WHAT WE DO

OUR MISSION

To create a facility for the Pittsburgh area youth that allows for participation in year-round programming in a safe environment. Few organizations and facilities currently exist that provide comprehensive programs for the youth in Pittsburgh’s east side neighborhoods. Area 412’s comprehensive programs will gear towards mentorship by teaching various aspects of life and paying special attention to the social well-being of the youth. By leveraging sports and mentorship as well as academic enrichment opportunities, the hope is to help young people develop skills that contribute to lifelong health, wellness, leadership, and civic engagement. By combining the effects of sportsmanship and academics, this program aims to give student athletes and their parents the tools to understand themselves as well as others. The program hopes to teach young people coping skills that are necessary to engage in any everyday life situation. While, at the same time, the Professional Development and Community Workshops will provide valuable team and community building information to parents, teachers, and support staff. Interactive consulting and advisory sessions will also be available in character development, conflict resolution, relationship issues, and community and family development. This program will also push for athletic excellence, as we will maintain the same positive atmosphere for the youth to prosper at the sports of their choosing. Ultimately, this program aspires to benefit the area youth academically, socially, and creatively while simultaneously providing an ongoing presence of support to the parent/guardian, community, and surrounding agents of the child.

OUR "WHY"

Growing up as student athletes, we had opportunities for growth and development from our parents, elders, and friends. With having certain guidance growing up, we as individuals were able to obtain certain knowledge and life skills throughout child and adulthood.

Looking at current situations throughout various Pittsburgh neighborhoods, we find that there is a lack of guidance and teaching of these life skills for the student athletes and the youth in general. This of course is revealed in different ways and situations, however, remains to be a constant issue. We feel that providing an atmosphere of such life lessons will place the student athlete youth in better positions when handling various everyday circumstances, also allowing them to work on their crafts for their future careers of choice. We believe our organization can set the right tone for the current youth, family households, and the future generations as well.