Crossroads Foundation named Champion in Action, awarded $35,000

The Pittsburgh-based Crossroads Foundation has been named a 2021 Champion in Action and awarded $35,000 for unrestricted use as well as promotional and volunteer support.

The award was announced jointly by Citizens Bank, Trib Total Media and Pittsburgh Cares. The Champion in Action award program is part of Citizens Helping Citizens, the bank’s initiative designed to help local communities prosper.

“At the Trib, we commend Crossroads Foundation for providing students who have limited options with access to equitable and quality high school education, year-round intensive college and career prep,” said Jennifer Bertetto, Trib Total Media president and chief executive officer. “We are proud to honor Crossroads Foundation as a Champion in Action.”

Crossroads Foundation tries to provide equal and fair access to educational opportunities for students of color and from low-income households, said Chahni Peeples, spokeswoman for Crossroads. The nonprofit partners with six Catholic high schools and recruits students from other schools.

Crossroads provides free counseling, tutoring, college workshops, career exploration and a multitude of after-school and out-of-school resources.

“We provide resources for students to explore their talents so by the time they finish high school, they have a better idea of what they want to do and know how to move forward,” Chahni said.

Crossroads Executive Director Esther Mellinger-Stief said she was ecstatic to receive the grant.

“What I am so happy about is that Citizens demonstrated a commitment to support our young people by not just writing a check but by getting involved in what we do,” she said.

“Young people get the message that the world is stacked against them,” Mellinger-Stief said. “This grant shows that hundreds and thousands of people are supporting them and want them to be successful.”

For the 2021-2022 academic year, Crossroads will serve 160 scholars with tuition assistance to attend one of their six partnering college preparatory high schools and other services. It’s the largest group in Crossroads’ history.

Out of their current senior class, 100% have been accepted into a college/university program.

Crossroads is unique in that they don’t accept only straight-A students, Mellinger-Stief said, but regular kids who need opportunities and access to resources to open doors.

“We at Citizens work to do well for our customers, communities, and local economies, and we are proud to support Crossroads Foundation as our Champion in Action,” said Mark Rendulic, Pittsburgh market president of Citizens. “Our support will help Crossroads Foundation to increase the equitable pathways for all students, regardless of means, to have access to the educational opportunities that will enable students to succeed in college and life.”

In addition to the grant, Crossroads will receive media coverage and public service announcements from Trib Total Media; volunteer support from Citizens, Trib Total Media and Pittsburgh Cares, and public relations and promotional support.