The Pittsburgh Pirates in partnership with EMBRACE Pittsburgh, launched “Unpack U,” an innovative, inclusive program to help universities address the extraordinary transitions facing today’s college students as they head back to school in the next few weeks.

Representatives from nine universities and colleges from the greater Pittsburgh region, including presidents, faculty and student leaders, visited PNC Park on Thursday, August 13, to receive their portion of 20,000 “Steel Safe” kits for students to assist in keeping them mentally and physically safe as they return to campus.

The “Steel Safe” kits include hand sanitizer, a face mask and a resource guide to help students start the conversation and unpack their feelings about school and normal student life during the pandemic. The resource guide provides students with helpful tips for their mental well-being provided by JED Campus, a leading national authority that supports the well-being of college students.

Representatives from each university and college were met separately throughout the afternoon on the field by Pirates president Travis Williams and his wife Nikki, Pirates players wives, Gabriella Citrone from the Citrone 33 Foundation and others. Following the event, the welcome kits were then delivered to each university by Unpack U volunteers.

“We are extremely proud to partner with the Citrone family and EMBRACE Pittsburgh on the launch of the Unpack U program,” Williams said. “This is such an important initiative in a time of uncertainty for our students and we are honored to be involved in helping to provide some comfort and resources to keep them safe.”

The following colleges and universities were represented at today’s event: Carlow University, Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham University, Community College of Allegheny County, Duquesne University, Point Park University, Robert Morris University, St. Vincent College and the University of Pittsburgh.

Unpack U is a Pittsburgh-centric platform funded by the Citrone 33 Foundation that addresses the unique transitions today’s college students are facing as they return to campus. By equipping them with a wide range of local resources, essential tools and real-time experiences, Unpack U seeks to amplify student voices while empowering self-discovery, embracing students and ultimately engaging in a larger movement to focus on their mental health.

EMBRACE Pittsburgh, the creator of Unpack U, is a powerful movement established by the Citrone 33 Foundation to identify, develop and support methods for delivering mental wellness skills to every member of the community.