Philadelphia Youth Basketball

"Ameen Akbar wants the future generations to reap the benefits of the new building. 'I’m 46 years old,' Akbar said. 'I envision myself at 96 sitting under that rim, and having somebody say ‘I think [that] oldhead used to work here.’ That would’ve meant that we’ve been running quality programming for young people and communities for five decades.'"

-----

Check out our latest news article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, written by Rymir Vaughn and Ryan Mack, which captures the essence of our mission and the incredible journey we have undertaken together!

Read it at https://www.inquirer.com/high-school-sports/philadelphia-youth-baskletball-renovated-alan-horwitz-sixth-man-center-community-20240614.html!

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this article possible, and more importantly, to the numerous staff members, board and committee members, philanthropic supporters, elected officials, volunteers, and young people who have turned our shared aspiration into a remarkable reality.

It's not too late to help us hashtag ! Visit https://lnkd.in/eZV4ixji to make a gift and join the PYB mission!

It seems like just yesterday we were hosting the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center! Thank you to everyone who joined us on this monumental night and all who have supported PYB in making our dream a reality.

This June, we need YOUR HELP to close our capital campaign! We are so close, and your gift, no matter big or small, can help bring us across the finish line. Visit https://give.phillyyouthbasketball.org/give/584619/ #!/donation/checkout?eg=true to make a donation, today. Throughout the month, we'll be sharing milestones along the way to creating an amazing and transformational facility.

The journey has been long and the work hard, but, we are one step closer to creating the conditions to inspire transformation in the lives of thousands of young people in our city and future generations to come!

A HUGE thank you to our speakers!
PYB Coach-Mentor Darren White-Green
Legendary 76ers Play-by-Play Announcer Marc Zumoff
PYB Coach-Mentor Jaryn Garner
HoopHers Participant Jordan Crawford
NBA Legend and Coach Doug Collins
Pennsylvania Senator Vincent Hughes
CEO of Pride Enterprises Craig Williams
PYB Board Member Coach Bill Ellerbee
Pennsylvania Congressman Dwight Evans
PYB CEO & Co-founder Kenny Holdsman

💫 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙁𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙩 💫

David and Hallee Adelman, passionate supporters of PYB, believe in our mission to empower our city’s deserving young people. This court stands as a testament to their dedication and vision. Together, we are fostering community, building character, and creating opportunities for the next generation. Thank you, David and Hallee, for your unwavering support!

Tuesday marked a milestone celebration as we near the completion of the Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center, Powered & Operated by PYB!

Enormous gratitude to Craig Williams and Pride Enterprises, Inc. for their outstanding leadership, our dedicated architects at Voith & Mactavish Architects LLP, and D3 Development for their unwavering support, and our immensely talented group of contractors and skilled workers who helped bring this project to fruition. Together, we’ve transformed 100,000 sq.ft. into a vibrant second home for thousands of youth and families.

Join us in the final stretch by contributing https://phillyyouthbasketball.org or contact us for a tour. Every bit helps as we prepare to open our doors and breathe life into this incredible space!

Being able to give back to the Mifflin School and community? Priceless. 🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️

This past Monday we gave out pretzels and water ice to students and faculty, and gave out flyers about our upcoming summer programming! Visit the link in our bio if you would like to register. 🫶💫

Congratulations are in order! Yesterday Coach Kendreaus Adams-Johnson was Love & Light Honoree for his dedication to young people, contributions, and exceptional efforts.

The United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania embarked on the Love & Light Tour to spotlight remarkable individuals and organizations that exemplify love, light, and upliftment in our community. Thank you for recognizing Coach Kay and all the work he does.

Remember the shoes our young people created? Well - we made some commercials too. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3VNheVNDow to check them out!

Thank you to everyone involved in creating this magnificent experience for our young people. If you want to purchase your own pair of these shoes, designed directly by our young people, please visit https://lnkd.in/eXH8tcCN.

PYB Young People Recreate Popular Commercials! 🚨 WARNING! DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! 🚨 your pair of PYB Hooper 1’s at https://www.nike.com/u/custom-sabrina-1-by-you-10001594/3480081163?m...

WE'RE HIRING! Visit https://www.phillyyouthbasketball.org/jobopportunities to see all of our current career opportunities. If you're ready to embark on a rewarding journey and be part of something bigger than yourself, we want to hear from you! Together, let's build a brighter future for our youth and communities.

Benefits of joining our team:
🔸 Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
🔸 Professional development and growth opportunities.
🔸 A supportive and inclusive work culture.
🔸 Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and organizations.
🔸 Amazing work-life balance
AND MANY MORE!

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS! Register at https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/425416.

Join us on Saturday, May 4th, for a with our partners at Deloitte! This is a perfect opportunity for high schoolers to qualify to earn a paid internship through our program at this Summer.

Introducing… the PYB Hooper 1 - our organization’s first signature shoe!

This past February, our student-athletes gained valuable insights into the sneaker industry and its history during our off-court program. They discovered how meticulous companies like (Nike) and (adidas) are in crafting signature sneakers - from athlete marketing to inspired designs. After designing their shoes based on the PYB core values, a select group of young people collaborated with partner Nick Smith to create the using the platform. This week, we proudly distributed the new sneakers to these exceptional young individuals!

