Kim Piatt Receives Mark Gelfand Award for Educational Outreach
By Stefanie Johndrow Email Stefanie Johndrow
A tireless advocate for student success, Kim Piatt has transformed the landscape of experiential learning at Carnegie Mellon University’s Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She leads the Pittsburgh Summer Internship Program (PSIP), a flagship initiative that places students in hands-on internships with nonprofits, startups and community organizations across Pittsburgh. Under her guidance, the program has grown from 24 students in 2018 to 61 in 2024, impacting more than 110 local organizations and empowering over 360 students.
But Piatt’s impact goes beyond placement logistics. She designs reflective programming that encourages students to explore their own growth while deepening their understanding of Pittsburgh’s social and economic challenges. Nearly all participants report increased self-awareness, and over 70 percent leave with a stronger grasp of local issues. One student shared, “This summer, I learned how inclusive community engagement strengthens nonprofits. That insight is shaping my future.”
Piatt also developed and leads the Dietrich Community Engagement Fellowship (DCEF), a rigorous program that guides students through coursework on justice and community partnership. In addition to directing and teaching, she mentors students individually, ensuring their projects are responsive, sustainable, and grounded in respect for the communities they serve.
Piatt’s leadership extends beyond individual programs. In 2023, she spearheaded a policy requiring all Dietrich College students to complete a reflective experiential learning component — ensuring every student connects their academic work to the real world. She also represents Dietrich in university-wide civic engagement networks, helping embed civic responsibility across campus.
Known for her humor, warmth and deep sense of purpose, Piatt empowers students to see themselves as change-makers. As one fellow described, “Kim doesn’t just teach community engagement — she lives it.”
Through her vision and dedication, Piatt has not only shaped programs but transformed lives — making Carnegie Mellon, and the Pittsburgh community, more connected, inclusive and inspired.