enhancement and provides a comprehensive playbook, resources for parents, and ongoing educator support. As students progress from Rookie to MVP, they earn rewards and prizes, fostering participation and enthusiasm in developing a love for reading.
PPS All-Stars
The PPS All-Stars Program, supported by the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Penguins Foundation, enhances the team’s connection with Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) students. In collaboration with the Mentoring Partnership, the program offers mentoring and career exploration to middle and high school students, facilitated by Penguins executives and staff. It also provides free and discounted Penguins tickets to pre-k through 12th-grade students. Learn more about the ticketing program here.
Additionally, Scholarships, managed by the nonprofit college access program, provides scholarships to eligible PPS seniors planning to attend any accredited post-secondary institution eligible for the federal Pell Grant.
Penguins MVPs
The Penguins Most Valuable Principal (MVP) program, a collaborative effort by the Penguins Foundation, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, and The Grable Foundation, honors outstanding principals from Allegheny County and Pittsburgh Public Schools. Recognized for their innovative approaches to education and dedication to their schools and students, 16 principals receive this accolade annually.
Each awarded principal receives a monetary donation for their school, a personalized Penguins jersey, and a Penguins Prize Pack, which includes two tickets to a Penguins game. This program celebrates educational leadership and the impactful contributions of these principals.
PensFIT Ball Hockey
Presented by FedEx
PensFIT, Presented by FedEx, is a Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation initiative designed to introduce children to the sport of hockey! By supplying schools with complete floor hockey equipment sets, offering teacher training, and providing a ready-to-use physical education curriculum, we aim to remove barriers to entry, increase student physical activity, and promote healthy lifestyles across our communities!
Pens Pals
This online resource provides downloadable math and word games and activity sheets featuring a Penguins hockey theme.
Science of Hockey
A school assembly program from the Carnegie Science Center demonstrates how science and the sport of hockey intersect. Students learn about physics, geometry, physiology, and materials science using the sport of hockey as an example.
Steam Lending Library
This program, in partnership with Allegheny Intermediate Unit and WESCO, enables Allegheny County school districts to borrow the latest educational technology, providing students with hands-on STEAM learning experiences.
scholarships
The Penguins Foundation is dedicated to helping students achieve their dreams of higher education. With support from UPMC, high school seniors are chosen based on their academic achievement, community service, and participation in school activities.
Co-sponsored by the Penguins Foundation and the Penguins Booster Club, this annual $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a western Pennsylvania high school senior for academic excellence, community service, and for providing leadership, sportsmanship, and a positive attitude as a member of their school’s hockey program. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.2 to qualify for this scholarship.
Since 2005, the Penguins Alumni Association has awarded an annual scholarship. The $5,000 award goes to a Western Pennsylvania high school senior who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, good citizenship, school and community involvement, and a love for hockey.
