A+ Schools is the community advocate and leader for educational equity and excellence in Pittsburgh Public Schools. Their core purpose and focus of their work is to remove any barriers to equity in our schools. They are dedicated to educating the public, increasing awareness and engaging the community in efforts to advance change.
James Fogarty is the Executive Director of A+ Schools. In the following interview, he speaks about the experience of partnering with PULSE.
CC: Why did your organization decide to work with PULSE?
JF: We were in transition with staff, and were looking for someone young, energetic, and socially active to fill the position. We looked to PULSE as a way to find that individual because we appreciated the structure and shared support they brought to the table.
CC: What is the most rewarding part of working with PULSE?
JF: The partnership that exists – it isn’t just a one sided situation. We all work together to support the PULSE Fellow and to get the work done. We both promote each others events with our networks and offer support as needed.
CC: How has your partnership with PULSE impacted your organization?
JF: The experience, knowledge, and energy that our PULSE Fellow brings to the position is beyond what we could have ever expected. The workshops and facilitation methods that he has shared during his time here are structures we will continue to use even after he has left.
CC: What do you like most about your current PULSE follow and/or other fellows you’ve worked with?
JF: Brandon brings a fresh set of eyes and new approaches to the work, which helps to push us to grow in our methods. The eagerness both Brandon and his colleagues have to get involved in events across the city is refreshing and inspiring. They are willing to jump in however is needed and support a variety of causes.
CC: What would you tell other Pittsburgh nonprofits about PULSE?
JF: The structure and organization that PULSE brings to this experience makes the process simple for nonprofits. And the interview process makes it easy for you to find the perfect match.
Check out more great Partner Stories.
This is part of a series of posts about the Nonprofit Partner experience with PULSE. If you would like to learn more about a Nonprofit Partnership, please visit our Partner Page.