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Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education Creating equitable pathways to success

Pictured are students from Pittsburgh Hardball Academy and Pittsburgh Obama 6-12's wrestling team at a Cooper Gibson workshop. Submitted photo.

The Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education at Point Park University seeks to create equity and opportunities in education and employment for youth and families from communities of color. Focusing on skills necessary for college and career readiness, the center will serve as a convener of resources, providing workshops, college mentors and opportunities to meet with community and business leaders, as well as college faculty.

Our Goals

The center is committed to investment in youth and improving social capital in Pittsburgh communities by adhering to three program goals:

  • Prepare students to be college- and/or career-ready
  • Expose students to college and career resources
  • Create learning, leadership and life-skill opportunities 

About the Center

  • Located within the Rowland School of Business on Point Park's Downtown Pittsburgh campus
  • Established with a gift of $150,000 from Chuck Hammel, CEO of Pitt Ohio, and $50,000 from First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B Corporation. 
  • Named after two professional sports Hall of Famers: 
    • Chuck Cooper made sports history by being the first African American drafted by the NBA. His achievements on the basketball court at Duquesne University and at the Boston Celtics, as well as his professional career – being the first African American appointed to direct a department in the City of Pittsburgh – make him an inspiring role model for students both on and off the field.
    • Josh Gibson played baseball in the Negro League for Pittsburgh’s Homestead Grays as a marquee player. His batting average and home run hits earned him nine spots on the All Star team. In 1972, he was the second Negro League player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Gibson earned his spot in sports history during segregation for black players; his story speaks to discipline and hard work in the face of adversity.
      • On May 29, 2024, Major League Baseball (MLB) announced that the stats and records of players from the Negro League will officially be included in the all-time record book of the MLB. Pittsburgh’s own Josh Gibson is now the MLB all-time career leader in batting average, overtaking Ty Cobb, and he surpasses Babe Ruth in career hitting percentage. Sean Gibson, great-grandson of Josh Gibson and co-founder of the Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education, reflected on the historic moment in stories published by USA TODAY Sports, CNN and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
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Pictured are Cooper Gibson 2024 scholarship recipients with Point Park faculty, Chuck Cooper III and Sean Gibson.
Pictured are Cooper Gibson 2024 scholarship recipients with Point Park faculty, Chuck Cooper III and Sean Gibson.
Professor Robert Derda speaks to students from Pittsburgh Hardball Academy and Pittsburgh Obama 6-12's wrestling team in Point Park's Center for Media Innovation. Submitted photo.
Chuck Berry, faculty member in Point Park's Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business program, spoke to students about Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) at a Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education event. Submitted photo.
Sean Gibson educated students about NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) during a workshop in the Michael P. Pitterich Sales & Innovation Center. Photo by Natalie Caine '25.
The Chuck Cooper and Josh Giben Center for Equity and Education recently hosted students from Pittsburgh Hardball Academy and Pittsburgh Obama 6-12's wrestling team on Point Park's campus. The students attended workshops on financial literacy, provided by Jacob McClelland of First National Bank, and Name, Imagine & Likeness (NIL), provided by Chuck Berry, a faculty member in Point Park's Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business program.
Steve Tanzilli, J.D., dean of the Rowland School of Business, received the Trailblazer Award from the Chuck Cooper Foundation for his work establishing the Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education at Point Park University. Pictured from left at the award ceremony are Robert Derda, associate professor and foundation board chair, Tanzilli and Qiana Peoples, assistant to the dean.
Chuck Cooper III and Sean Gibson presented Obama Academy senior Samaree Perkins with a scholarship for $2,500 for her achievements in the Cooper Gibson program.
Pictured from left to right are Melvin Hubbard El, community advisor with the Office of the Mayor; Stephen Tanzilli, dean of the Rowland School of Business; Samaree Perkins, Obama Academy senior and scholarship recipient; and Sean Gibson and Chuck Cooper III, co-founders of the Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education.
The Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education presented its first Student Achievement Award on June 9, 2022 at Perry Traditional Academy. Onya Goodwin, a sophomore, received an MacBook Pro Air laptop for her outstanding achievements in Cooper Gibson programs. Pictured are Dean Stephen Tanzilli, Onya Goodwin and Sean Gibson, president of Josh Gibson Enterprise and the executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation.
