By Rep. Kinkead

Summer break is right around the corner, and while school might pause for a few months, the opportunities for learning, discovery, and connection certainly don’t have to stop. As your state representative, I’m committed to making sure families in our community are connected to available resources to ensure they have a safe and fun summer. Thankfully, our region is home to a wide range of free and budget-friendly programs that kids — and adults — can enjoy. I encourage you to take full advantage and share these opportunities with anyone who might benefit.

Your local library: a hub for summer fun

Libraries in Allegheny County continue to be incredible community resources, offering free programming for all ages year-round. Whether your child is into crafts, storytelling, or gaming, there’s likely something exciting on the calendar at your local library. Teens and adults can also find engaging offerings — from knitting circles and tabletop game nights to practical classes on resume writing, gardening, and financial literacy.

To explore everything happening at your nearest library, visit the Allegheny County Library Association’s website, aclalibraries.org/ I am honored to be able to help support our libraries by securing state-level funding for them. Last fall, I was proud to help secure a $650,000 state grant for upgrades to Northland Public Library with my colleagues state Sen. Lindsey Williams and Rep. Arvind Venkat. Libraries are more than book lenders — they provide vital access to education, job search tools, and social services, especially for families with limited incomes. I remain committed to advocating for continued investment in these essential community spaces.

Free summer camps and enrichment opportunities

Summer camps offer children the chance to stay active, explore new interests, and build friendships. While some camps can be expensive, there are affordable — or even free — options throughout the Pittsburgh area.

As a citizen scientist board member of ALCOSAN, I’m thrilled to highlight their no-cost, educational summer programs for students within the service area. The Summer Science Camp gives students in grades four through eight a week of interactive science fun, including hands-on activities and field trips. High schoolers (grades nine through 12) can apply for the Clean Water Academy, a two-week intensive where students engage with STEM professionals and dive into real- world lab work in chemistry, biology, and engineering. Visit ALCOSAN’s website to learn more and register.

If you’re more interested in connecting with nature this summer, Pennsylvania State Parks offer thousands of educational programs every year focusing on the natural, cultural, and recreational resources our state stewards. Our parks offer programming on a wide variety of topics for — everything from paddle-boarding to stargazing. These are fantastic, often free, opportunities to try new skills, investigate nature, learn from experts, and experience Pennsylvania’s vast natural resources. I encourage you to explore the diverse program calendar for this summer on the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ website, events.dcnr.pa.gov/ For families seeking child care or additional summer programs, Allegheny County offers a helpful tool at Find.AlleghenyChild-Care.org, where you can explore a wide range of child care and camp options in your area.

Nutrition and heat safety resources

As many families are feeling the strain of increased grocery and utility costs, please know that support in our community is available.

If you or a loved one lose power during a heatwave, know that there are safe, air-conditioned spaces available to cool off. The City of Pittsburgh usually activates cooling centers at Healthy Active Living Centers throughout the city when temperatures rise above 90°F.

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, here are some organizations that can help:

• North Hills Community Outreach — (412) 487-6316 | help@nhco.org
• North Hills Food Bank — (412) 3667477 | nhfoodbank@verizon.net
• West View HUB — (412) 301-8381
• Northside Food Pantry — (412) 3231163
• Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank — (412) 460-3363

Additionally, seniors living in Allegheny County age 60 and up may be eligible to receive $25 in vouchers to spend on fresh produce at participating farmers’ markets through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Income guidelines must be met to qualify. Older adults living in a residential facility that provides meals are not eligible to receive vouchers.

Vouchers will be distributed at local senior centers on June 10 on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need someone to pick up vouchers on your behalf, proxy pickup is available — proxy forms are available online and at distribution sites. To get more information, you may contact your local senior center, text “farmer” to 987987, or call my office.

Let’s look out for one another this summer — share resources, check in on neighbors, and stay connected. And remember, if you ever need assistance with a state-related matter, don’t hesitate to reach out. My office in Bellevue is always here to help you however we can. Contact us at (412) 321-5523 or email Rep-Kinkead@pahouse.net