Community Resources


Get Connected

City High helps keep our students and families connected with helpful resources in their communities.  Along with our many Internship partner sites, we also maintain strong relationships with with local community organizations, businesses and non-profits throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny county.

For more information, or to connect with City High, please contact info@cityhigh.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

International Plastic Pellet Count Training w/ 3 Rivers Waterkeeper 

WHEN: Saturday, May 2

Join us on Saturday, May 2nd, for the International Plastic Pellet Count! You can make a difference by participating in this community science initiative to document plastic pellets in our waterways. Three Rivers Waterkeeper will be hosting a training (in two locations) in the morning about plastic pellets and how to search and document them. Community members will also receive supplies to conduct their own nurdle hunts! Following the Beaver County training, we will be partnering with BCMAC to hold an Ohio River cleanup— space is limited, so sign up today!

Volunteer at the Pittsburgh Marathon w/ 3 Rivers Waterkeeper

WHEN: May 2, 8:30am to 1:30pm

WHERE: In front of Squirrel Hill Carnegie Library

Three Rivers Waterkeeper is participating in the Pittsburgh Marathon’s Run for a Reason. You can help support our organization’s mission by signing up for our volunteer slot at the Pittsburgh Marathon! Our volunteer slot is on Saturday, May 2nd, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM and consists of assisting with expo race number pick-up.

Registration is required!

Volunteer w/ Allegheny Cleanways!

Looking for something that fits your schedule? Allegheny Cleanways is doing a variety of cleanups across Allegheny County. There are several opportunities in different neighborhoods, both land and water cleanups, that you can volunteer for!

You can see the list of cleanups on Allegheny Cleanways website!

All opportunities with Allegheny Cleanways requires registration and a filled out waiver. Please make sure you register before showing up!


Opportunities for Growth

Pittsburgh Community Services Inc. Job Info Session

Looking to take that next step after high school? Check out these two job info sessions on Friday, May 1 and Tuesday, May 12. 

Session #1, City of Pittsburgh [Register]

WHEN: May 1, 1-3pm

WHERE: 249 N. Craig St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 
 

Session #2, Pittsburgh Regional Transit [Register]

WHEN: May 12, 2-4pm

WHERE: 249 N. Craig St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 
 
Free Career Coaching for Young Adults from PA Women Work Not sure what’s next for you? PA Women Work helps young adults build skills and launch careers.

Meet one-on-one and participate in group workshops to get your career headed in the right direction, regardless of your skills or educational attainment.
  • Learn about career paths and
    paid training opportunities
  • Identify your goals
  • Develop or polish your resume
  • Practice interviewing skills
  • Get connected to potential
    employers
  • Gain skills to be financially
    independent
Get started today!
Call: 412-742-4362
Email: info@pawomenwork.org
Teaching as Exploration Workshop at Carlow University

WHEN: July 20-22 

WHERE: Carlow University

During this experience, students will:

  • Explore how museums inspire creativity in teaching and learning
  • Participate in hands-on activities at local museums
  • Design a mini-exhibit or lesson plan that showcases their creativity and teaching skills

This workshop will include presentations, interactive sessions, and visits to local Pittsburgh educational institutions, all facilitated by Carlow faculty and community partners. There are a limited number of scholarships available to cover the cost of the registration. 

This opportunity is available to rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and students graduating in 2026 who may be interested in pursuing a career in education.

REGISTER HERE!


Fun Community Events & Programming

Handmade Arcade: 2026 Youth Maker Accelerator Program

Deadline: May 20

Calling all teen crafters and artists! Applications are open for the 2026 Youth Maker Accelerator Program. Apply by May 20th to sell your artwork and handmade products at the region's largest craft market!

Makers selected for the cohort will receive:

  • A free booth to sell their handmade products at our 2026 Holiday Market
  • A $500 stipend to help make their products
  • Four+ in-person workshops to help prepare for the market


Learn more and apply here!

2026 LEAP Program End-of-Year Showcase

WHEN: Saturday, May 23,
5:30-7:30pm

WHERE: The Frame Gallery, 5200 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15217

Come and support your City High classmates at the LEAP Program End-of-Year Showcase. Celebrate the 2026 cohort's artwork and enjoy some food—all for free!

Join the Future Forward Soccer League

Deadline: May 2

WHEN: May 2—June 13, Every Saturday, 9:30am to 3pm

WHERE: Duquesne University

If you are a high school student under the age of 20 who loves competitive soccer and is looking to prepare for college and the professional world beyond high school, this is a great opportunity for you!

