HSCC Youth Programs

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

Youth LIFE Program Brochure

Youth LIFE, programs of the Human Services Center Corporation, are after-school academic and social enrichment programs open to 310 youth from 37 economically distressed Monongahela Valley communities for first through fifth graders residing in the Woodland Hills School District.  Youth LIFE provides students with a safe and educational place to spend their weekday afternoons and evenings.  Through the implementation of 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 Programs are 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 Programs expanded in 2010 thanks to 21^st Century Community Learning Centers Pennsylvania Department of Education funding.  The programs are not only offered at the HSCC, but also in 4 of the 6 elementary schools in the Woodland Hills School District.  Days and hours vary by site, but the program offering remains focused on academic and standardized test scores improvement, primarily with an on-line curriculum called Study Island, from mid September through late May.  The programs includes youth completing their homework and receiving tutoring services, a snack, cultural, science and arts and craft lessons, and recreational activities.  Youth also attend educational seminars from external agencies, take cultural trips, and work on community service projects.  All Youth LIFE Program activities are FREE for all participants.

Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)

ELP Brochure

The Emerging Leaders Program affords up to 45 in-school, low-income juniors and seniors in high school, the opportunity to develop work competencies in organization, resource allocation, interpersonal skills, information systems, and team building.  Through experiential seminars, career exploration, job shadowing, 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, and must maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average. 

Applicants MUST live in the Woodland Hills, East Allegheny, and Clairton School Districts and meet the Workforce Investment Act income guidelines.

To download an application, go to the Publications page and click on the application under Applications.  To request further information, contact Leah O'Reilly at 412-829-7112 or loreilly@hscc-mvpc.org. 

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

KOOL Summer Program Brochure (PDF)

The KOOL Summer Programs are summer academic enrichment programs for youth going into 1^st through 5^th grade that offer academic support in the areas of math and reading and cultural field trips, along with constructive summer activities and crafts for students. The programs offer 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 (KOOL 1, 519 Penn Ave, Turtle Creek, PA 15145 and KOOL 2, Woodland Hills Junior High, 7600 Evans St, Pittsburgh, PA 15218), typically from early July to mid August. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30AM-4:30PM (KOOL 1) and Monday through Thursday 8:00AM-4:00PM, and Friday 8:30AM-4:30PM (KOOL 2). A nonrefundable application fee 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 Programs provide 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 download an application, go to the Publications page and click on the application under Applications.  To request further information, contact Leah O'Reilly at 412-829-7112 or loreilly@hscc-mvpc.org. 

View a short video of the 2011 KOOL Summer Program:

Counselor In Training (CIT) Program

For youth between the ages of 14 and 18, the HSCC selects Counselors In Training (CIT) to assist the KOOL Summer Programs and its’ staff with math and reading activities while in the classroom and on the computer.  In addition, CITs interact with the KOOL participants during free time, inside and outside on the playground, help the youth programs staff with arts and crafts and science activities and while on field trips.  CITs are expected to present themselves as positive role models for the younger youth and receive training to gain job-readiness skills that prepare them for future employment.  Based on the CITs performance at the completion of the program, a modest stipend is provided.  The HSCC hopes that from the experience, CITs gain a sense of responsibility, develop an excellent work ethic, and become productive young adults.