Najee Harris Speaks to Pittsburgh Promise High School Graduates

The Pittsburgh Promise held a drive-in event to celebrate its graduates Saturday, and new Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris stopped by to share words of encouragement as they prepare to continue their education.

“This is the Steel City, so I know you guys have it in your blood to achieve,” Harris said.

The organization also received a pair of $1 million grants on Saturday from Howmet Aerospace Foundation, a local manufacturing company, and Gateway Health Plan, a Pittsburgh-based health insurance agency.

While the 2021 school year was another like no other, Saturday’s event was an opportunity to celebrate those graduates who have navigated endless challenges and obstacles throughout COVID-19.

“You’ve shown resilience, focus, commitment and unrelenting drive to become graduates,” Pittsburgh Public Schools superintendent Anthony Hamlet told students via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Pittsburgh Promise grants students scholarships up to $5,000 a year for four years. Founded in 2008, the organization has granted over $150 million in scholarships to upwards of 10,000 students.