Summer Youth Institute

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What We Do
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Mission Statement

The purpose of the Summer Youth Institute is to provide young people a Christian community where they can be challenged to move beyond their comfort zone in order to grow in faith, engage in academic theological study, explore ministry as a vocation, and learn about Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. The Institute fosters intelligent, theologically informed leadership, provides skill training, encourages faith formation, and launches young people into service in the church and the world.

The Institute

For two weeks in July, 26 scholars gather on the Seminary campus with faculty, seminarians and SYI alums.

A Day in the Life of SYI is filled with worship, study, recreation, and reflection. Spread intermittently throughout its two weeks, SYI offers scholars the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a pastor, participate in a mission project, worship in various churches around Pittsburgh, enjoy a little "downtime" at Kennywood Amusement Park and take in a Pittsburgh Pirates ballgame at PNC Park.

Follow Up

Reunion - Two-and-a-half years after SYI, alums are invited back to the PTS campus for four days to catch up with the community (scholars, faculty and staff.) During the reunion alums have another opportunity to think critically about faith through classes with faculty, worship, touring the city and late night conversations with each other.

Visitation - Throughout the year the Director travels around the country visiting SYI alums to catch up as well as provide encouragement for them as they pursue their studies and discern God's call for their lives.

Internship - A year-and-a-half after finishing the 2-week program, SYI alums are eligible to apply for internships. The interns are responsible for recreational activities and assisting counselors in the facilitation of small groups. As part of their experience, interns also meet as a group for personal enrichment and theological reflection, with the aid of the Director. Returning to the seminary in this capacity provides an opportunity for these college students to engage with our faculty and seminarians and continue to explore vocation.