Nine youngsters from the North suburbs will help imagine, plan and create a new center in Downtown Pittsburgh.

They are among 32 middle school pupils selected from across Allegheny County to be a part of the Downtown Vibrancy Project.

For five days starting June 26, the pupils will take a fresh look at Downtown Pittsburgh and propose their own vision for its future. The program will include lectures and discussions at Point Park University's Summer in the City and guided field trips in Pittsburgh.

The youngsters will focus on the Market Square and Fifth Avenue district, an area of concern to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. By the end of the week, they will develop plans to create a new Downtown corridor in the district that encompasses shopping, dining, housing, working, healthcare, parking, mass transportation, accessibility, recreation, culture and green space. They will then have the opportunity to present their plans to policy makers and citizens.

The Downtown Vibrancy Project is sponsored by Point Park University's Summer in the City, Allegheny County, the city of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Port Authority and the Heinz Endowments.

Pupils selected from North suburban middle schools are: Kelsey Knox, Avonworth; Shannon Dugan, Deer Lakes; Noah Rosen, Dorseyville; Julia Helgert, Highlands; Jeff Daye, Marshall; Daniel Traverso, Northgate; Michael Matty, Pine-Richland; Heather McCormick, Quaker Valley; and Regina Sencak, North Hills Junior High School.

"These bright young minds have a rare opportunity to propose a new center that meets the needs of businesses, employees, residents and the general public in the city and throughout Allegheny County," said Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato. "I am excited and anxious to see their ideas and suggestions."