PITTSBURGH -- Until this year, for many Pittsburgh Public School students, high school graduation meant the end of their education.

However this weekend, for the first time, almost 1000 kids could pledge to trade in their newly used cap and gowns for additional textbooks.

The class of 2008 is the inaugural group that benefited from Pittsburgh Promise scholarships. This past winter, the agency received a $100 million grant from a local hospital group. A portion of UPMC’s gift was expended, “in time to support opportunities for Pittsburgh Public Schools’ 2008 graduates. The remaining $90 million is a challenge grant designed to stimulate a community-wide campaign to raise a total of $250 million for future Pittsburgh Public Schools graduates,” a school district spokesperson said.

“As I get ready to attend the University of Pittsburgh next fall, I am thankful for the invaluable role The Pittsburgh Promise will play in my future education,” said Pittsburgh Brashear High School Graduate, Leah Silinski.

Silinski was not alone. Nearly half who received “Promise” assistance will attend four year public colleges right here in Pennsylvania. Plus another 350 Pittsburgh graduates will enter two year programs.