ALTERNATIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS HELP UNDER-RESOURCED STUDENTS THRIVE IN SAFE-HAVENS FROM TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES, SAYS AREA EDUCATION THOUGHT LEADER

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- While some may dismiss the social media firestorms fueled by high-profile incidents like a brawl breaking out at an interscholastic game as sensationalistic and divisive, even a quick glance at the data underscores the serious impact on students of school-related traumatic experiences.

For example, during the 2023–2024 school year, nearly 2,700 events on school property were reported in the Harrisburg City School District that meet criteria for categorization as "dangerous incidents," according to a study by the Commonwealth Foundation. Events that meet these criteria include but are not limited to instances of simple, aggravated, or sexual assault, robbery, or weapons possession.  

"The district includes schools where students experience extreme rates of violent incidents," said Rev. Joshua C. Robertson, founder of Black Pastors United for Education (BPUE). "How can we expect them to learn and thrive in that environment?"

Based in Harrisburg, BPUE operates multiple learning centers across the region—including two in the city: the Transformation Learning Center at 1601 Park Street and the Rock Church Learning Center at 1501 Market Street. It was formed to counter the impact of unsafe and low performing schools with a FREE educational alternative for under-resourced students. By creating learning centers in facilities like churches with surplus space available on weekdays, BPUE provides a rigorous education while fostering a sense of security and belonging. Mental health counseling is available on-site. This approach helps children not only excel in their studies but also navigate destabilizing factors that often disrupt learning. The learning centers are tuition free, with course materials, equipment, and transportation also provided at no cost to students or their families.

"If we are honest, and if we can be brave enough to face the truth here in Harrisburg," Rev. Robertson said, "those of us who live here know students could witness or even be directly harmed by violence or other traumatic experiences on any given day. It runs the gamut—from schoolyard fights to shootings on our street corners. While our learning centers won't instantly solve all the problems students face, the safe-haven we provide gives them the support to thrive academically while building the resilience to help lift themselves—and ultimately their communities—above these challenges."

About Black Pastors United for Education (BPUE)
Black Pastors United for Education (BPUE) is a network of pastors and congregations that strategically partner to provide full-time education in non-traditional learning spaces to under-resourced children of all grade levels, ethnic backgrounds, and belief systems. With centers in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and York as well as plans for continued expansion, BPUE leverages the power of education to uplift impoverished communities. BPUE's mission is to offer safe and supportive learning environments that foster academic growth and personal development. For more information, visit https://bpue.org.

Contact: Ashley Cherry, Marketing/Communications
BPUE
717-542-5138, [email protected]

SOURCE Black Pastors United for Education (BPUE)