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, and additional community partners.
About The Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation
Founded by Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, the Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for inner-city youth by offering programs that promote education, mentorship, technology access, and workforce readiness. Signature initiatives include Jerome Bettis’ CyberBus, Innovation Huddle, and Ready Fore Work, all designed to empower the next generation of leaders.
🔗 www.thebusstopsherefoundation.org
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania
Founded in 1888, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) serves nearly 11,000 youth annually, providing a safe, supportive, and fun environment with programs in academics, leadership, mentorship, career readiness, and sports. With eleven Clubhouse locations and several school and community partners throughout the region, BGCWPA is shaping the future for young people across Southwestern Pennsylvania.
🔗 www.bgcwpa.org
About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions.
🔗 www.blue-bird.com
Media Contacts
Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation
Bethany Vietmeier
412-720-5195
Bethv@thebusstopsherefoundation.org
Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania
Hersh Merenstein
412-370-2804
hmerenstein@bgcwpa.org
Blue Bird Corporation
Julianne Barclay
267-934-5340
julianne@tsncommunications.com