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Daily CSR
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High School Students Boost Local Conservation Efforts through SCA’s Summer Program



10/18/2023


High School Students Boost Local Conservation Efforts through SCA’s Summer Program
Recently, high school students from Pittsburgh and Cleveland concluded a summer dedicated to conservation, enhancing local parks and green spaces. They were part of the Student Conservation Association (SCA), supported by a grant of $300,000 from the KeyBank Foundation. This substantial contribution reflects KeyBank’s ongoing commitment to climate action, environmental justice, and community investment.

The SCA crews, backed by the KeyBank Foundation, made significant improvements to over 13,700 feet of trail and educated 815 local youngsters in Pittsburgh and Cleveland about environmental conservation and education.

The SCA is renowned for its extensive environmental conservation programs for both youth and adults. Participants engage in the protection and restoration of national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces across the nation. The experience with SCA equips them with enhanced environmental consciousness, social responsibility, and leadership skills.

The SCA’s Urban Green Program offers paid green jobs to young individuals. Pittsburgh hosts the SCA’s most extensive and longest-running program for high school students, offering them a 6-week summer job performing hands-on conservation work in city parks and community green spaces.

This summer in Pittsburgh, The Tree Pittsburgh Roving Crew collaborated with Tree Pittsburgh, an environmental non-profit committed to preserving and protecting Pittsburgh’s urban forest. Their achievements include enhancing 150 feet of trail and 800 feet of shoreline, as well as planting nearly 50 trees and wildflowers.

At Riverview Park, a student crew worked on the Wissahickon Trail. The work was crucial to make the trail more accessible for walking and biking and to prevent future water damage. Together, they improved 139 feet of trail and constructed and maintained eight new structures.

“KeyBank is so proud of the work the student crews accomplished this summer in Pittsburgh,” said Vic Laurenza, KeyBank’s Western Pennsylvania Market President. “We are grateful for their dedication to improving communities and leaving Pittsburgh better for the next generation.”