Cyber School Alums BecomeInfluential Changemakers

Community advocacy, public service, and leadership represent these graduates’ values.

For a quarter of a century, PA Cyber alums have been making an impact in Pennsylvania and beyond. Graduates from every county in the commonwealth have chosen this cyber school as a foundation for their lifelong plans. We’ve had students like pop star Sabrina Carpenter,

“Dance Moms” alum Nia Sioux, and country singer Gabby Barrett. As the most experienced public cyber charter school in Pennsylvania, PA Cyber continues to provide a new school experience to students looking for a better educational fit.

As the school enters its 25th year of teaching, we wanted to look back at how PA Cyber began—as a school of necessity. Decades ago, the steel industry in the small town of Midland shrank, and the high school closed, leaving nearly 200 students without a school. A neighboring high school agreed to take these students for several years until the deal ended. Then, a high school across the border in Ohio accepted the students, drawing Pennsylvania tax funds out of state. In 1998, the Midland School Board and a handful of volunteers received a state grant to use the new charter school law to address the community’s educational crisis. The Western Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School was born in the fall of 2000 and began enrolling K-12 students. “Western” was later dropped from the school’s name. Today, the school has more than 11,000 students, nearly 800 employees, and 10 office locations. Here’s how some of our alums are making a difference in Pennsylvania.

Uplifting County Amid Population Decline

Christina Bingman, Class of 2011

Christina dedicates herself to building a brighter future for her family of five and her rural community. As a volunteer, she strives to prevent population decline throughout Warren County in northwestern Pennsylvania. She advocates for improved transportation and more accessible cellular and internet services. She collaborates with local businesses and organizations because “bringing people together is the first step to getting things done.”

Earlier this year, Christina wrote a heartfelt letter to her local newspaper after her school district voted to close two of its high schools. She encouraged parents to consider all education options for their children. Because of the school district’s decision, “there is a lot of despair and fear in the hearts of children,” she said. “I was once a child like that.”

Growing up, Christina changed schools often and experienced social anxiety. Her life took a positive turn when she enrolled at PA Cyber, which she credits with “completely changing” her. She was relieved to graduate on time. “PA Cyber set me up with a good foundation of believing in myself,” she said.

Christina is on track to complete her bachelor’s degree in environmental science this fall. She plans to become an environmental technician in the oil and gas industry to protect the health and safety of folks in her county. She has a message for anyone who sees their communities struggling: “Never underestimate the power of your presence.” Aspiring to

Create Policy Change

Zayn Farooq, Class of 2022

An incoming senior at Robert Morris University (RMU), Zayn is studying political science and history. After earning his degree, he plans to attend law school and make an impact by working in public interest law. “I recognize the deep structural issues we face in housing, civil rights, and educational law and policy,” he said. “My goal is to empower people to utilize the resources and rights available. I am passionate about creating policy change in these areas.”

Zayn recently completed an internship with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, where he researched nationwide policy and legislation related to services for people at risk of experiencing homelessness. One of the most meaningful experiences of his college career so far was having his article on disparities in public education funding published in an academic journal.

Zayn was always a top-notch student. He enrolled in PA Cyber in sixth grade because “there weren’t any other viable middle school options in my area,” he said, “and PA Cyber offered a quality education from the comfort of my home.” He tried it for a year and loved it. He did so well that he earned a full scholarship to RMU.

He learned how to work independently and manage his time, a skill that ensured his transition from high school to college was “relatively smooth.” He said he was able to “excel in a new environment almost immediately.”

Building a Legacy of Community Service

Sarah Seader, Class of 2021

Sarah has always prioritized service to others, from her time at PA Cyber through college and now at work. At PNC Bank, she is a risk management analyst and the community outreach and volunteer chair. She supports PNC’s initiatives with the American Heart Association, United Way, and employee-led groups that foster an inclusive workplace.

While at PA Cyber, Sarah belonged to DECA, an entrepreneurial club she credits for instilling in her leadership, community service, and business acumen. She has earned top DECA awards in high school and at the collegiate level.

Sarah was a highly successful student at PA Cyber, and she only gained more steam in college. She earned two degrees in three years from PennWest California (CalU): one in management and the other in management information systems. Some of her extracurriculars included becoming a governor-appointed student trustee, student association president, and editor-in-chief of the CalTimes. She was chosen as homecoming queen and commencement speaker.

Sarah has returned to PA Cyber’s South Side office for the past four summers to donate school supplies. “I hope that I can give back to others the way people at PA Cyber have impacted my journey,” she said. She and her three siblings awarded three high school seniors their newly established Seader Leadership Scholarship.