Tull family foundation pledges more than $2 million to support athletics in nine Allegheny County school districts

Thomas Tull’s family foundation pledged more than $2,000,000 in a pilot program called “Team Up” to support athletic departments in nine Allegheny County school districts, officials and donors announced at a public event attended by current and former professional athletes.

County Executive Sarah thanked Tull and framed the grants as a step toward equity for students across the county, saying the gifts will help districts that have suffered long-term disinvestment and that athletics support attendance, academic outcomes and student wellness. "This is what happens when community comes together and invests in our kids," she said.

"For me, sports was a lifeline," Tull said, describing how athletics gave him structure and community during difficult personal times and praising coaches and teachers as "the backbone." The emcee and speakers listed the nine named districts that will receive funds: Brentwood, Clarington City, East Allegheny, McKeesport, Penn Hills, Pittsburgh Public, Stow Rock, West Mifflin and Woodland Hills.

Former NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis both spoke about how playing sports opened doors to college and career opportunities. "If it wasn't for sports, I wouldn't be here," Roethlisberger said. Bettis said community and organizational support for school sports created opportunities that helped his own path.

Sonya Coleman, superintendent of the Stow Rock School District, thanked the foundation for reaching smaller borough schools and urged student athletes to "remember to give back." Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Wayne Walters said the investment will expand opportunities for students and responded to a mayor-elect's lighthearted request about a school day by saying he would consider giving the Monday after Thanksgiving as a day off.

Event organizers said the pilot will allocate funds based on district student enrollment; officials did not provide a public timetable or district-by-district dollar breakdown at the announcement. Organizers described the program as an initial investment intended to spur further contributions from public and private partners.

The event closed with introductions of several athletes and district administrators who will benefit from the grants. Distribution details, implementation timeline and reporting metrics were not specified at the event.