PEPP is proud of its on-going history of student interaction and contact. Partnership participants are blossoming academically and personally. New levels of self-esteem and confidence are being realized. Long-term goals and aspirations are becoming a reality.

PEPP provides a unique opportunity to nurture excellence in student academic progress at the elementary and secondary levels while positively influencing University students from all educational disciplines. College of Education majors gain early and valuable hands-on field experiences in structured and diverse academic settings.

At the Penn State Greater Allegheny Campus, College of Education majors are required to work with PEPP as either part of their “freshman experience” or in the Curriculum and Instruction 295: “Introductory Field Experience for Teacher Preparation”, as a valuable “early field experience.” Both courses factor in a portion of the semester grade based on the tutor performance evaluation.

Additionally, a sizable number of student teachers (Education seniors) elect to work with PEPP during their practicum in order to sharpen educational skills and enhance their chances of gainful employment in the teaching profession. University students from other academic majors also benefit from giving of themselves to help PEPP students.