Pictured are students, faculty and staff at the Cooper Gibson Personal Finance Planning event, held on April 12, 2022 at Sarah Heinz House. Point Park staff member Brittney Arnett and JoAnn Kubit from FNB Bank presented.
A student and Chuck Cooper III listen to Professor Robert Derda at the Cooper Gibson's Personal Branding and Networking Workshop, held April 23, 2022 at the Michael P. Pitterich Sales & Innovation Center at Point Park.
Professor Robert Derda gave a presentation at the Cooper Gibson's Personal Branding and Networking Workshop, held April 23, 2022 at the Michael P. Pitterich Sales & Innovation Center at Point Park.
The Cooper Gibson Center team gave a presentation to high school students from the Pittsburgh Public Schools African American Centers for Advanced Studies (AACAS) on Dec. 16, 2021. AACAS is a committee of African American scholars from across the nine high schools in the Pittsburgh Public Schools district. Chuck Cooper III, Sean Gibson, Robert Derda and Stephen Tanzilli represented the Cooper Gibson Center.
Pictured are admissions counselor Kathryn Mulvey, Chuck Cooper III and high school students during a Cooper Gibson workshop, The College Admissions Process.
Pictured are Rowland School of Business Dean Stephen Tanzilli, Chuck Cooper III and high school students during a Cooper Gibson workshop at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
Rowland School of Business Dean Stephen Tanzilli, J.D., Chuck Cooper III and Sean Gibson pose for a photo with students at the Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education orientation.
Students enjoyed success-focused workshops during the Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education orientation.
Former Pittsburgh Steeler and two-time Super Bowl champion Willie Parker was a special guest at the Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education orientation. He presented a "Keys to Success" speech and signed autographs.
Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education Events — 18 images
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Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education Events — 18 images Pictured are Cooper Gibson 2024 scholarship recipients with Point Park faculty, Chuck Cooper III and Sean Gibson.
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Pictured are Cooper Gibson 2024 scholarship recipients with Point Park faculty, Chuck Cooper III and Sean Gibson.
Pictured are Cooper Gibson 2024 scholarship recipients with Point Park faculty, Chuck Cooper III and Sean Gibson.
Professor Robert Derda speaks to students at a recent Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education event. Submitted photo.
Professor Robert Derda speaks to students from Pittsburgh Hardball Academy and Pittsburgh Obama 6-12's wrestling team in Point Park's Center for Media Innovation. Submitted photo.
Pictured is Chuck Berry, faculty in Point Park's Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business program, speaking to students about Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) at a Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education event. Submitted photo.
Chuck Berry, faculty member in Point Park's Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business program, spoke to students about Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) at a Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education event. Submitted photo.
Pictured is Sean Gibson speaking at a Name, Image, Likeness workshop in the Michael P. Pitterich Sales & Innovation Center.
Sean Gibson educated students about NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) during a workshop in the Michael P. Pitterich Sales & Innovation Center. Photo by Natalie Caine '25.
Pictured are students from Pittsburgh Hardball Academy and Pittsburgh Obama 6-12's wrestling team at a Cooper Gibson workshop. Submitted photo.
The Chuck Cooper and Josh Giben Center for Equity and Education recently hosted students from Pittsburgh Hardball Academy and Pittsburgh Obama 6-12's wrestling team on Point Park's campus. The students attended workshops on financial literacy, provided by Jacob McClelland of First National Bank, and Name, Imagine & Likeness (NIL), provided by Chuck Berry, a faculty member in Point Park's Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business program.
Pictured from left are Rowland School of Business staff and faculty Robert Derda, Steve Tanzilli and Qiana Peoples. Submitted photo.
Steve Tanzilli, J.D., dean of the Rowland School of Business, received the Trailblazer Award from the Chuck Cooper Foundation for his work establishing the Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education at Point Park University. Pictured from left at the award ceremony are Robert Derda, associate professor and foundation board chair, Tanzilli and Qiana Peoples, assistant to the dean.
Pictured from left to right are Chuck Cooper III, student Samaree Perkins and Sean Gibson. Submitted photo.
Chuck Cooper III and Sean Gibson presented Obama Academy senior Samaree Perkins with a scholarship for $2,500 for her achievements in the Cooper Gibson program.
Pictured from left to right are Melvin Hubbard El, community advisor with the Office of the Mayor; Stephen Tanzilli, dean of the Rowland School of Business; Samaree Perkins, Obama Academy senior and scholarship recipient; and Sean Gibson and Chuck Cooper III, co-founders of the Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education.
