The Consortium that Dr. Croushore founded was one of the first LEFs in the nation. Formerly known as the Mon Valley Education Consortium, the organization began in 1987 with a mini-grants program to encourage classroom innovation. Since then, The Consortium has launched professional development programs for educators, including Journey to Learn, which this year drew some 2,500 participants, making it the largest multi-district in-service experience in the state, and an array of initiatives to develop literacy, career awareness, civic engagement and life skills among students. Together, The Consortium’s programs touch more than 50 school districts. The organization also serves as a neutral convener around education issues.

Before founding The Consortium, Dr. Croushore was a teacher and administrator in the McKeesport Area School District, where she led a pioneering “model school” program. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Grove City College and her master’s and doctoral degrees in education at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Croushore has been recognized both for her work in education and the community, with honors including Carlow College’s Women of Spirit Award and the Tri-State Area School Study Council’s Distinguished Woman in Education Award.

She currently serves as a member on the Board of Good Schools Pennsylvania, the Advisory Board for Penn State’s McKeesport Campus and the Board of the Nurse Family Partnership.