HSCC Youth Programs

Youth Learning In a Fun Environment (LIFE) After-School Program

Youth LIFE, a program of the Human Services Center, is an after-school academic and social enrichment program open to 100 youth between the ages of five and thirteen from 37 economically distressed Monongahela Valley communities.  Youth LIFE provides students with a safe and educational place to spend their weekday afternoons and evenings.  Through the implementation of training opportunities, job shadowing, age and skill appropriate tutorial classes, educational seminars, self-improvement classes, cultural field trips, recreational activities, and community service projects, Youth LIFE students are afforded opportunities that they otherwise would have been unable to experience.  Furthermore, the Youth LIFE Program is focused on the improvement of youth’s skills in five objective areas: academics, cultural and social enrichment, recreation, and community service.

Launched with United Way funding in September 2000, the Youth LIFE Program operates Monday through Friday, beginning in mid September and ending in late May, from 2:30PM to 7:30PM.  The program begins with youth completing their homework and receiving tutoring services from 2:30PM to 5:00PM.  Youth then receive a hot dinner and afterwards, they participate in recreational activities.  Following recreation, youth attend educational seminars from external agencies or participate in computer tutorials.  The remainder of their time is spent doing homework and utilizing on-site tutorial services, going on cultural trips, working on community service projects, as well as attending training opportunities.  A nonrefundable application fee of $30 is required to process the youth’s application.  All Youth LIFE Program activities are FREE for all participants.

Click here to download the 2008 - 2009 Youth LIFE Application (PDF).  To request further information, contact Leah Price at 412-829-7112 or lprice@hscc-mvpc.org. 

Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)

The Emerging Leaders Program affords 40 in-school, low-income youth, between the ages of 14 and 18, the opportunity to develop work competencies in organization, resource allocation, interpersonal skills, information systems, and team building.  Through experiential seminars, educational trainings, internships, and work experience, each student develops essential occupational and life skills.  In addition, ELP participants earn career exploration stipends based on their attendance, behavior, and participation in the program.

Throughout the course of the year, students participate in experiential seminars, educational trainings, career exploration, job shadowing, and internships, as well as gain valuable work experience.  The program is an extension of the Youth LIFE After-School Program, and the participants receive daily academic assistance with their homework assignments.  The students have a structured time to complete their homework each day and they are required to maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average. 

Applicants MUST live in the Woodland Hills, East Allegheny, McKeesport, Duquesne, Steel Valley, Elizabeth Forward, South Allegheny, Clairton, Wilkinsburg, Penn Hills, and Gateway School Districts and meet the Workforce Investment Act income guidelines.

Click here to download the Emerging Leaders Program Application (PDF).  To request further information, contact Lauren Hyslop at 412-829-7112 or lhyslop@hscc-mvpc.org. 

Click here to check out the Official Emerging Leader Program Website - Created and maintained by current ELP participants!

Kids Outgoing, Outdoing, and Learning (KOOL) Summer Program

The KOOL Summer Program is a summer academic enrichment program for 150 youth between the ages of five and thirteen that offers academic support in the areas of math and reading and cultural field trips, along with constructive summer activities and crafts for students.  The program offers a learning environment that stimulates interest and participation from the students by allowing them to refresh and expand math, reading, and social skills in a classroom environment eight hours a day, five days a week, for seven weeks, typically from early July to mid August.  The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30AM-4:30PM.  A nonrefundable application fee of $30 is required to process the youth’s application.  All KOOL Program activities are FREE for all participants.

Focusing on academic, cultural, and social enrichment, as well as community service and recreation, the KOOL Program provides participants with an educational and fun summer experience.  Youth participate in reading and math activities on a daily basis, as well as advance computer tutorials, arts and crafts, and experiential seminars provided by local agencies.  On Fridays, KOOL participants attend field trips to various places throughout the Pittsburgh region including the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, Carnegie Science Center, Heinz History Center, Phipps Conservatory, Idlewild Park, Boyce Park Wave Pool, and many more. 

To request further information, contact Leah Price at 412-829-7112 or lprice@hscc-mvpc.org.

Counselor In Training (CIT) Program

For youth beyond age twelve, the HSCC selects five - nine Counselors In Training to assist the Youth LIFE and KOOL teaching staffs.  CITs are youth between the ages of thirteen and eighteen and they assist the staff in the classroom with activities and tutoring, lead two service projects with the children, and present themselves as positive role models for the younger youth in the program.  A modest stipend is provided based on performance at the completion of the program.  The HSCC hopes that from the experience, CITs gain a sense of responsibility, develop an excellent work ethic, and become productive young adults. 

Click here to download the 2008 - 2009 Youth LIFE CIT Application (PDF). 

To request further information, contact Lauren Hyslop at 412-829-7112 or lhyslop@hscc-mvpc.org.

Annual Children's Health and Safety Fair

The Annual Children's Health and Safety Fair provides hundreds of local children with health and safety information in a fun atmosphere.  More details on this years event are forthcoming - check back soon!