Pictured from left to right are Melvin Hubbard El, community advisor with the Office of the Mayor; Stephen Tanzilli, dean of the Rowland School of Business; Samaree Perkins, Obama Academy senior and scholarship recipient; and Sean Gibson and Chuck Cooper III, co-founders of the Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education.
The Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education presented its first Student Achievement Award on June 9, 2022 at Perry Traditional Academy. Onya Goodwin, a sophomore, received an MacBook Pro Air laptop for her outstanding achievements in Cooper Gibson programs. Pictured are Dean Stephen Tanzilli, Onya Goodwin and Sean Gibson, president of Josh Gibson Enterprise and the executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation.
The Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education presented its first Student Achievement Award on June 9, 2022 at Perry Traditional Academy. Onya Goodwin, a sophomore, received an MacBook Pro Air laptop for her outstanding achievements in Cooper Gibson programs. Pictured are Dean Stephen Tanzilli, Onya Goodwin and Sean Gibson, president of Josh Gibson Enterprise and the executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation.
Pictured are students, faculty and staff at the Cooper Gibson Personal Finance Planning event, held on April 12, 2022 at Sarah Heinz House. Point Park staff member Brittney Arnett and JoAnn Kubit from FNB Bank presented.
Pictured are students, faculty and staff at the Cooper Gibson Personal Finance Planning event, held on April 12, 2022 at Sarah Heinz House. Point Park staff member Brittney Arnett and JoAnn Kubit from FNB Bank presented.
A student and Chuck Cooper III listen to Professor Robert Derda at the Cooper Gibson's Personal Branding and Networking Workshop, held April 23, 2022 at the Michael P. Pitterich Sales & Innovation Center at Point Park.
A student and Chuck Cooper III listen to Professor Robert Derda at the Cooper Gibson's Personal Branding and Networking Workshop, held April 23, 2022 at the Michael P. Pitterich Sales & Innovation Center at Point Park.
Professor Robert Derda gave a presentation at the Cooper Gibson's Personal Branding and Networking Workshop, held April 23, 2022 at the Michael P. Pitterich Sales & Innovation Center at Point Park.
Professor Robert Derda gave a presentation at the Cooper Gibson's Personal Branding and Networking Workshop, held April 23, 2022 at the Michael P. Pitterich Sales & Innovation Center at Point Park.
The Cooper Gibson Center team gave a presentation to high school students from the Pittsburgh Public Schools African American Centers for Advanced Studies (AACAS) on Dec. 16, 2021. AACAS is a committee of African American scholars from across the nine high schools in the Pittsburgh Public Schools district. Chuck Cooper III, Sean Gibson, Robert Derda and Stephen Tanzilli represented the Cooper Gibson Center.
The Cooper Gibson Center team gave a presentation to high school students from the Pittsburgh Public Schools African American Centers for Advanced Studies (AACAS) on Dec. 16, 2021. AACAS is a committee of African American scholars from across the nine high schools in the Pittsburgh Public Schools district. Chuck Cooper III, Sean Gibson, Robert Derda and Stephen Tanzilli represented the Cooper Gibson Center.
Pictured are admissions counselor Kathryn Mulvey, Chuck Cooper III and high school students during a Cooper Gibson workshop, The College Admissions Process.
Pictured are admissions counselor Kathryn Mulvey, Chuck Cooper III and high school students during a Cooper Gibson workshop, The College Admissions Process.
Pictured are Rowland School of Business Dean Stephen Tanzilli, Chuck Cooper III and high school students during a Cooper Gibson workshop at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
Pictured are Rowland School of Business Dean Stephen Tanzilli, Chuck Cooper III and high school students during a Cooper Gibson workshop at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
Students and Cooper Gibson staff pose for a photo during orientation. Submitted photo.
Rowland School of Business Dean Stephen Tanzilli, J.D., Chuck Cooper III and Sean Gibson pose for a photo with students at the Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education orientation.
Students pose for a photo at the Cooper Gibson orientation event. Submitted photo.
Students enjoyed success-focused workshops during the Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education orientation.
Former Pittsburgh Steeler Willie Parker signs autographs for students at the Cooper Gibson orientation event. Submitted photo.
Former Pittsburgh Steeler and two-time Super Bowl champion Willie Parker was a special guest at the Chuck Cooper and Josh Gibson Center for Equity and Education orientation. He presented a "Keys to Success" speech and signed autographs.


Upcoming Events

View our Spring 2025 events. 

For more information, please email us at CooperGibsonCenter@pointpark.edu.

Program Topics

Our events are open to high school students and span a broad range of topics relevant to student success. Our guest speakers provide students with actionable advice that students can carry forward throughout their education and careers. Past events have included:

  • Personal Finance
  • Personal Branding
  • Financial Aid
  • Sports Leadership
  • Name, Image, Likeness (NIL)
  • College-Readiness
  • Career-Readiness 


Learn about our 2022 Top SCORE Students in the video below:

 

College and Career-Readiness Resources

In the News

Contact Us

The Cooper Gibson team is available to visit local school districts to discuss its programs. To schedule a visit, email CooperGibsonCenter@pointpark.edu.

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