  • Soccer Games every Saturday
  • College and Career Workshops every Saturday
  • Various transportation pickup locations
  • Lunch and jerseys provided
Email maddie@openfieldintl.org with any questions! You can register here.
League of Women Voters Presents: Civic Futures, Democracy in a Changing World

WHEN: May 12
Doors at 6:00PM | Program at 7:00PM

WHERE: Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, 4141 Fifth Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213  

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Gain a global perspective on democratic trends
  • Hear insights on national security, foreign policy, and global conflict
  • Explore how democratic institutions are challenged and strengthened across regions
  • Connect global developments to local civic life and community impact
  • Engage in thoughtful dialogue with experts and fellow attendees
Featuring guest speakers Gerardo Berthin (President of Freedom House) and Jim Sciutto (CNN Chief National Security Correspondent). 

Register here to attend for free!
SLB Radio Summer Camps SLB Summer Camps offer middle and high school students one-of-a-kind experiences at our Youth Media Center, including opportunities to learn new skills, make friends, and be heard. Camp themes for 2026 include podcasting, songwriting, and the launch of a new, audio-first literary magazine.

Full and partial scholarships are available. If you are interested in applying, please do so ASAP, as slots fill up quickly for this opportunity!

Learn more and apply here!
Join the Young Naturalists! Program application due: May 9
City High Sabbatical application due: May 15 (REQUIRED for participation)

Any student who is accepted must submit their school sabbatical application by May 15 (at least 6 weeks in advance). If this deadline is missed, you will not be able to participate in the program, even if accepted.


If you enjoy being outdoors and are curious about the environment, the Young Naturalists program at Frick Park is an exciting opportunity to consider this summer!

Young Naturalists is a paid program where high school students explore park ecology, work alongside experts, and gain hands-on experience through activities like surveying plant and animal populations and completing park restoration projects. It’s also a great way to build leadership skills and connect with other students who share an interest in the environment.

Program Dates: Young Naturalists is a 5-week paid summer internship that runs Tuesday through Friday, with some additional dates for orientation and an overnight team building retreat in the Laurel Highlands. 

Who should apply?
  • Current 10th and 11th grade students
  • Students who enjoy spending time outdoors and want to learn more about nature
  • Students willing to do physically active work outdoors in varying weather
  • Students interested in environmental science, ecology, conservation, or sustainability
Selected students will be contacted to schedule an interview.

If you’re interested, please complete this Google Form Application by May 9, and plan ahead for your sabbatical application by speaking with your advisor about the process and requirements.

Please let Ms. Morgan know if you have any questions or need help with the process! Your responses to the Google Form will be submitted directly to the Young Naturalists Program Directors, Stephen Bucklin and Ivy Ryan.  

Visit PittsburghParks.org for more info and a complete schedule of events!


Contests & Competitions

Ralph Munn Creative Writing Contest Deadline: All entries must be submitted by 9AM on Monday, May 11, 2026

All top-rated submissions will be published in the 2026 Ralph Munn Creative Writing Anthology, a book of creative work distributed to all Allegheny County public libraries.

Writing Categories:
  • Poetry
  • Short Prose

Prizes:
  • 1st Prize: $250
  • 2nd Prize: $100

Prizes will be awarded in both categories. All applicants will be notified whether or not they have won an award by the middle of August.

Contest Rules:
  • Contest is open to all high school students (grade 9 – 12) in Allegheny County.
  • No more than two (2) entries per individual will be accepted. These two (2) submissions can be in any combination of categories.
  • Category requirements:
  • Poetry submissions may not exceed two (2) pages and must be typed in 12 pt. font.
  • Short Prose submissions may not exceed 4,000 words and must be typed in 12 pt. font.
  • All submissions must be original work by a single author; no plagiarism and no work containing copyrighted characters (including fan fiction) will be considered.
  • Submissions must be previously unpublished but do not need to be created specifically for the contest. Creative work written for school assignments, workshops or other contests is acceptable.
  • Entries must be in .doc or .docx format and must not include your name or any other identifying details. Your personal information should only be entered in the required fields of the submission form.
  • Submissions must not be generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Submissions that do not conform to contest guidelines will not be considered.

Category Descriptions

Short Prose: Writers may submit original works of fiction or creative nonfiction no greater than 4,000 words in length. Short stories, personal narratives, essays, memoirs and commentaries are all acceptable for this category. In evaluating short prose submissions, judges will consider originality of content and style, development of plot or themes, technical attention to grammar and mechanics, and the author’s command of language.

Poetry: Poems of any form, including –but not limited to– free verse, sonnets, villanelles, sestinas, slam-style poetry and narrative poetry are accepted. Poems will be selected based upon the exemplary clarity, economy, and freshness of language, use of sound and rhythm, complementary nature of the form and content of the poem, and ability to evoke an intellectual or emotional response. Poetry submissions may not exceed two (2) pages in length.


For questions or help getting started:

Visit any Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh location or any Allegheny County Library to ask a teen specialist for assistance, call 412.622.3114 or email info@carnegielibrary.org.