PIC Afterschool Program Empowers Students Through 21st Century Learning

Building the workforce: PIC hosts Operating Engineers

Building the workforce: PIC hosts Operating Engineers

The Private Industry Council (PIC) was pleased to serve as a valued partner to the Western PA Operating Engineers, beginning with preparation coursework on January 10th & 17th, 2026 and concluding with testing held from January 21st - 27th. Operating engineers are...

Tis the Season…for Self-Care

Tis the Season…for Self-Care

The holiday season is a time of joy. However, it also comes with busy schedules, gift shopping, and year-end deadlines. Taking care of yourself is essential not just for your well-being, but so you can truly enjoy the holiday season. Here are some cheerful self-care...

HS/EHS of Fayette County Alphabet Safari Parent Engagement Event

HS/EHS of Fayette County Alphabet Safari Parent Engagement Event

Families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start of Fayette County were invited to “Alphabet Safari” held at the Lemont Furnace Head Start Center on November 19, 2025. The theme of the event was to focus on language and literacy skills from the program’s school...

Tips for Cold and Flu Season

Tips for Cold and Flu Season

As we enter the holiday season, we also enter the cold and flu season.  Let’s face it, no one enjoys being sick so here are some common reminders about when you or your children should stay home from work or school. Fever- a fever over 100.4 Vomiting – more than 2...

Latest podcast

Listen to the “PIC Podcasts”

Listen to the “PIC Podcasts”

Head Start / Early Head Start FAQs The Private Industry Council discusses frequently asked questions for Head Start and Early Head Start students. Private Industry Council operates the Head Start / Early Head Start program for Beaver and Fayette Counties in the...

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The Private Industry Council (PIC) Afterschool Program, funded through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative, and administered by the state of PA made  a meaningful impact on students and families in Fayette and Westmoreland counties during the 2024–25 school year.

Serving 197 unique students across six elementary school locations, the program provided safe, engaging, and enriching afterschool opportunities for students in kindergarten through 5th grade. PIC partners with Frazier School District, Greensburg Salem School District, and Laurel Highlands School District to deliver high-quality programming directly on school sites, removing barriers through on-site access and transportation support.

Students experience a well-rounded daily schedule that includes homework support, targeted math and reading enrichment, hands-on STEAM activities, social-emotional learning through the Positive Action curriculum, career readiness, and physical wellness. STEAM programming is further enhanced through partnerships with the Carnegie Science Center, Penn State Extension, and Penn State Fayette’s Eberly Science Center.

The 2024–25 program highlights demonstrate strong outcomes:

  • 60% of students maintained school-day attendance above 90%
  • 196 students were promoted to the next grade
  • 67% showed improved engagement, 65% improved homework completion, and 64% improved academic performance
  • 56% of students showed teacher-reported improvement

Families also report overwhelmingly positive experiences. According to parent and guardian surveys, 100% say their child looks forward to attending, feel the program is safe, and believe it builds positive relationships with adults and mentors. Overall, 93% rated the program’s quality as positive. By combining academic support, enrichment, and social-emotional development in a safe and supportive environment, the PIC Afterschool Program continues to help students learn, grow, and thrive—both in school and beyond.

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