2022 Photo by Christopher Sprowls:
Nick shows something to a Shaler student during a field trip to the remembrance site of the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting.

Inspire

Illustration Graphic: A LIGHT character smiles and waves at you.

Prepare

Empower

Illustration Graphic: The Inspire, Prepare, Empower Logo

Our Mission

To inspire, prepare, and empower the next generation of humanitarians.

2023 Photo by Christopher Sprowls:
Gab from the musical duo "Josh & Gab" signs something for a smiling student at Shaler Area's 143 Day.

Our Values

All LIGHT-related programs and opportunities are built on a foundation of remembrance, compassion, human rights, positive mental health, and the three principles of EIB: Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

Illustration Graphic: A LIGHT character is stands outside and in front of a classroom window.

Our Vision

LIGHT is a movement across and beyond Southwestern Pennsylvania supporting educators in their quest to inspire, prepare, and empower young humanitarians.

Our Impact

50

Trained and certified LIGHT Coordinators

40,000+

Students with daily access to a LIGHT Coordinator

17

School districts with at least one LIGHT Coordinator

44

Community Partner Organizations

12,250+

Direct program participants per year
Illustration Graphic: Two excited LIGHT characters look upward at our impact statistics.

Testimonials

LIGHT has assisted the Northgate Community with starting conversations around the idea of creating communities of belonging.  Our students have never been more engaged in making their school and community a better place and we attribute much of that to the opportunities we have been able to take advantage of through LIGHT.  

Illustration Graphic: A LIGHT character is stands outside and in front of a classroom window.

Zachary B.

LIGHT Coordinator

LIGHT has profoundly shaped the worldview of our students at Baldwin-Whitehall. The ability for our students to become EMPOWERED through their learning to achieve a more sustainable and kind world will have generational impact on the Baldwin-Whitehall community and future LIGHT students.

Illustration Graphic: A LIGHT character reads a book in a classroom.

Anthony B.

LIGHT Coordinator

LIGHT has really renewed my passion in teaching. Once I became a coordinator I have a new focus on my classes. In my classroom I try to create an atmosphere of compassion and tolerance. I never took a field trip before LIGHT. They showed me that I could organize and run trips and totally fund them. Now I take my students all over the city and beyond.

Illustration Graphic: A LIGHT character waves at you.

Meg F.

LIGHT Coordinator