The Henry Clay Frick Training School for Teachers was unique not only in Pittsburgh, but in the entire United States. Originally named The Pittsburgh Teachers Training School, it trained teachers to serve the children of Pittsburgh. The school was part of the Pittsburgh Public School System from 1912 until 1941.
The Alumnae Association of the Frick Training School was founded in 1919. Originally an informal group, it later became organized with elected officers and a set of by-laws. Through the Alumnae Association, graduates of the Frick School gave back in full measure the cost of their own education through their service and devotion to the children of Pittsburgh.
In 1991, the Alumnae Association of the Frick Teacher Training School established an educational fund to encourage students to enter the teaching profession in the Pittsburgh region. In order to ensure that this purpose continues in perpetuity, the Alumnae Association entrusted their fund to the Henry C. Frick Educational Commission for management and disbursement. The purposes of the fund were to:
- Help achieving students enter the teaching profession.
- Assist students begin or continue their schooling in
- the field of education.
- Promote teaching as an important profession.
- Enhance the skills of teachers.
The Frick Commission Board of Trustees gratefully accepted this gift and agreed to carry on the mission of the Association.
The Henry C. Frick Training School Alumnae Fund is now under the direction of the Buhl Foundation within the Henry C. Frick Education Fund of the Foundation.
The Frick Teacher Alumnae Fund began its association with the Buhl Foundation with $11,974 in 1994. In 2005, the value of the fund is approximately $200,000. Due to market appreciation and the generosity of loyal Frick Teacher Alumnae, awards will increase as the fund grows.
The Frick Alumnae Association always hoped that the fund would be enhanced by further donations. Accordingly, the Buhl Foundation will be most grateful for any further contributions to enhance this most worthy cause. Any grants made will perpetuate the memory of this exceptional Training School by already clearly acknowledging the source.
The Buhl Foundation has regarded it an honor to have been entrusted with this legacy. It will be managed in perpetuity for the purpose dear to the Frick alumnae, namely the enrichment of the teaching profession in the Pittsburgh region.