Kayla Butler,a graduating senior at Westinghouse, with Eric Roberts, at the Justice Scholars Institute Symposium and Celebration, May 8, in Oakland.
by Maia Williams
For New Pittsburgh Courier
On May 8, the University of Pittsburgh School of Education’s Justice Scholars Institute (JSI) celebrated the high school students from Pittsburgh Milliones, Perry and Westinghouse in its program at its annual symposium, held at the O’Hara Student Center in Oakland. Many of the students who were seniors at the symposium presented research that they performed on social justice issues affecting their communities. Their work was displayed to an audience of more than 100 educators, administrators and supporters.
Founded in 2016 by Dr. Esohe Osai, the Justice Scholars Institute is a college prep program that allows Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) students in grades 9–12 earn college credit while still in high school. Courses are taught by partner teachers at Westinghouse, Perry and Milliones, building on students’ existing relationships with them as educators. In the 2024–25 school year, 137 students were enrolled in the program taking classes such as Argument, U.S. History and Theories of Leadership.
DR. ESOHE OSAI IS THE FOUNDER OF THE JUSTICE SCHOLARS INSTITUTE, AS WELL AS ITS PROGRAM DIRECTOR.
Dr. Osai, who also serves as program director, said she was inspired to create the program after noticing disparities in college completion rates among Black students in PPS.
“I noticed that schools in PPS that serve mostly Black students did not have the rates of college completion that we would expect compared to other schools in the district,” Dr. Osai told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview. “The data that I saw in 2016 said that for every 100 students who enter Westinghouse as a freshman, only six would have a college degree.”
This data motivated Dr. Osai to rethink ways the education system can better prepare Black students in PPS for college and build their confidence. She said JSI is designed to show students that they are capable and they matter. Common barriers in Pittsburgh minority communities include lack of access to necessary resources and stigmas about students’ learning abilities.
“Our goal is to push back that narrative and show them what’s possible and that really happens through our programs,” said Dr. Osai. The program aims to challenge negative stereotypes by highlighting the excellence of Black students through events like the annual symposium and yearlong activities.
JULIAN HENDERSON LOVETT SPEAKS WITH RISING SENIORS ZIANN WILLIAMS AND QUENTIN BAKER.
JSI program manager, Erica Roberts, works closely with partner teachers to support students as they complete a rigorous 15-page research paper on a topic of their choice. “They were able to pick the topic that they want. We didn’t limit them,” she said.
At the May 8 symposium, students showcased their research projects on posters, with topics ranging from emotional and mental abuse to urbanism and the psychological impact of being an athlete.
“It was just a really nice event centered around our students,” Roberts said.
Roberts said she often sees a positive shift in students’ confidence as the symposium approaches. “They get through it. Their teachers scaffold things for them to make it a process that is very attainable.”
Students also receive support throughout the school year, having access to writing and research workshops in addition to direct guidance from their teachers.
JSI teachers play a key role in the development of the students in the program. “The teachers are central,” said Dr. Osai. “They work with students day in and day out. They communicate with us consistently.”
Sean Means, who teaches U.S. History and social justice at Westinghouse, acknowledged the partnership with the University of Pittsburgh as transformative.
“The connection with the University of Pittsburgh has been a game-changer that allows those kids to get credit that they would have had to pay for if they didn’t get it from us,” he said.
Students earn these college credits at no cost.
NADIA DIXON, WITH THE HOWARD UNIVERSITY SWEATER ON, SPEAKS WITH DONAVAN MITCHELL AND LA’NIYA BROWN.
Means, named WTAE-TV’s Teacher of the Month in November 2023, describes his teaching style as authentic, yet challenging. “I just try to make it fun” he said. “I want them to be prepared so that when they get to a university, they feel like they’re equipped.”
Faith Jackson, a recent Westinghouse graduate, shared her positive experience with Means as her JSI teacher. “I’m actually very grateful that I took him twice because he gave me better preparation for college.”
Jackson’s research project analyzed the neglected mental health of mothers, focusing on postpartum depression. Being part of JSI taught her she could manage the workload, and she hopes to encourage other students to take advantage of the program.
“Do not let it intimidate you just because of how heavy the workload might seem,” Jackson told the Courier. “Especially if you want to pursue college or post-secondary education. It will definitely prepare you.”
Jackson will attend Penn State University’s main campus in the fall to major in psychology.
“I’m excited for her (Jackson) at Penn State and what she’s going to bring to that university,” said Means. “I just can’t wait to see her keep growing in a way that serves her best.”
Means added: “I’m just proud of everybody that’s associated with JSI because I do believe that everyone connected with it is trying to give our students a first-rate education.”
To enroll in the program, students generally must be Pittsburgh Promise-eligible. However, JSI makes exceptions for motivated students who don’t meet that requirement. Parents who want to enroll their sophomore, junior or senior at one of the three schools should speak to the school’s counselor about getting the JSI/CHS course on their child’s schedule.
“We want to make sure we are equitable,” Roberts said. “If we have a teacher, administrator or someone who will say that this student is not Promise-eligible or Promise-ready, but I believe the student wants to take the class, we will let that student take the class.”
Roberts, who told the Courier that the program is currently being financially supported by a gift from the Pitt School of Education, said another goal of the program is to help students not just get to college, but finish and earn their degree.
“Success is seeing our students to and through,” she said. “It’s easy for students to get to college, but it’s harder for them to get through.”
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