PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

National Student Partnerships: Open to Everyone!
by Shannon Tibbetts Friday, Jul. 01, 2005 at 9:16 AM
pittsburgh@nspnet.org (412) 682-3501 1323 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15219

This is an introduction to National Student Partnerships, a student-driven organization that links community members in need with the resources they need to become self-sufficient and successful.

Pittsburgh, PA – On an average day, student volunteers from National Student Partnerships (NSP) meet with five “clients”, attend two community partnership meetings with local service providers or business owners, and update office resources to reflect the changing nature of job and housing markets.

On a great day, a volunteer helps a client secure a full-time job that pays enough to move him out of an emergency shelter. The volunteer calls up a community partner who operates a transitional housing program, and her client now has a safe place to live until he can save enough money to move out.

NSP was founded in 1998 by two Yale undergraduate students and has expanded to include fifteen offices around the country. Each office is staffed by area college students who help community members (clients) work to reach their goals and become self-sufficient. The NSP-Pittsburgh office was founded in 1999 and is currently located in the Life’s Work building on Forbes Avenue in Uptown. Student volunteers typically come from the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, and Carnegie Mellon University and work one-on-one with low-income community members providing intensive on-site and referral services.

Most of NSP-Pittsburgh’s clients are searching for employment. Volunteers help clients assess their needs and strengths, provide personalized job coaching and job search assistance, create and distribute resumes and cover letters, provide computer, Internet and telephone access, and identify employment opportunities, job training and educational programs. Volunteers also assist clients who are searching for affordable housing, child care, legal services, health care, legal aid, transportation, listening and support, budgeting, tax counseling, advocacy, and basically any concern that clients may have, by linking them to available resources. In addition to every day client service, beginning this summer, NSP is also offering a new workshop called “Building Bright Beginnings” geared towards at-risk youth, which will focus on job searching techniques, resume tips, and interviewing strategies.

NSP volunteers are bright, motivated students with a strong desire to get to know and give back to their communities. Anyone who is determined and committed to helping others by lending their pro-active problem-solving skills is encouraged to volunteer. NSP is always looking for more dedicated students looking to make a difference in the community. Volunteers are welcome over the summer, and throughout the school year. Call (412) 682-3501, email pittsburgh@nspnet.org or visit http://www.nspnet.org for more information.

To utilize NSP’s services, there are no eligibility criteria. NSP serves anyone looking for one-on-one assistance and access to the services, opportunities, and attention that they need to pursue employment, self-sufficiency, and personal success. Since its founding, NSP has helped more than 10,000 clients achieve their goals. Clients can utilize NSP’s services Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and can call (412) 682-3501 to make an appointment.

www.nspnet.org

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