Shady Side Academy administrators discuss scholarship

A newly formed EQT Scholarship will help Shady Side Academy administrators strengthen a commitment to socioeconomic diversity, leaders said.

Two Shady Side Academy students are attending school this year thanks to an inaugural round of funding by the EQT Foundation.

The money will provide two students with tuition for the entirety of their SSA enrollment as long as they maintain good academic standing and continue to demonstrate need for extra funding. It is open to anyone in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

Over 13 or 14 years at SSA, the scholarship is worth more than $300,000, said Director of Communications Jen Roupe.

This year, scholarships went to pre-kindergartener Kellan Kight and kindergarten student Adrianna Ballard, both of Monroeville.

“We are honored to be selected as a partner in this program and deeply grateful for their commitment to providing Pittsburgh children with greater access to life-changing educational opportunities,” Shady Side Academy President Tom Cangiano said.

A primary goal of the school's strategic vision is to enhance financial aid offerings and make an SSA education accessible to more families, Cangiano said.

Funded by an endowment from the EQT Foundation, the charitable arm of natural gas producer EQT Corporation, the program covers full tuition for two students who already have been accepted to SSA's pre-K or kindergarten program and have demonstrated financial need.

When each of the current scholars graduate from SSA, new recipients will be selected.

“The EQT Scholars Program illustrates the Foundation's mission by providing meaningful educational experiences to children in the region who may not otherwise have the opportunity,” EQT Foundation President Charlene Petrelli said in a news release.

“Students Kellan and Adrianna embody what we are looking for in an EQT Scholar — an eagerness to learn, curiosity about the world around them, an excitement to dive in and a strong support network at home that will ensure their success.”

Tawnya Panizzi is a staff writer for the Tribune-Review. Reach her at 412-782-2121, ext. 2 or at tpanizzi@tribweb.com.