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Our Journey of Empowerment

The Sky Was Never The Limit.

The Youth Elevation Project is a nonprofit organization with one goal: to empower young people to elevate themselves to success.

Our Story

From the Runway to the Future

YEP's story begins in 2010, when a youth aviation program founded by Kawana Shaw gave Philadelphia youth the chance to work toward their private pilot licenses at Spitfire Aerodrome.

That program ran for two years, making a lasting impact on its students and paving the way for what YEP is today. In 2025, Kawana revived the Youth Elevation Project with a bigger vision — more programs that help young people build real-world skills and discover new careers.

Every day we build on that foundation with creative, hands-on programs in local community spaces — from media and storytelling to school transportation careers.

2010
Taking Flight
Youth aviation program launches at Spitfire Aerodrome with the B. Coleman Blackwings Aéronautique Club — honoring Bessie Coleman and William J. Powell.
2012
In the Spotlight
YEP is featured on Philadelphia's WPVI 6abc news. Yesterday's junior aviators, tomorrow's leaders.
2025
YEP Returns
Kawana Shaw revives YEP as a 501(c)(3), expanding into creative arts, media, STEAM and mentorship.
2026
New Pathways
Media & Digital Storytelling (ages 11–17) with PSTV, and a School Transportation Career Pathway (ages 18–24) as an approved ELDT provider.

Meet Our Founder

Kawana Shaw

Founder & Chief Executive Operator

Kawana Shaw founded YEP with a simple belief: when young people are given real opportunities, mentors who care and a safe place to learn, they rise. What began with teenagers in the cockpit has grown into a movement that opens doors across Philadelphia.

Under her leadership, YEP partners with schools, community organizations and employers to create pathways to education, creative careers and good jobs.

We say YEP to the future!

Sign reading Umoja – Unity, Kujichagulia – Self Determination, Ujima – Collective Work and Responsibility

Hoodie printed with portraits of Black leaders

Our Mission

Opening Doors. Building Futures.

YEP opens doors for youth across Philadelphia, especially those in under-resourced neighborhoods, helping them discover confidence through digital media, the arts, sewing and design, STEAM and career training.

Mentorship and collaboration are at the heart of what we do, ensuring every young person has access to positive role models and supportive learning spaces. Through innovation and inclusion, YEP creates pathways for educational success, future careers and lifelong skills.

Free, hands-on programs in local community spaces
Caring mentors who support every student
Real-world skills that lead to real careers
Rooted in West, Southwest, North & Northeast Philadelphia

See Our Programs

What We Build

Create. Learn. Grow. Belong.

Confidence

Youth take creative risks and share their talents in front of peers, with mentors who make them feel seen and valued.

Skills

Practical, real-world training that helps students choose a career path and opens new interests.

Teamwork

Group projects teach young people to solve challenges together and build strong interpersonal skills.

WPVI 6abc · March 17, 2012

In The News

YEP On Channel 6

In March 2012, YEP was featured on Philadelphia's WPVI 6abc news. Watch the clip from the early days of our story.

Today, that same spirit powers every YEP program — from our students interviewing local business owners to youth building careers behind the wheel.

Explore the Gallery

Aviation History

Black Wings Take Flight

Our first program honored pioneers like Bessie Coleman — the first licensed Black pilot in the U.S. — and aviation visionary William J. Powell.

Throwback Tuesday: YEP Aviation History flyer

B. Coleman Blackwings Aéronautique Club pilot training flyer

Blackwings youth and families celebrating at the airfield

Together, We Empower Youth

Be Part of the Next Chapter

Volunteer, mentor, partner or give — every contribution helps a young Philadelphian rise.

Join Us Donate

The Sky Was Never The Limit.

From the Runway to the Future

Taking Flight

In the Spotlight

YEP Returns

New Pathways