Discover the Carlow social work difference

We are preparing ethical, competent professionals seeking a more just and merciful world. We are preparing leaders committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals, their families, their communities, and societies here and abroad. At Carlow, we care about teaching. We are devoted to our students and their futures as social workers. You will never be a number here.  Your faculty members are experienced social workers who know your name. You will receive hands-on experience in class and in professionally supervised internships. You will be prepared to be a culturally humble social worker, ready to work with diverse populations and seek social justice.

Carlow’s social work programs provide high quality, flexible pathways to a promising career in the growing field of social work. Our BSW program offers on-campus and online options to pursue the BSW, with multiple concentrations in health care social work, forensic social work, crisis and trauma, and restorative justice. Our trauma informed MSW program offers an online program option as well as an in-person/hybrid option enabling students to take a select number of courses in a traditional classroom on Carlow’s main campus while the others are taken online. The MSW Program offers three specializations: direct practice, macro practice, and school social work.

Interdisciplinary BSW concentrations in health care social work, forensic social work, crisis and trauma, and restorative justice.

Carlow Community Scholars program focused on supporting college success among former foster youths and/or homeless youths

Interdisciplinary BSW concentration in health care linked to placement opportunities at UPMC hospitals

Federally funded School-based Mental Health Training Program which provides paid placements for MSW students in the School Social Work track and offers a pathway for those with an MSW to obtain their School Social Work certification

Federally funded interdisciplinary CURE grant providing financial stipends for MSW student field placements in behavioral health in urban and rural underserved areas

Faculty & staff

Our social work programs are supported by experienced social work educators and staff members who are devoted to our students and their futures. They are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment and flexible pathways for student success.

Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW, LPC BSW Program Director, Associate Professor

Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Jessica Friedrichs, MSW, MPA Assistant Professor, Social Work and Director, BSW Field Education

Cynthia Karaffa Adjunct Lecturer, Political Science

Sarah Laite Project Coordinator, CURE

Danielle Lowery Administrative Assistant II

Jovonne Rose-Robinson Family Engagement Specialist

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Sophie Rice CURE Project Coordinator

Ashley Soske, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Pamela C. Twiss, PhD, MSW Chairperson and Associate Professor

Accreditation

The programs in the department of social work are accredited nationally by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE. Successful graduates are eligible to sit for the appropriate social work licenses at the baccalaureate and master’s levels. The state of Pennsylvania has a title protection law. Only social workers with CSWE accredited degrees can carry the job title of “social worker.”

View our student teaching handbook
View our education department handbook

Department Points of Pride

Start Our faculty members demonstrate their social work values in the classroom and in the world outside the University. Carlow social work faculty are actively engaged in diverse university coalitions and efforts to address community problems. Their work is focused on aging, Appalachian community development, childhood trauma, diversity, environmental issues, equity and inclusion, ethics in health care, prison re-entry, SUD recovery to workforce initiatives, veterans and military social welfare, and more.

They are also actively pursuing scholarly work in their areas of expertise, presenting at national conferences and publishing peer-reviewed work. They have collaborated with others to bring in grants worth over 7 million dollars in recent years.

Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Business Programs

In honoring the Mercy tradition of Carlow University, the Department of Business Management, Accounting, and Ethics empowers students to be competent, critical, and responsive stewards of disciplinary degree knowledge. We provide students with the knowledge to make meaningful, ethical contributions to their professions and the community for a just and merciful world.

The Department of Business Management, Accounting, and Ethics works collaboratively with industry, government, and non-profit organizations to enhance the student experience from outside of the classroom to the workplace. All undergraduate majors are required to complete an internship as a graduation requirement.

Carlow purposefully offers programs devoted to the unique needs of today’s diverse student populations. Program options include Business Management, Human Resource, Esports Business Management, and the MBA options. Students can easily complete a double-major or major-minor(s) within our department. 

Carlow has one of the few Esports Business Management bachelor’s degree programs in the area. We have a new state-of-the-art Esports Lab that is utilized for classes and the Esports team.

Faculty & staff

Our faculty are devoted to fostering an environment of analysis and application of skills for students. We prepare our graduates to apply their knowledge and skills to help make their workplace an environment that contributes to creating a more just and merciful world.

Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW, LPC BSW Program Director, Associate Professor

Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Jessica Friedrichs, MSW, MPA Assistant Professor, Social Work and Director, BSW Field Education

Cynthia Karaffa Adjunct Lecturer, Political Science

Sarah Laite Project Coordinator, CURE

Danielle Lowery Administrative Assistant II

Jovonne Rose-Robinson Family Engagement Specialist

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Sophie Rice CURE Project Coordinator

Ashley Soske, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Pamela C. Twiss, PhD, MSW Chairperson and Associate Professor

Accreditation

The BSM, HR, and MBA Programs are accredited by IACBE. The Esports Business Management major will be accredited within the next year.

View our student teaching handbook
View our education department handbook

Department Points of Pride

• We have a new state-of-the-art Esports Lab that supports the Esports Business Management major and team.
• Carlow MBA students who specialize in Human Resource Management and Project Management are prepared to sit for the nationally recognized Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) exams.

PMHNP Curriculum

The greater demand for PMHNPs coincides with a dramatic increase in reported cases of depression and anxiety, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring that get the treatment they need remains a key concern. With such an unmet need for service providers in this specialty to care for existing patients and help new ones, the demand for more nurses to pursue this specialty will likely only grow.

Quick Facts

75 Years of Nursing Excellence

For 75 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.

Alternate Degree Completion Options

Online Degree

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count towards both degrees. Apply for this option after your sophomore year.

Applicants for this program are eligible for the Anne Kisak endowed scholarship, upon acceptance and enrollment.

Faculty & staff

Deborah Lynn Mitchum DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair of Department of Graduate Nursing

Alison Bauer, DNP, FNP-C Assistant Professor

Ruth Madden Foreman DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP, RN, CNE Associate Professor

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Bernadette Sherman DNP, FNP-C, CRNP, GS-C Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Devoted to the Future of Students Who Have Experienced Foster Care or Homelessness

Carlow University’s Community Scholars Program is devoted to providing these students with the resources they need to feel a true sense of belonging and realize their full potential.

Carlow Community Scholars provides holistic support for students and includes the areas of academic success, housing, finances and employment, physical and mental well being, and community engagement. These supports include weekly coaching meetings with the Community Scholars director and staff , access to needed material items, and referrals to campus and community resources.

Program Highlights and Resources

Hear more about our Community Scholars Program

Susan Dawkins, PhD

Mollie Cecere

Terrel Williams, MEd

Briana Beach

Devoted to the Future of Healing

When someone is struggling to breathe, taking steps to ease that struggle is the job of the respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists provide care to patients who are experiencing difficulty breathing due to chronic respiratory diseases, heart failure, or other emergencies. They improve the care of patients at all stages of life, from premature infants whose lungs have not fully developed, to older adults.  

Carlow University is devoted to the future of healing, and service to others is the foundation of the Respiratory Care profession.  And with respiratory therapists in high demand, we offer programs that can get students working in the field quicker. The associate degree program is a gateway to a healthcare career, and students can be working in the field within two years. The three-year accelerated bachelor’s degree program is designed for those seeking leadership roles in the respiratory care field. Both degrees can be pathways to advanced degrees. 

Accreditation

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program 

The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program, CoARC program number 200617, BS degree, Pittsburgh, PA is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). 

Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program 

The Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program, CoARC program number 210617, AS degree, Pittsburgh, PA holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation. 

Visit CoARC website

CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.

View CoARC outcomes

Program goal for the AS program:

To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.

Program goals for the BS program:

1. To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.

2. To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content with objectives related to the acquisition of skills in management, education, research, and evidence-based practice.

Deborah Lynn Mitchum DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair of Department of Graduate Nursing

Alison Bauer, DNP, FNP-C Assistant Professor

Ruth Madden Foreman DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP, RN, CNE Associate Professor

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Bernadette Sherman DNP, FNP-C, CRNP, GS-C Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Carlow University’s New EdD Program: Devoted to the Future of Education

EdD courses at Carlow are different from other programs because they feature a distinctly integrated doctoral study design, with each course building upon previous ideas while preparing students to engage with new concepts that can inform their practice. Throughout the program, students are invited to study systems design, to engage in discursive deliberation, and to explore new transformational approaches to education.

