Mission
Programs
About
Support
SERVING
THE Youth and Families
of Philadelphia
For over 35 years, the Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program has supported youth and young adults as they seek to issues like violence, peer pressure and unwanted pregnancy.
Our guiding belief has always been that the most effective way to reach and move youth is through peer outreach and education.
Our mission: to enhance the quality of life and health for Philadelphians through community-based and culturally-competent interventions.
Proudly Serving
THE Youth and Families
of Philadelphia
Proudly Serving
THE Youth
and Families
of Philadelphia

OUR MISSION

OUR MISSION

Through community-based and culturally-competent interventions, we enhance the quality of life and health for Philadelphians.
01

OUR BELIEF

Our guiding belief has always been that the most effective way to reach and move youth is through peer outreach and education.
02

OUR PROCESS

For over 35 years, the Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program has supported youth and young adults as they seek to prevent and manage challenges related to violence, infectious disease management, peer pressure and youth reproductive health.
03

Our Programs

Our programs work together to provide the guidance, skills and relationships youth need to overcome barriers and pursue meaningful futures.
Summer Youth Employment
Out-of-School Time
Pre-Apprenticeship
Schools to Work
Skill Building
Network Partnerships

Summer Youth Employment

Engaging 140 high-school students in job-readiness and career-awareness activities.

Out-of-School Time

Serving 115 middle school and high school students.

Pre-Apprenticeship

Preparing 50-60 Opportunity Youth per year for careers in the building trades through technical training, soft skills development and hands-on work experience.

Schools-to-Work

Providing building trades pre-apprenticeship training to students at 4 local high schools.

Skill Building

Assisting 25 students per year who completed high school but require additional experience and skill building prior to enrolling in an apprenticeship program.

Network Partnerships

YOACAP partners with local businesses, communities, schools, recreation centers, faith-based organizations, foundations and other funders as well as other local entities throughout the year. An example of this partnership is connecting youth with YOACAP’s network of over 100 local barbers.

Workforce Development
Ages 14–24

C2L-PHL: Career-Connected Learning

A year-round, paid career-connected learning program combining real-world work experience, mentorship and life-skills training to prep youth for lasting success.

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Construction & Trades
Grades 11–12

High School Construction Program

A hands-on construction and trades program preparing high school students for careers through training, certifications, and real-world exposure.

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After School
Grades 9–12

High School OST – Center City

A club-based afterschool program offering professional development, life skills, and stipends to support high school students’ growth.

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After School
Middle School

Pickett Middle School Afterschool Program

A creative afterschool program where middle school students explore art, cooking, and movement while building confidence and community.

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After School
13-18

Wagner Middle School After School Program

An afterschool program combining mentorship, academic support, and financial literacy to help middle school students thrive.

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Violence Prevention
Ages 14–24

Violence Intervention Program (VIP)

A trauma-informed program supporting justice-impacted young men through mentorship, life skills, and workforce readiness.

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After School
High School Students

Parkway West Program

A structured afterschool enrichment program combining academic support, hands-on activities, and career exposure to help students grow and thrive.

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Construction & Trades
Ages 18–24

Pre-Apprenticeship Program (Ages 18–24)

A state-approved pre-apprenticeship program preparing young adults for entry into union apprenticeships through training, support, and real-world experience.

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Workforce Development
Youth and Young Adults

Civic Engagement Program

A long-standing civic engagement initiative empowering youth and communities through voter education, organizing, and participation in democracy.

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The common thread uniting our programs is a deep commitment to promoting and modeling diversity in all we do, recognizing the trauma and related barriers holding back our participants.
The common thread uniting our programs is a deep commitment to promoting and modeling community building in all we do, recognizing the trauma and related barriers holding back our participants.

Our Impact

Academic & Career Vision

Increased youth awareness of school-to-career connection

Youth learn to set goals and develop plans

Career readiness skills

Personal & Professional Growth

Develop initiative

Workplace preparedness

Networking skills and relationship-building

Practical Skills & Opportunities

Financial and digital literacy

Access to trade union apprenticeships

Exposure to real-world work environments and expectations

TESTIMONIALS

Hear what the youth are saying.