Philadelphia · 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Empowering Youth.Elevating Futures.

We uplift Philadelphia's youth through hands-on media, arts, STEAM, mentorship and career-pathway programs that build confidence, leadership and brighter futures.

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We say YEP to the future!

Smiling Philadelphia teens in black YEP hoodies in front of the city skyline

Bus attendant in a safety vest smiling with a student on a school bus

Two young transportation trainees in safety vests in front of a school bus

Smiling school bus driver giving a thumbs up from the driver's seat

Approved ELDT Training ProviderEntry-Level Driver Training for school transportation careers

2010Roots in youth aviation

11–24Ages served

ELDTApproved training provider

501(c)(3)Tax-deductible giving

Now Enrolling

Two Pathways.
One Bright Future.

Whether you're 11 or 24, YEP has a place for you — from telling your story on camera to launching a career in school transportation.

Teens filming, recording podcasts and editing video together

Ages 11–17 ● Active Now Open · Tue & Thu 4–6 PM

Media & Digital Storytelling

Now Open · Every Tue & Thu · 4–6 PM

Awbury Recreation Center — directions

Film, interview, edit, create and connect. Youth learn real production skills in partnership with PSTV and share the stories that matter to them.

Video Production
Podcasting & Storytelling
Content Creation
Music Production

Registration Closed Registration closed October 13, 2026 at 12 Midnight. Learn More

Bus attendant with a tablet and a smiling driver at the wheel of a yellow school bus

Ages 18–24 Coming Soon

School Transportation Career Pathway

Bus Attendant training and CDL Class B theory with School Bus (S) & Passenger (P) endorsements. Employment opportunities available upon successful completion & employer qualification.

Attendant Training
CDL Class B w/ S & P
Behind-the-Wheel Access
Career Preparation

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Our Programs

Building Skills.
Inspiring Futures.

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A student framing a shot on a Canon video camera while an instructor coaches him

ActiveFirst Class Oct 13 · 4–6 PM

Create · Communicate · Inspire

Media & Storytelling (PSTV Partnership)

Photography, video, interviewing and editing — youth tell their own stories and see them on screen.

Learn more

Kids playing bucket drums in a line with an instructor guiding them

Inactive

Rhythm · Focus · Confidence

Bucket Drumming

High-energy rhythm sessions that build focus, teamwork and self-expression — no experience needed.

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Young men sewing, sketching designs and fitting a jacket with a mentor

Inactive

Design · Sew · Build · Succeed

Threadz Sewing Program for Young Men

Hands-on sewing and design that turns creativity into real-world skills and entrepreneurship.

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Coming Soon

Train · Prepare · Move Forward

School Transportation Career Pathway

Bus Attendant and CDL Class B (S & P) training for ages 18–24 from an approved ELDT provider.

Learn more

Students building robots and bridge models with a teacher in a STEAM lab

Inactive

Explore · Innovate · Problem-Solve

STEAM Labs

Science, technology, engineering, arts and math through projects that spark curiosity.

Learn more

YEP aviation youth with honored guests at a community event

Yesterday's Junior Aviators

Aviation Legacy

Where it all began — Philadelphia youth earning their wings through YEP's original aviation program.

Our story

A YEP mentor with smiling students in a classroom

A young photographer checking shots on a camera

Who We Are

Elevating Youth Potential Together

Youth Elevation Project launched from a vision sparked in local aviation, where Philadelphia youth first took to the skies to experience learning without limits.

Today YEP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to youth empowerment through creative arts, media, cutting-edge STEAM programming and career pathways. Our roots are grounded in community partnerships across West, Southwest, North and Northeast Philadelphia — where the need for safe, inspiring opportunities continues to grow.

Mentorship and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do, so every young person has positive role models and a supportive place to learn.

Learn Our Mission

Why Youth Elevation Matters

More Than A Program. It's A Movement.

Confidence

Youth grow by taking creative risks and sharing their talents with peers. Friendly mentors help every young person feel seen, valued and ready to try new things.

Skills

Every YEP program builds practical, real-world skills — guiding students toward career paths and opening new opportunities and interests.

Teamwork

Group activities teach young people to solve challenges together, building strong interpersonal skills alongside technical knowledge.

YEP Updates

What's Happening At YEP

All Updates

North Philadelphia

Black History Month 2026

Youth took a photography class and dressed as important Black historical leaders.

Exclusive Interview

YEP Students Interview Coowala Clothing

Our media students sat down with a local entrepreneur and brand founder.

Field Trip

African Cultural Art Forum

Exploring art, history and legacy business on West Philly's 52nd Street.

Throwback Tuesday

Yesterday's Junior Aviators

A blast from the past — today's leaders took flight with YEP.

Watch · Exclusive Interview

YEP Students Interview Coowala Clothing

Our Media & Storytelling students stepped behind the camera and sat down with the founder of Coowala Clothing — asking the questions, running the shoot and telling the story.

Watch on YouTube Subscribe @yep_philly

Recently at YEP

Moments That Matter

B. Coleman Blackwings youth and families celebrating at the airfield

Student filming with a professional camera

Teen holding a basketball during a photo shoot

Black History Month project on Mo'ne Davis

Painting at the African Cultural Art Forum

Thank You to Our Partners & Supporters

Through partnerships, collaborations, resources, mentorship and exposure, our YEP community continues to grow.

Meet Our Partners Become a Sponsor or Partner

Support Youth Today

Help YEP Launch Free Youth Programs

Every positive change begins with a community of supporters — parents, volunteers, mentors and donors who believe in the power of youth. Your gift keeps programs free for Philadelphia families.

Donate Now Become a Partner

YEP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.

Instructor Support
Classroom Setup
Computers
Curriculum & Materials
Training Costs
Meals
Transportation Assistance
Media Equipment

Together, We Elevate

Join Our Uplifting Community

By joining YEP's circle, you help sustain and expand programs that give Philadelphia's young people hands-on learning, mentorship and safe spaces.

Empowering Youth.Elevating Futures.