Quick Facts

• Our EdD is rooted in our rich history and traditions of social justice, Mercy values, and Scholar-Practitioner philosophy
• We invite and respect diversity of thinking and expression as we learn together to challenge social injustices and inequities in schools.
• This program positions students as innovative thinkers as they present their ideas and practice-based research.
• Students can learn and work with other innovative system thinkers.

Online Degree
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree.

Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Education Programs

Now more than ever, our nation’s schools need skilled and compassionate educators, curriculum specialists, and instructional leaders.

In Carlow University’s Education programs, you will gain specialized knowledge and hands-on teaching experience. Just as importantly, you will come away with a deeper understanding of how to care for the whole student as an empathetic instructor and mentor.

Carlow purposefully offers programs devoted to the unique needs of today’s diverse student populations. Program options include art education, early childhood development, special education, and secondary education.  Certificate options include dyslexia, online teaching, and autism. Learn firsthand from passionate faculty and recognized experts in the field.

New! Doctorate in Education

Reimagine the future of education

The Campus Lab School provides incredible practicum and field experiences for Education students.
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It takes one teacher or one principal to change the trajectory of a child’s life. Representation matters.

The Apprenticeship Program is a degree pathway for individuals working in childcare centers devoted to high quality early education.

Education students have the opportunity to join Future Educator’s Club, Best Buddies, or by-invitation, the international honor society in Education, Kappa Delta Pi. 

Our College in High School provides four Education classes during the school year and summer opportunities for those interested in teaching.

We offer special graduate level PD classes for $270.00, and we have a robust Speaker Series available for community organizations and schools. In addition, we offer a virtual Educator Workshop series accessible free of charge to the community. 

Faculty & staff

Our faculty and staff are devoted to nurturing and supporting current and future Scholar-Practitioners who are reflective in action, capable of creating and serving in High Performance Learning environments, and who support and respect the dignity and diversity of all learners.

Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW, LPC BSW Program Director, Associate Professor

Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Jessica Friedrichs, MSW, MPA Assistant Professor, Social Work and Director, BSW Field Education

Cynthia Karaffa Adjunct Lecturer, Political Science

Sarah Laite Project Coordinator, CURE

Danielle Lowery Administrative Assistant II

Jovonne Rose-Robinson Family Engagement Specialist

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Sophie Rice CURE Project Coordinator

Ashley Soske, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Pamela C. Twiss, PhD, MSW Chairperson and Associate Professor

Accreditation

Our Education programs are accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In addition, our Reading Specialist Program is accredited by the International Dyslexia Center.

View our student teaching handbook
View our education department handbook

Department of Education Points of Pride (2019-2023)

• In June 2023, Carlow University’s Education Department and Campus Laboratory School received a $85,000 grant from a private charitable foundation to continue the legacy of The Campus Lab School’s Founder, Sister Mary Paul Hickey. “The Sister Mary Paul Hickey Professional Educator Development Project,”encompasses an annual Sister Mary Paul Hickey Professional Development Educator Workshop Series; The Sister Mary Paul Hickey Symposium; The Sister Mary Paul Hickey Teacher Research Mini-Grants Project; and graduate scholarship awards to teachers from The Campus Lab School and schools in the Pittsburgh and Greensburg Dioceses. Sister Mary Paul Hickey was the founder of The Campus Laboratory School of Carlow University and served as Principal for more than 40 years. She left a legacy of service, innovation and a deep love for the students and teachers at The Campus Lab School. This grant honors her memory while building on her legacy of excellence in education and support of teacher development.

• In January 2023, Carlow University’s Department of Education was awarded two workforce diversity grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in the amount of $100,000 each. These grants established, “The Innovative Teacher Prep2Practice Program,” and “The Innovative Principal Prep2Practice Program,” for aspiring educators and principals and to support Pennsylvania’s workforce.

• In September 2022, Carlow’s Department of Education was awarded a $12 million sunsetting grant from a local, anonymous donor. “The Dr. Rae Ann Hirsh Apprenticeship Hub for Early Childhood Education,” was successfully endowed, following a two-year concept testing period that resulted in the receipt of the sunsetting grant. Carlow University is the first, four-year university in Pennsylvania to be designated by the Department of Labor as a four-year early childhood apprenticeship program and its work will continue in perpetuity as a result of this endowment gift.

