Pitt's Public Impact

Pitt is an economic anchor for Pennsylvania

The University of Pittsburgh contributes to the well-being of Pennsylvania and communities beyond.

One of the ways the University does this is by being an economic anchor, leveraging our ability to buy, build and hire locally to strengthen the Commonwealth’s economy and expand opportunity for residents.

To share an Impact Activity, have a story told, or ask a question about Public Impact, contact Pitt External Relations at PublicImpact@pitt.edu

By the numbers
$6.6B
Pitt’s annual economic impact in Pennsylvania
48,978
jobs supported and sustained in FY 2023 by Pitt across the Commonwealth
1,730
small and family-owned businesses supported in 2024-25
More economic anchor work
celiwe jones speaks to a jobseeker
How Pitt is developing — and hiring — workers close to home

Meet career counselor Celiwe Jones, who helps connect residents across Pittsburgh to roles at the University.

drone image of pittsburgh with a river and bridge
Pitt contributed $6.6 billion to Pennsylvania

“Pitt’s economic footprint reflects our commitment to innovation, job creation and community partnership,” Senior Vice Chancellor for External Relations Kevin Washo said. “We’re proud to play such a vital role in the prosperity of our region and beyond.”

a woman shakes a man's hand at a doing business with pitt event
Pitt is preparing local small businesses for large institutional partnerships

Like a small city, Pitt must purchase everything from scientific supplies and furniture to IT and design services, printing and more to advance its mission.

New state funding for the Education and Training Center at Pitt-Titusville will support machining and CNC training

The $199,000 grant will help the center offer pre-apprenticeship programs to residents of the region.

2 grants will advance Pitt life sciences and cyber training opportunities

The awards from the Richard King Mellon foundation aim to meet growing industry workforce needs in emerging areas.

Center for Medical Innovation advances the translation of innovative biomedical technologies toward commercial realization

The CMI fosters collaborations among engineers, clinicians, students, industry and others.

Center for Sustainable Business partners to innovate and implement resilience strategies

The Center's efforts aim to overcome societal, technological, environmental, and economic disruptions.

Nearly half of new moms in STEM leave their full-time positions. This Pitt program wants to change that.

Mothers Leading Science is helping health sciences faculty find a supportive community, strategies for work-life integration and renewed passion for their research.

Nonprofits scale up regional impact with support from Pitt

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Program is an initiative focused on improving economic stability in the region.

Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship celebrates record-breaking year for innovators

“Our Fiscal Year 2025 results are a testament to the unwavering spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that thrives at the University of Pittsburgh and throughout our vibrant region,” said Evan Facher, vice chancellor for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Ready to work together? Start with these collaborators

Buy, Build, Hire LOCAL
Small Business Development Center
Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Office of Industry and Economic Partnerships
Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence