What Broke the Pittsburgh Promise?
In 2008, the city and its foundations made a promise to all Pittsburgh kids – if you attend class and get decent grades, we’ll help you pay for college or trade school. But last week, the officials behind those gifts told parents in a one-page letter that the money is almost out. We’re talking about why with journalist Mary Niederberger and James Fogarty, executive director of A+ Schools.
For more background on the Pittsburgh Promise’s results and past fundraising efforts, check out Mary’s previous reporting for PublicSource.
Want some more Pittsburgh news?
- Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.
- We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh!
- Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Does Pittsburgh Have a ‘Perfect’ Airport? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
There’s lots to love about Pittsburgh, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livab...

Meatball Mergers, PennDOT Hellscapes & Emmy Noms for ‘The Pitt’
Part of the Parkway East is closing tonight so PennDot can explode the old Commercial Street Bridge and slide a new one in its place. Tra...

Mechanical Pickles, Giant Eagle's New Owner & Free Outdoor Adventures
Kroger may have just bought Giant Eagle, but this isn't the first time these two brands have been intertwined. Host Megan Harris and prod...

Where To Get a Spa Treatment in Pittsburgh
There's never a bad time for a spa day, and if you're in need of a pick-me-up, we want you to treat yourself! The City Cast Pittsburgh te...

The Best Bagels in Pittsburgh
Can you actually get a good bagel in Pittsburgh? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is on the case. We taste tested offerings from some of the...

Why Pittsburgh Has 20K Vacant Homes AND a Housing Shortage
Pittsburgh lost more than half its population since peaking in the 1950s, and our city has more than 20,000 vacant homes. How do we also...

'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
See if your Pittsburgh knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz g...

Can You Swim in Pittsburgh's Rivers? Plus, Teens in Public & Train Tours
If the hot weather has you considering a dip in the Allegheny, Mon, or Ohio, take heed! City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit joins host Me...

Your Guide to July 2026 in Pittsburgh
There's a heatwave, but there's also no shortage of things to do in Pittsburgh! City Cast's Megan Harris, Sophia Lo, and Francesca Dabecc...

Is AI Pittsburgh's Next Labor Fight?
Ever wonder how exactly our city employees are using AI…and whether there are safeguards in place to make sure these tools are being used...

