What's New
The Center for Economic Development at Carnegie Mellon University would like you to know that we have updated our website! This latest update includes a mix of research, resources and information on events of interest to the economic development community.
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The FASA program (pdf, 1.8Mkb)
Published: March 10, 2008
In 2007 Carnegie Mellon University entered into a community partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools, the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, and the Marilyn G. Rabb Foundation to develop the FASA program (Fostering Academic and Social Achievement). FASA currently serves 23 sixth grade students from Faison School on site at the Homewood Brushton YMCA, Monday through Friday. Activities include tutoring, arts and recreation, life skills, career awareness, and more. FASA is a comprehensive, intensive, secondary violence prevention program with three goals: to provide a safe and healthy place for kids to go to after school, to increase academic achievement, and to encourage alternatives to verbal and physical violence. FASA was made possible by a demonstration grant to Heinz School’s Center for Economic Development from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health's Youth Empowerment Program. The CED initiated the FASA partnership and designed, manages, and evaluates the program. The project has increased the capacities of each partner to serve our region’s communities moving forward.
The Venture Drought? Part 1 (pdf, 218kb)
Published: May 9, 2006
Is the region suffering from a lack of investment capital? This policy brief explore the trends and dynamics of venture investment. Through data and analysis we explore the signs of a venture drought and its implications for Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Community Impact and Benefits (web, 1,633kb)
Published: April 27, 2006
Who can calculate the value of literacy, or put an accurate price tag on what a library does? In this impact report, the CED was able to validate economic benefits of more than $91 million to the economy of Allegheny County - or $75 for every person in the County.
One of the most significant findings was the library's success in reaching the next generation: 70% of city residents between the ages of 13 and 36 have a Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh card. "Many would think that our youth's Internet usage and savvy would diminish the role of libraries. However, this study proves that Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has been successful in meeting the changing needs of its card holders by transforming the system into a reliable resource where people can still borrow books, but can also do much, much more, including access the Internet and participate in a variety of community-based activities," said Maxwell King, president, Heinz Endowments.
This research was funded by The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh through generous donations from the ALCOA Foundation and Eden Hall Foundation.
Managing the Changing Workforce (web, kb)
Published: April 20, 2006
In partnership with Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Economic Development, the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board has conducted a study which examines industries impacted by the aging demographics of our region. Funded in part by the Heinz Endowments through the Regional Workforce Collaborative of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the study was conducted to define the issue and its implications and to examine how changing demographics may shape the region's workforce composition and growth potential. Study findings will be released in installments.