Posted: October 30, 2024
Catch our talk with Penn State Extension educators about how the Westinghouse Youth Project began with an effort to revitalize a school athletic field and expanded into a youth-driven initiative that includes turfgrass management, youth workforce development, mental health education, and engagement with the local community.
Session Description
The Westinghouse Youth Project is a dynamic initiative that empowers youth to thrive and expand their horizons. It began as an effort to revitalize a school athletic field and soon became much more.
After connecting with a local high school football coach and youth mentor Donta Green, Extension educator Michael White was looking for ways to address the coach's problem: the football field was in such bad shape that it was dangerous for students. Michael connected with Jeff Fowler, an educator specializing in turfgrass management. Inspired by the coach's dedication to supporting youth development, the field revitalization project involved students from start - with soil testing, seeding grass, and sustainability planning - and led to youth-driven transformation that has, so far, resulted in the new Westinghouse field, as well as workforce development and other positive youth development programs. Matt Crutchman, a Pittsburgh-based 4-H educator, also jumped on board and connected Westinghouse students with opportunities to integrate robotics and AI into their lawn maintenance plans and brought mental health education into the initiative, all in the spirit of supporting youth to connect with their passions, grow their imaginations, and spark of new ideas for their futures.
In this talk, Michael, Jeff, and Matt share stories from how the project got going, what they've learned, and where the project might be headed in the future.
Resource
Storyteller Bios
- Dr. Michael White, Extension Program Specialist, Penn State Extension: Dr. Michael White is an Extension Program Specialist known for his passion, results-oriented approach, and extensive experience in educational leadership, program development, and community engagement. He recently joined the Allegheny County 4-H Program after working for three years with the Community Vitality and Energy Program. Dr. White holds a bachelor's degree in administrative justice from the University of Pittsburgh, a master's in education from Chatham University, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Administration from Point Park University. With over a decade of diverse experience in teaching, youth coordination, and operational management, he is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, driving meaningful change, and contributing to mission-driven organizations through strategic leadership and innovation.
- Jeffrey Fowler, Horticulture Extension Educator, Penn State Extension: Jeffrey Fowler is a Sr. Extension Educator of Horticulture specializing in turf management from Penn State Extension. He spent those years at Penn State visiting field managers helping them make wise choices with their limited resources. He earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) from Delaware Valley College, and his Masters of Education (MEd) from Penn State University. He and his wife Jamie have one son Evan. Jeff has been a volunteer on the grounds crew for the Little League World Series since 1996 and is the volunteer field manager for his local league. He is also very busy in his community. He has served Red Cross, United Way, his church, and countless other boards in the community. From 2011-2016 he served on the Board of Directors for the National Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA).
- Matthew Crutchman, MSW, Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Penn State Extension: Matthew S. Crutchman is a dedicated youth development professional specializing in mental health, civic engagement, and educational programming through 4-H. With a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, Matthew has been instrumental in designing and implementing innovative projects that empower young people to lead positive change in their communities. He has collaborated on several key initiatives, including the Woodland Hills Multi-District Student Summit, the Penn State Readiness Institute's Mental Health Literacy Project, and the Westinghouse Field Restoration Project. A passionate advocate for mental health and equity, Matthew has developed programs that focus on trauma-informed care, racial and social justice, and the integration of technology in education, particularly through AI-enhanced learning. His efforts have been recognized through cross-collaborations with schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations.
About the Series
The focus of the “Stories from the Field” series is on the “why” and “how” of community engagement and applied research. For each session, we invite the speaker(s) to tell us about their work and share stories that illustrate why they approach their work the way they do and how it looks and feels on the ground. After speakers share stories to springboard conversation, we open a facilitated discussion with attendees about the challenges and opportunities of doing work with and for communities, businesses, non-profits, and the public sector. Stories from the Field is hosted by Penn State's Center for Economic and Community Development, an applied research center dedicated to strengthening local and regional development in Pennsylvania and beyond.
