The Philadelphia Youth Football Academy
- Yes
- Offering focused guidance/professional development for building specific functional skills for internal staff such as strategic planning, human resources, process improvement, and research and testing products/services
- Assisting with access to capital, capital campaigns, and/or financial education and information
Our goal is to hire male high school youth and young adults of color. They will serve as Coaches (Group Leaders), Program Coordinators, Director and higher management positions. Over the 3-5 years, we will explore adding two more sites to schools that do not have athletic programs; football in particular. We will attempt to established four successful sites and enroll 100 youth. Former participants will be recruited to come back and become program administrators, staff and coaches (mentors). They will hold various leadership positions (as the program grows).
According to the Urban Institute, the Philadelphia metropolitan area has a higher teen unemployment rate (34.1 percent) than New Orleans (27.9 percent) or St. Louis (21.9 percent), and the New Orleans metropolitan area has a higher youth disconnection rate (14.1 percent) than the Philadelphia (10.0 percent) or St. Louis (9.3 percent) areas. There is an assumption in the Philadelphia area that male youth of color are not seeking employment or post-secondary opportunities. Many of them are not prepared
properly to enter college or the workforce. Many lack the of the knowledge of test preparation, good studying habits, wearing the proper clothes, knowing of the importance of punctuality, and speaking properly. Through our workforce, life skills and post-secondary enrichment activities; our organization will properly prepare them in all those facets.
To make more opportunities available to male youth and young adults of color, we will:
• Build systemic solutions that close gaps in youth serving systems. • Support and train youth- to develop their academic and career readiness skills-through sport management and health and wellness. • Engage employers and system leaders to ensure that today’s young people will be prepared to join tomorrow’s workforce. • Design comprehensive service networks to prepare youth for successful futures in school, work and for their lives.
Our targeted male youth attend several Northwest Philadelphia schools. We are also currently recruiting from area social service and alternative education programs. Black, 93.5%, Hispanic 4.6, Multi-Racial/Other, 0.8%, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0% and White, 1.2%. 77% are considered economically disadvantaged. Special Education, 10%, Gifted, 3.1 and English Learners, 2.3. 76% of male students in Philadelphia Public Schools are from economically disadvantaged households. 31% of students in Philadelphia school districts are from impoverished households; Philadelphia’s 25% overall poverty rate ranks the 6th highest among the 50 largest cities in the country (www.greatschoolsphilly.org).
- Yes
(Philadelphia) Pennsylvania.
The Philadelphia Youth Football Academy seeks to address social, economic and health inequities to improve academic and social outcomes for Philadelphia male youth of color through increased employment, health and wellness diversity. The Philadelphia Youth Football Academy (PYFA) creates education and employment opportunities for youth and young adults, especially males of color.
The Philadelphia Youth Football Academy uses football to inspire social change and transform the lives of youth in underserved communities, one youth at a time. Our vision is a Philadelphia region where the playing field is level, and all youth are thriving.
- Pilot: a product, service, or business model that is in the process of being built and tested with a small number of beneficiaries or working to gain traction.
- Early: A team of individuals without a registered 501(c)(3) status or a registered 501(c)(3) organization without or a nominal operating budget, building and testing its product, service, or business model.
Over the 3-5 years, we will explore adding two more sites to schools that do not have athletic programs; football in particular. We will attempt to established four successful sites and enroll 100 youth. Former participants will be recruited to come back and become program administrators, staff and coaches (mentors). They will hold various leadership positions (as the program grows).
Our stakeholders include the Office of Senator Sharif Street, the Philadelphia Eagles Social Justice Fund, the Urban Affairs Coalition, the Vela Education Fund, the Pollination Project, Dicks Sporting Goods Foundation, the Philadelphia Police Department's 35th Precinct, the City of Philadelphia's Office of Children and Family Services, the Philadelphia Youth Network's Work-Ready Program, Good Sports, INC. Equipment, and constituents of the North and Northwest Philadelphia areas.
Our organization has worked with several community agencies; engaging in many community engagement/outreach projects, outreach and neighborhood events
They provide program resources, connect our organization to many resources give donations and serve as volunteers and mentors.
We have lasting relationships with local businesses, government agencies, schools, civil and community groups. Our relationships were developed through potluck dinners, meetings and various community events; with our organization participating, networking and meeting various/many people from other organizations.
80% of participants are being prepared to transition through middle and high school and later, college and the workforce, with the support, guidance, and assistance of mentors. 80% of participants will decrease their Weight, recidivism, deviant behaviors, and dropout rates. Positive engagement with law enforcement, Healthy eating and nutrition, self-esteem, personal development, class participation, social skills, grade advancement, college and workforce readiness will increase.
Our program strengths are our staff has a combined 40 plus years in their respected positions. Everyone has vast experience non-profit organization management, program development and program implementation. Our other responsibilities include overall operational, organization, resource development, and staff, finance, communications, and board relations management.
This opportunity would give me the opportunity to put my professional interest in small business and business management into practice. This opportunity would give our organization the financial means necessary to achieve our business goals.
- Human Capital (e.g. sourcing talent, board development, etc.)
- Financial (e.g. improving accounting practices, pitching to investors)
- Other
Funding toward general operating costs.
Supporting our general operating cost would sustain our organization. We need future partners that will be totally committed and live up to their "word".
Local colleges/universities, specifically two nearby HBCU's (Lincoln and Cheyney Universities); Temple University and Harcum College. All four schools have Philadelphia area students who we could offer internships to-and they can also serve as mentors/volunteers.