Homeless Children's Education Fund

Because of partners like these, students experiencing homelessness were celebrated not through the lens of their circumstances, but through their brilliance.

Nearly 500 guests gathered for The I AM Gala presented by Dollar Bank and together raised more than $427,000 to support educational opportunity, workforce development, and long-term success for students across our region.

To every sponsor, donor, volunteer, and supporter who made this possible, thank you.

Brilliance won. 💙

To every dad, grandfather, stepfather, mentor, coach, and father figure who shows up with love, guidance, and strength, thank you. Today we celebrate you.

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom and a reminder that opportunity and belonging should be within reach for every child and family.

The Homeless Children’s Education Fund office is closed today in observance of Juneteenth.

Happy Juneteenth.

Students experiencing homelessness are often introduced through statistics.

But behind every number is a young person with dreams, talents, ideas, and a future worth investing in.

That's the heart of the newest edition of The Shift.

Inside, you'll read Miley's story, learn about Teen CEO's growing workforce impact, and discover Echoes of Brilliance, a collection of essays authored by students experiencing homelessness.

Because when we focus on potential instead of circumstance, everything begins to change.

Read the latest edition of The Shift: https://homelesschildrenseducationfund.salsalabs.org/theshift_june?wvpId=1419126f-b34c-4fc6-b5f4-1c8f8813fa1d

Pittsburgh showed up for brilliance. 💙

486 guests. $427,000 raised. One sold-out room united around students and their future.

Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, board members, committee members, students, staff, and supporters who made The I AM Gala presented by Dollar Bank the most successful gala in HCEF history.

The gala was one night.

The impact will last for years.

"Found it!"

Over the past two weeks, that sentence echoed through four Teen CEO Prep Days as students, volunteers, and staff searched for the perfect fit before the start of summer internships.

There was a lot of laughter. A lot of encouragement. And more than a few moments in front of the mirror.

For many students experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness, preparing for work takes more than completing an application. It takes support.

Through Teen CEO, students receive paid work experiences, transportation support, workplace attire, food stipends, and career readiness training designed to help them succeed.

A special thank you to our volunteers, including members of Rotary Club of Pittsburgh, HCEF's newest workforce development partner, for helping our students prepare for the summer ahead.

This summer, nearly 100 students will step into new opportunities.

And they're looking ready for it.

Marshalls
Williams Ryan AJ Jefferson

SOLD OUT. ✨

480+ guests will gather for HCEF'S The I AM Gala presented by Dollar Bank in support of our students.

A room filled with brilliance, voice, power, and possibility. 💙

Pittsburgh, thank you for showing up for our young people.

This isn’t just a gala.
It’s a declaration.

A partnership rooted in care. 💙

Thank you to UPMC Health Plan, Titanium Sponsor of The I AM Gala presented by Dollar Bank, for continuing to show up for HCEF students and families.

Over the years, UPMC Health Plan has supported moments of joy, advocacy, and community through our End of Summer Bash, Homeless Children’s Awareness Month Stand Up Demonstration, and now The I AM Gala presented by Dollar Bank.

Because every child deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

Some partners don’t just support the work. They grow with it. 💜

Thank you to Duolingo, Titanium Sponsor of The I AM Gala presented by Dollar Bank, for continuing to show up for HCEF students through creativity, advocacy, and opportunity.

From our Student Art Exhibit to our Youth Homelessness Policy Breakfast, your partnership continues to help young people feel seen, heard, and valued.

🎟️ Join us June 13
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/iamgala2026/