As you may know, HERL is conducting another campaign in support of the ELeVATE program. Since its inception, ELeVATE has proven to be an effective approach to easing the transition from active military to college student for our returning service men and women, and we’re looking to build on the success of previous cohorts.

We thank you for your dedication to our cause, and hope you’ll consider contributing to our current campaign through another generous donation or by spreading the word about the benefits of ELeVATE. 

The start of a new year always holds so much promise and we wish each of you the very best in 2019.

Please click here to make your 2019 gift!

A few words of thanks to our generous supporters from Dr. Rory A. Cooper:

"I wish to thank everyone who contributed to our successful campaign to support the ELeVATE program. Your support will make a positive difference in the lives of veterans – those that participate in ELeVATE and those that the ELeVATE participants affect through their success. ELeVATE has helped previous participants attend college, complete their degrees, and find gainful employment in such fields as computer science, bioengineering, and mental health and rehabilitation counseling. Nearly all of our previous ELeVATE participants are also developing leaders in their communities through such organizations as Mission Continues, American Legion, Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Student Veterans of America. You are helping them to make a difference, and to contribute to their communities and to America. Thank you for your generosity, friendship, and essential support of the ELeVATE program."

We’re entering the final days of our campaign and your support has been fantastic!  We’re over 80% of the way to our goal, and we could not have reached this milestone without your generous and inspiring support.

As we approach the finish line, we humbly ask that you share this campaign on your Facebook page, Twitter feed, or any other social media platforms, to help us increase awareness of this worthy and impactful program and ensure that we are able to reach our goal.

Thank you again for your generous support and your belief in the impact of ELeVATE!

Ed Roberts would have been 78 years old today. 

Who is Ed Roberts, you ask?  Ed lead a lifetime of activism aimed at creating opportunities - and increasing inclusiveness - for individuals with disabilities: http://time.com/4643095/google-doodle-ed-roberts/.  Dr. Rory Cooper, HERL Director, worked with Ed on numerous initiatives during Dr. Cooper’s time in California.

As we celebrate Ed's life and accomplishments, we are amazed by the advances made for individuals with disabilities, yet reminded that so much work remains.  Your support of ELeVATE helps HERL continue our mission to continuously improve the mobility and function of people with disabilities through advanced engineering in clinical research and medical rehabilitation.  

Thanks, Ed.

Andrew Drilak is another ELeVATE success story.  Andrew participated in ELeVATE while completing his undergraduate studies at Bethany College in West Virginia.  He is currently enrolled in the Health Information Systems (HIS) Master’s program at Pitt’s School of Rehabilitation Science (SHRS).  Andrew intends to enroll in SHRS’s PhD program upon completion of his Master’s Degree.

“My computer science and engineering background allowed me to be accepted into the ELeVATE program two summers ago.  Having the opportunity to use my programming skills during two professional internships at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) as a web application developer allowed me to gain interest in rehabilitation & healthcare technology, and health information management.  At HERL, you are always surrounded by intelligent scholars from academia, so you must be on top of your game.  The ELeVATE program helped me create a network at the University of Pittsburgh while I was still an undergraduate at Bethany in West Virginia.  The experience I gained from these internships has helped me become a better student and has motivated me to seek a PhD degree.”

Andrew Drilak (left), pictured with Congressman David B. McKinley (right)

We're quickly approaching the end of the calendar year, a time that can be both hectic and a time for reflection.  Many of us have been fortunate to spend time with family and friends to talk about the past and our hopes for the New Year.  For our veterans, their New Year can get off to a great start with your support of the ELeVATE program.  Your contributions to date have been tremendous, and we truly appreciate your support.  If you know of others who would be interested in supporting veterans, please feel free to pass along this message.

Wishing each of you the very best in 2017.

Thank you!

While our campaign is just a few days old, you've helped us make great strides towards reaching our goal of $15,000.  Your support allows veterans to realize the benefits associated with STEM programs and opens doors to future education and career opportunities. Our summer 2017 program offers exciting and challenging opportunities for veterans, and we are confident that their experience will be memorable.

We appreciate your contributions and we ask that you share information about ELeVATE with your family and friends. 

All of us at HERL wish each of you good health and happiness this holiday season!