• In May 2022, Carlow’s Department of Education was awarded an $808,025 grant from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Professional Development Organization (PASSHE PDO) in support of apprenticeship scholarships, student supports, and professional development opportunities.

• In December 2021, the Education Department was the recipient of a $109,122 grant from The Peirce Family Foundation in support of “The Peirce Dyslexia Program at Carlow University.” Funding encompasses a 4-week intensive summer structured literacy program, Camp Carlow and after school literacy workshops for children from The Campus Laboratory School and from the West Oakland/Hill District and greater Pittsburgh community.  The program also provides literacy tutoring support for Perry High School students (one of Pittsburgh Public Schools) conducted by graduate students of  Carlow’s four-course dyslexia track, which is embedded in the MEd Reading Specialist Program. 

• In July 2021, Carlow’s Department of Education was awarded an $80,150 grant from McAuley Ministries for the “Community Literacy Engagement Project (CLEP),” an individualized literacy support, four-week summer program for children from Campus Lab School and the West Oakland/Hill District communities. The grant also supports literacy tutoring in The Campus Lab School’s Dyslexia Center throughout the school year.

• In July 2021, Carlow University’s Education Department and Campus Laboratory School received a $93,500 grant from a private charitable foundation to establish, “The Sister Mary Paul Hickey Symposium and Teacher Leader Institute.”Components of the project include an annual professional development educator workshop series and symposium, teacher research mini-grants, and scholarship awards to teachers from The Campus Lab School and from schools in the Pittsburgh or Greensburg Diocese. 

• In June 2021, the Department of Education was the recipient of two separate $225,000 grants to fund the “Power of ONE,” a program aimed at providing teacher certification for educators of color. Funded generously by the McElhattan Foundation and The Grable Foundation, these grants benefit a strategic partnership between the University and partnering school districts. The grants allow Carlow to partner with school districts to diversify Pittsburgh’s teacher pipeline, allowing for a more seamless and supportive degree pathway for initial teacher certification for Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), having a tangible impact on increasing the number of educators of color in school districts where many students identify as Black and multi-racial.

• In May 2021, Carlow University was awarded $886,892 from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Professional Development Organization Grant (PASSHE PDO) through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning for scholarships and supports for childcare providers who are attending a college or are enrolled in university programs. Supports include textbooks, tutoring support, a full-time workforce coordinator, and an apprenticeship coaching website. Part of the grant will support Carlow’s early childhood apprenticeship program, which helps to improve childcare employee retention, reduce barriers for workforce entry, and increase diversity in teacher candidates.

• In February 2020, The Heinz Endowments awarded a $1 million grant and a $1 million endowment to support “The Dr. Rae Ann Hirsh Apprenticeship Hub for Early Childhood Education” to improve the quality of early childhood education in Pennsylvania.

• In September 2019, a local, anonymous foundation awarded two grants totaling $1 million to Carlow’s Department of Education to support a two-year concept testing period for the establishment of, “The Western Pennsylvania Early Childhood Apprenticeship Hub,” the first, four-year early childhood apprenticeship program in the state of Pennsylvania. 

In the Healthcare Social Work concentration of Carlow University’s online BSW, you’ll gain a conceptual, ethical and practical framework for social work practice in healthcare.

Healthcare Social Work Concentration (for BSW Majors only) 

The Healthcare Social Work concentration provides the student with a conceptual, ethical, and practice framework for social work practice in health care. Emphasis is on an overview of the United States health care system, the unique knowledge and skill base of social work in health care, the biopsychosocial/spiritual impact of illness on patients and their family members and/or support system, and the special psychosocial needs of populations most often served in health-related social work. The  introduction to biomedical ethics is provided as well as the fundamental medical terminology necessary for social work practice in health care. 11 required credits (4 courses) plus  9 pre-requisite credits (3 courses) 

*Students who wish to take a course(s) and are not a Healthcare Social Work Concentration, may request to enroll in the course with permission from the department chair/program director approval. 

** Minimum of six credits in Healthcare Social Work must be taken at Carlow University. 

Enhance your career opportunities in the biotech industry

Designed for the biotech working professional who is looking to effect change in the health sector, our Quality Control and Assurance Certificate program offers a pathway to new and impactful career paths in healthcare and the life science fields. Designed in partnership with industry leaders, this online certificate will equip you with employable skills that you can take into the workforce at any time.

