Pittsburgh Steelers Legend Willie Parker’s 39 Legends to Partner with Point Park University’s Rising Brothers and Sisters Program
"Our partnership with Point Park University and Rising Brothers and Sisters represents a powerful step forward in our mission to uplift high school students in North Carolina and Pittsburgh."
Willie Parker, the legendary running back who won two Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Point Park University are teaming up on a new partnership designed to expand support services to high school students in North Carolina and the Pittsburgh area.
Parker’s 39 Legends Foundation, which supports underprivileged children and families in his native North Carolina, is partnering with Rising Brothers and Sisters, a nonprofit organization housed in Point Park’s Rowland School of Business, to offer mentorship, guidance and support to high school students.
"Our partnership with Point Park University and Rising Brothers and Sisters represents a powerful step forward in our mission to uplift high school students in North Carolina and Pittsburgh," said Parker, who was back in Pittsburgh for his induction into the Steelers Hall of Honor. "By combining our resources and shared commitment to education, mentorship and community, we can provide these young people with the tools and support they need to reach their full potential both on and off the field."
In North Carolina, 39 Legends addresses the needs of youth and families in the community through wellness, education and leadership and lifestyle programming. Here in the Pittsburgh region, Rising Brothers and Sisters is a mentorship program that seeks to increase representation of successful professionals of color on Point Park’s campus and in high schools by providing students with small group support systems and programming focused on academic preparedness, career readiness and character development. It was launched by part-time faculty member Mitchel Nickols, Ph.D., in 2022.
Rising Brothers and Sisters is expected to collaborate with 39 Legends to develop a similar high school outreach program in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. In turn, Parker will have a higher profile in Pittsburgh through speaking engagements and direct work with Rising Brothers and Sisters.
"This is a great way to bring Willie back into Pittsburgh for some meaningful work with young people while also giving his organization some help in expanding the opportunities 39 Legends can offer youth in their North Carolina community," said Stephen Tanzilli, dean of the Rowland School of Business.
