SHOP@USC expands with donation from Coldwell Banker
SHOP@USC will soon be able to expand its capabilities thanks to a generous contribution from Coldwell Banker, South Hills office. The gift will be used to purchase a single sleeve pallet, which will enable the program to print on items that are long and thin.
SHOP@USC (Showing How Opportunity Pays @ Upper St. Clair) is a fully-inclusive student-run business housed within Upper St. Clair High School’s Innovation Hub. Students in the Life Skills program and their regular education partners design and manufacture USC spirit-wear products while learning how to develop a business plan that includes all aspects such as pricing, marketing, sales and inventory of products.
“We can do many things in SHOP@USC but we have not been able to print on sleeves or pant legs,” Michelle Zirngibl, SHOP@USC coordinator, said. “Many students have requested that we make USC sweatpants and sweatshirts with letters along the arms and legs. Coldwell Banker’s generous gift will enable us to purchase the equipment to do that.”
The Innovation Hub@USCHS, which includes SHOP@USC and an MIT-certified FAB Lab, was made possible through generous donations from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, The Grable Foundation, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the PTSO and several individual donors. Increasing STEAM opportunities for all students is a core component of the district’s strategic plan.
“We are grateful for the continued support of this STEAM initiative,” Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole, superintendent of schools, said. “Coldwell Banker’s contribution will enable the SHOP@USC program to expand its products and, more importantly, teach our life skills students another facet of the production process.”
SHOP@USC offers a variety of student-produced USC products including greeting cards, scrapbook pages, key chains, stickers, decals, magnets, buttons, t-shirts, sweatshirts and other items.
The program can also produce customized products upon request. This past spring SHOP@USC created custom invitations for the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair’s Giving Tea event.
“We love giving back to the community that supports our business. When we looked around for an organization to affiliate with, the SHOP@USC program was perfect!” Leigh Harkreader, Coldwell Banker realtor, said. “The students, teachers and aides are great and it just seemed like a good fit for all.”
For more information regarding SHOP@USC, visit
www.uscsd.k12.pa.us or email
SHOP@USCsd.k12.pa.us.
SHOP@USC expands with donation from Coldwell Banker
