Youth Programs - Pittsburgh Glass Center Skip to content Youth Programs Youth Programs SiO Youth Programs at Pittsburgh Class Center SiO is the chemical formula for glass and the name of our glass art program designed for young people. SiO shatters the conventional notion that glass art is only for adults. The program’s hands-on courses are structured specifically for young people and are taught in one of the United States’ premier glass facilities. All four of our state-of-the-art studios are open for young adults to explore their creative potential and embark on an education in glass. SiO students not only create glass art and learn the scientific principles of glass, they experience valuable life lessons through studio practice. Successful studio glass pieces often cannot be produced by one person alone, so while learning and creating, students are shown the fundamental significance of teamwork, discipline, communication, and mutual respect. Such experiences, in turn, help students understand the nature of leadership and ultimately foster a sense of achievement. SiO Impacts Academic Careers To date, we have taught art glass techniques and effective studio practices to well over 700 middle- and high school students from all over the Greater Pittsburgh region, representing many of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Many PGC students have received special awards and recognition from their schools in praise of their commitment, creativity, and dedication. Moreover, more than a few have gone on to receive art scholarships from postsecondary institutions, such as Alfred University, Bowling Green, Carnegie Mellon University, Cleveland Institute of Art, Detroit’s College for Creative Studies, Harvard University, Kent State University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Tyler School of Art. Scholarships We offer scholarships to all students. No previous glass or art experience is required. Our only requirements are enthusiasm, curiosity, and an eagerness to learn. Apply Here Teen Boot Camp This one-week summer program introduces the science and art of glass to teens. It gives students the rare hands-on experience of learning the many facets of glass in one of the top facilities in the country. Sessions include glassblowing, flameworking, kilnforming, and coldworking. Teen Boot Camp Policies July 13-17, 2026 Full Day "MOLTN" Classes A 1-day workshop for young people to try three different glass making techniques. Spend a Saturday at PGC working with all things hot. At high temperatures, glass can be manipulated in many ways. You’ll learn three different glassmaking techniques: glassblowing at a 2,200 degree furnace, flameworking at the torch, and fusing in the kiln. Grades 6–12. No experience necessary. Register Now Teens Only Workshops Our introductory workshops are a great way to try glass and make something unique. Join us these workshops just for teens—paperweights, magnets, and pet portraits. TEENS ONLY Register Now Middle School After School Program Mixed and Mashed Up is a hands-on, after-school program specifically for students in grades 6–8. Classes meet after school once a week for 12 weeks. Spend four weeks in three different studios learning glassblowing, flameworking, and kilnforming. Register Now SiO High School Programs Students in grades 9–12 work primarily in three of our state-of-the-art studios learning glassblowing, flameworking, and kilnforming. Advanced glassblowing and flameworking courses are also available for students who have completed beginner instruction. Beginner classes meet after school once a week for 10 weeks. Advanced classes meet after school for 12 weeks. Apply for a scholarship here Register Now Make-It-Now Workshops Try glassmaking in 15 minutes or less. PGC’s Make-It-Now workshops are a fun family activity and an opportunity to try glassmaking in 15 minutes or less. No experience is necessary. Ages 5+. Register Now 1-Session Workshops Our introductory workshops are a great way to sample many different glass processes and techniques. We welcome students at least 14 and up in the kiln, flame, and cold shop. An adult must accompany children 12–14 years old in our hot shop. Register Now Hot Shop Activities With the help of an instructor, participants will learn how to transform 2,000°F molten glass into a unique glass artwork. Sculpted items will be manipulated and shaped with various metal hand tools. Blown items will be inflated via a flexible tube attached to a blow pipe. The Hot Shop, as the name might suggest, can get warm at times, particularly during summer months. That being said, the activity will only take about 10-15 minutes per person so you won’t be warm for long. We encourage our guests to wear lighter, natural material clothing for safety and comfort. Visitors are welcome to bring water bottles and a water fountain/filling station is available. These activities will involves sitting, standing, and walking around. Suitable for ages 5 and up. Kiln Shop Fusing Activities Combine brilliantly colored pieces of glass granules and thin glass strands to create a one-of-a-kind luminous fused glass artwork. Once you design it, we’ll fire it, so that all pieces become one. Participants will work seated in our climate-controlled Classroom and with room temperature pieces of glass. You will begin with a glass tile that acts as your “canvas,” then arrange the colorful glass granules and thin glass strands into a design of your choosing. Once the designs are complete, suncatchers are placed in a kiln overnight to melt (fuse) together forever. Suitable for ages 5 and up. Flame Shop Activities With the help of an instructor, participants will learn how to use tools and a tabletop torch to melt and manipulate glass rods and transform them into truly one-of-a-kind objects. These activities take place in our climate controlled Flame Shop, which involves working with a flame, but is not nearly as warm as our Hot Shop. Participants will be sitting at a workstation, making this option slightly more accessible and less physically demanding. Suitable for ages 8 and up. ARTISTS EDUCATORS SHOP JOIN & GIVE DONATE NOW