Awards and Accolades

Accolades don’t come easy. They come from hard work, dedication, a deep-driven desire to be the very best in each respective field, utilizing best practices to deliver stellar services to at-risk populations. Since its birth in 2003, Phase 4, its leadership, programs, and staff have earned multiple accolades by putting the students first and focusing on the relationships .  

• Recognized by then-Pennsylvania Governor, Ed Rendell for offering an outstanding alternative education program for at-risk individuals. Gov. Rendell commended PHASE 4 as “being a model from which all can learn.”
  
• Recognized and commended by then-Pennsylvania First Lady, Judge Marjorie O. Rendell for an outstanding civics and citizenship program.
  
• PHASE 4 Learning Center participated in then-Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett’s “Opening Doors” initiative that focused on Middle School Dropout Prevention.
  
• Then-Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett recognized PHASE 4 Learning Center for success in addressing the state’s dropout rate.
  
• Recognized by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf for “endless contributions to the Commonwealth.”
  

• Twice awarded full Middle States Accreditation. Middle States declared: “PHASE 4 is changing the regional landscape in education.” PHASE 4 is the only Private Provider in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to hold full Middle States Accreditation.
  
• Phase 4 Learning Center was named a Model Program by the National Dropout Prevention Center Network. 
  
• In 2016, in conjunction with the Three Rivers Computer Clubhouse, hosted the annual International Clubhouse Convention with representatives from over 20 nations in attendance.
  
• In 2017 The Three Rivers Computer Clubhouse was awarded the Kudos Award for C2C Pathways.
  
• In 2017, Phase 4 was awarded the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, the only one in Western Pennsylvania.
  
• In 2018, the Phase 4 Best Buy Teen Tech Center hosted the National Grammy Camp for youth aspiring to be musicians and music industry professionals.
  
• In 2018, Phase 4 partnered with Google for the Digital Skills Program
  
• In 2019, Phase 4 and the Best Buy Teen Tech Center partnered with Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Department for the SMART-ER Program
  
• In 2019 received the Presidential Award for Excellence in STEM Mentoring as part of the International Technology Clubhouse. 
  
• In 2020 Black History Month Campaign for Best Buy. Click here
  
• In 2020 Recognized as building a culture of mentorship. Click here
  
• In 2020 Recognized in local news. Click here
  
• In 2020 Recognized by Best Buy during the pandemic. Click here
  
• In 2020 Recognized by Best Buy for youth efforts in activism. Click here
  
• In 2020 Recognized by the Clubhouse Network for youth efforts in activism. Click here
  

Dr. Suica-Reed’s Personal Awards and Recognitions 

• Awarded the Congressional Order of Merit (2008); Congressional Business Advisory Council National Leadership Award (2007); Reagan Congressional Commission for Integrity and Commitment (2007); National Congressional Medal of Distinction (2008)
  
• Commended by President George W. Bush and the First Lady for her "commitment to at-risk youth throughout the Commonwealth and our nation"
  
• Served on Host and Welcome Committee for G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, PA (2009)
  
• Military
  
• Recipient of the United States Army Freedom Team Salute Award (2008, 2009) for “outstanding contributions to the United States Army… recognizing personal sacrifices in preserving the freedom and security of our Nation.”
  
• Guest participant of the Army War College, Carlisle PA 2011
  
• Army Community Advisory Board, Chair – HBG Battalion (2008 – current)
  
• Our Community Salutes of Pittsburgh (a joint military and community event to honor high school students enlisting in all branches of the military) , Chair (2010 – 2013, 2018)
  
• Named a Center of Influence (COI) for the Army 1st Brigade and the US Department of Defense
  
• Commended by US Army LTG Thomas Bostick, Army Corp of Engineers and USAREC Commander and BG Joseph Anderson, USAREC Deputy Commander for “commitment to provide our young men and women with an opportunity to receive their high school diplomas”
  
• Contributed to and a featured community partner in the U.S. Army’s Education White Paper (2009) “JOINING FORCES: Building Strategic Partnerships to Achieve a Common Goal”
  
• Other
  
• Named “National Administrator of the Year” by the Simon Youth Foundation (2007)
  
• Graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh XXIII (2007) 
  
• Featured professional in Pittsburgh Professional Magazine (April 2008) 
  
• Awarded the CBS KDKA 2014 Hometown Hero Award, Pittsburgh, PA for ”Leadership in education and community to stop the School to Prison Pipeline”
  
• Franciscan University Dr. John Carrigg Alumni Award 2009 for “…the University’s alum who has made the most significant contribution in addressing our country’s education crisis”
  
• Athena Leadership Award Finalist – Allegheny County 2009
  
• Athena Leadership Award Finalist – Washington County 2008
  
• Recognized as Pennsylvania Department of Education Teacher of the Year Nominee (2004-2006)
  
• Member of the National Organization of Professional Women (ongoing)
  
• Authored “Education and America's Homeless” and "A Metaphor" (published 1996)
  
• Pennsylvania Alternative Education Standards and Assessment Committee Member 
  
• Regional Representative for Pennsylvania Dept. of Education Alternative Education – wrote guidelines for current law
  
• Served on Carnegie Mellon University Program Evaluating Committee, which studied the impact of education programs on at risk populations
  
• Member of Pennsylvania State Cosmetology Board (2008 - 2010)
  
• Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society: President (1992-1994), Vice-president (1991 - 1992)
  
• 2022 Pittsburgh Technology Council Innovation in Education Award