Point Park University to Be Official Sponsor of 2027 Scripps National Spelling Bee Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Speller 29, Shrey Parikh of San Bernardino, Calif., representing Day Creek Intermediate School, wins the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., on May 28, 2026. Photo: Hannah Foslien/Scripps National Spelling Bee.
“As educators, we value the importance of giving local students an opportunity to be recognized for their achievements and develop their skills and confidence as they enter high school and college. We’re delighted to be able to welcome these young students and their families to our campus and celebrate their extraordinary achievements.”
The wildly popular Scripps National Spelling Bee, watched most recently by over nine million people, is coming to Point Park University in March 2027. The university is set to be the inaugural partner for the Annual Western Pennsylvania Spelling Bee, assuming sponsorship duties from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which supported the event for 76 years.
Point Park University's Pittsburgh Playhouse
“We’re thrilled to step in and sponsor this uniquely American and inspiringly inclusive Scripps National Spelling Bee regional competition,” said Keith Paylo, vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students.
The Annual Western PA Spelling Bee will be held at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse on March 7, 2027.
Bee Coordinator Dean Jolin, director of the university's Professional Career-Readiness Center, emphasized the importance of this opportunity.
“Taking up the Spelling Bee mantle sponsorship from the venerable Pittsburgh Post-Gazette makes this an even prouder moment for the university,” said Jolin.
Schools throughout the Western Pennsylvania region are now eligible to enroll in the 2026-27 program through Jan. 23, 2027. Educators can visit SpellingBee.com/enroll to learn more and enroll their schools. A discounted enrollment fee of $199 is available before Nov. 30, 2026. After Nov. 30, the enrollment fee is $250.
Following the regional event, the champion/champions will head to the national competition in Washington, D.C., to compete in the Scripps Cup.
Each year, the Bee reaches millions of students across the country with the classroom materials it provides schools enrolled in the yearlong program. Participation in regional bees also provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in public speaking, develop confidence and inspire a love of learning and connection with their peers.
The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion was Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., who won the coveted title by correctly spelling 32 out of 35 words in 90 seconds, setting a new Spell-off record.
“As educators, we value the importance of giving local students an opportunity to be recognized for their achievements and develop their skills and confidence as they enter high school and college,” said Bee Coordinator Vincent Rugani, director of Pre-College Programs and Summer Camps at Point Park. “We’re delighted to be able to welcome these young students and their families to our campus and celebrate their extraordinary achievements.”
The 2027 Annual Western PA Spelling Bee will coincide with the university’s production of the Tony Award- winning musical "The 25th Annual Putnam-County Spelling Bee," March 3-7 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
Point Park welcomes community partnerships and support for schools wishing to enter students. To find out more, email SpellingBee@pointpark.edu.