Jerome Bettis’ Bus Stops Here Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania Announce Partnership to Expand Access to STEAM & AI Education Through the Jerome Bettis’ CyberBus Project
PITTSBURGH, PA — The Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) are proud to announce a new partnership that will bring Jerome Bettis’ CyberBus to youth and families across the region.
Jerome Bettis’ CyberBus is a state-of-the-art mobile classroom equipped with computers, Wi-Fi, and interactive technology designed to teach Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), computer science, digital literacy, and workforce readiness. This innovative and fully electric mobile lab, generously donated by Blue Bird Corporation, brings hands-on learning directly into neighborhoods—bridging the digital divide and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
“Growing up in inner-city Detroit, I spent countless hours at the Boys & Girls Club. It’s where I learned about discipline, teamwork, and believing in yourself,” said Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis. “With this bus, we’re giving kids the same opportunity to dream big and access the tools that will shape the jobs of tomorrow. Our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania allows us to reach even more kids in the communities that need it most.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Jerome Bettis, the Bus Stops Here Foundation, and the Boys & Girls Club,” said John Wyskiel, President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “As the leading school bus builder in North America and avid corporate citizen, we proudly advance the education, health, and safety of children in our communities. Blue Bird’s electric school bus will turn into a powerful vehicle of change to bridge the digital divide. Furthermore, this bus generates zero emissions, protecting the health of students and neighborhoods alike.”
Jerome Bettis’ CyberBus will visit BGCWPA Clubhouse sites across Western Pennsylvania, including Carnegie, Northern Area (Millvale), Shadyside, Sto-Rox Upper Elementary School (McKees Rocks and Stowe Township), McKeesport, Scott Primary Elementary School (Shaler Area School District), Aliquippa Junior/Senior High School (Beaver County), Duquesne City School District, and Downtown Pittsburgh for after-school programming, summer camp activations, and special STEAM and AI learning events for youth.
“For 137 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania has provided the children and teens of our region with welcoming spaces to learn, build new skills, and connect with peers and caring mentors. Today marks a new era in our organization’s ability to meet youth and families where they are and respond to the needs of communities throughout the region.” said Chris Watts, President and CEO, BGCWPA. “Thanks to the leadership of Jerome Bettis, the Bus Stops Here Foundation, and our donors and partners, the new CyberBus will allow us to connect more young people to the proven benefits of out-of-school-time and STEAM-based learning.”
In addition to operating at BGCWPA Clubhouses, Jerome Bettis’ CyberBus will also offer special programming at Joey Porter’s Jasmine Nyree Campus, CNX’s Mentorship Academy, Mel Blount’s Youth Home, and many other community events in the region.
This initiative is part of the Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation’s mission to close the digital divide and create educational pathways for youth in underserved communities. Jerome Bettis’ CyberBus has been made possible through the generous support of the Richard King Mellon Foundation, CNX Foundation, Peoples Natural Gas, Duquesne, Comcast, and additional community partners.