Quality Assurance and Control online courses include:

Pittsburgh, a force in the biotech industry

The Pittsburgh Region, already known for its innovation and excellence in healthcare, is now a force in the biotech industry, one of the fastest-growing fields in the country. Here at Carlow, innovation is what drives us. We are partnering with industry leaders who share a vision for the future of Pittsburgh to provide solutions to meet the next great need.

“As an industry expert- Pittsburgh is committed to building the infrastructure needed to support those working in the biomedical and life science fields.”

— Patrick Bailey, BioTech Professional

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Get your college career off to a great start!

Discover the pathway that may be best for you in pursuit of an undergraduate degree at Carlow University.

Ugandan boat ride

Experience campus living

Experience campus living

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Engage in a variety of direct service-learning projects

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Explore Your Passion and Empower Global Communities

Welcome to a unique, first-semester educational opportunity that helps you in getting to know yourself better, while helping others. The Carlow faculty have designed this immersive experience so you immediately can apply your learnings in real-world settings to make a meaningful impact. In addition to core curriculum courses that you can apply to most majors, you will spend 4 weeks abroad in Uganda.

Quick facts

• Experience campus living and a structured self-reflection learning program focused on reinvigorating your passions and your purpose in life 
• Serve alongside your peers, through service-learning projects in the fields of education, healthcare, social justice and more  
• Benefit from onsite counseling to help you discover and process your strengths, interests and skills throughout your experience
• Minister to the needs of Ugandans, igniting your global perspective of the ways in which you can best serve yourself and the world around you

Your Discovery Program experience

On-campus discovery and preparation

You will begin your self-discovery living on Carlow University’s charming, urban campus in the heart of Pittsburgh’s exciting Oakland area.

Service Learning in Uganda (30 days)

Apply what you learned, sharpen your problem-solving skills and make positive contributions through service and volunteer opportunities at Ugandan schools and health care clinics.

One of your guides and mentors abroad will be Global Center Director, Susan O’Rourke. She has led study abroad programs for decades and is committed to helping you become immersed in the Ugandan culture with amazing moments and adventures. Alongside Susan will be a counselor available to students, both are trained in healthy relationships, stress management practices and study-abroad protocols.

Serve, Learn & Volunteer

• Volunteer (provide tutoring and engage in fun learning activities) at Noah’s Ark School for Children with Disabilities in Entebbe
• Participate in service projects (plant orchards and tend to school gardens) for Bright Kids Uganda on Lake Victoria Island
• Serve (provide instruction and adapt learning materials for children with disabilities) at Silver Memorial Inclusive Community Learning Center (SMILE) in Opucet
• Assist with vision assessments and distribution of donated eye glasses for seniors and school children

Meet a New Culture

• Hear inspiring life stories from locals, young and old; learn about their history including the effects of living as a British colony and subsequent years of conflict
• Become familiar with local customs and their challenges
• Interact with people living in remote villages without access to electricity, clean water, phones or computers
• Prepare, taste and eat authentic Ugandan food 

Take amazing adventures

• Visit the source of the Nile River and go white water rafting 
• Take a hike to the tallest waterfall in eastern Africa, Sipi Falls 
• Observe animals in their natural habitat on a three-day safari 
• Visit Chimpanzee Island

An impactful experience

“I would go back and serve in Uganda in a heartbeat. I wish I had more time there. It had a huge impact on my life after returning and loved the opportunity to be able to have an impact on the lives of those there.”

– Kaylee Goblesky, Carlow University Nursing student

Program Director

Susan O’Rourke, EdD
Global Center Director

Global Center Director, Susan O’Rourke has been working in Uganda for 10 years (since 2012). She has personally selected the comfortable and secure living facilities for the Uganda service-learning program and prearranged secure transportation through established partners in Uganda. Dr. O’Rourke has developed experiential learning and service projects through established partnerships and non-government organizations (NGOs).

Partners such as:

• Noah’s Ark School for Children with Disabilities
• Bright Kids Uganda
• Silver Memorial Inclusive Community Learning Center (SMILE)
• Prime Tower Primary School