Thank you to everyone involved in creating this magnificent experience for our young people. If you would like to purchase your pair of these shoes, designed directly by our young people, please visit https://lnkd.in/eXH8tcCN!

As we move into the Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center, we're seeking enthusiastic individuals who share our vision and are eager to contribute their skills and talents! Visit https://www.phillyyouthbasketball.org/jobopportunities and apply today.

We're look to hire:
> Director of Events
> Culture Keeper (Full-Time)
> Culture Keeper (Part Time)
> Housekeeping Attendant
> Maintenance Engineer
> Manager of Administration
> Organizational Operations Coordinator
> Director of Skilled Building Trades
> Junior Coach - Peer Mentor
> Program Manager - Financial Empowerment

We're looking for:
🔹 Passionate individuals who are committed to our mission of empowering youth and communities.
🔹 Team players who thrive in collaborative environments and value diversity.
🔹 Creativity and innovative thinking to drive our programs forward.
🔹 Strong communication skills and the ability to connect with youth and stakeholders.

Benefits of joining our team:
🔸 Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
🔸 Professional development and growth opportunities.
🔸 A supportive and inclusive work culture.
🔸 Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and organizations.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES | PYB Interested in becoming a part of the team at Philadelphia Youth Basketball? If you would like to contribute to a mission-driven organization and have a passion for sports-based youth development, we would like to learn more about you! 

What a great night! Yesterday we hosted our ‘Cocktails & Conversations for Young Professionals’ Event. Together with PYB Board Member Samuel Silvers and his wife/PYB advocate Denise Silvers, we gathered over 50 young professionals of various sectors and backgrounds to create a dynamic and inclusive forum for dialogue, learning, and action!

After an hour of mingling and collaboration, our CEO & Co-founder Kenny Holdsman was interviewed by our Marketing & Communications Manager Nahijee Cross, and our Measurement & Evaluation Manager Samantha Heliodoro about PYB’s history, evolution, and mission, but also actionable ways for young professionals to get actively involved in philanthropy, community engagement, and nonprofit organizations.

Thank you to everyone who joined and we hope you had a blast! We are grateful to be able to ‘walk the walk’ about our belief in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Join us as we embark on an exciting new chapter! This summer, we proudly open the doors of our new home to families, marking a milestone we’ve eagerly awaited.

Experience the same beloved camp you know and love, now housed in the heart of the Nicetown neighborhood in North Philadelphia. The Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center, spanning an impressive 100,000 square feet, boasts world-class facilities and is a cherished second home for countless young individuals. More than that, it is a vital resource for our entire community.

Don’t miss out on a summer with fun and growth at the Center. Secure your spot today and visit https://www.phillyyouthbasketball.org/programoverview for all of our offerings!

PROGRAM OVERVIEW | PYB As we embark on a new chapter in our journey at PYB, we are excited to introduce our evolving PYB Academy Model—a comprehensive and holistic approach to youth development. This model represents our commitment to providing young people with a multifaceted enrichment experience that goes far beyond ...

What a day! A few of our young people from the St. Malachy School joined PYB VP of Program Operations & Impact Randy Butler, Middle Years Program Coordinator Katikka Harris, and Coach-Mentor Hope Norman to greet Vice President Kamala Harris at the Philadelphia Airport today!

Creating exposure experiences and providing opportunities like this for our young people is what it is all about! We are showing them that the sky is the limit when it comes to accomplishing their dreams and being their very best selves 🫶

Thank you to U.S. Senator Bob Casey, a long-time PYB supporter, for the invitation today to spend a moment with Vice President Harris.

It was great showing our good friend Ryan Boyer around the Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center! Ryan Boyer is the Business Manager for the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council), the Board Chair of Cheney University, and co-chair of The Philadelphia Equity Alliance.

PYB and our General Contractor Pride Enterprises, under the leadership of Craig Williams, are working hard to finish construction to open our doors this summer! We are proud of the many subcontractors and their skilled trades workforce which the Building Trades Council represents.

It's not too late for you to help us finish building our facility! Make sure you reach out to us if you would like to purchase a commemorative brick, give a gift, or help spread the word.

Purchase your brick! Only four days remain to have your inscribed brick included at the Sixth Man Center when we open our doors to the community this summer!

Don't miss out on an opportunity to engrave your message forever and cement your legacy! Join over 500 other PYB supporters and motivate generations of young people, families, and community members as they walk in. Visit https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/phillyyouthbasketball to make your purchase, TODAY!

We're looking for business partners! Is your organization available to host and mentor a high school intern for 10 weeks at no cost? Our Work-Based Learning program is looking for community partners to participate in a collaborative effort to provide hands-on work experience to young people!

As a valued partner in our commitment to providing enriching opportunities for young individuals, you'll be showing our city's young people the possible career fields they would be able to enter.

What's in it for you?
• We'll pay them for working with you
• You get to mentor the next generation in your field
• You help contribute to a thriving community
• Become a part of the PYB ecosystem!

If you are interested, please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSew6k2i2UKLK3ldWw1EYYKX_36y-H8EMSTdWIuP8x4NN4752A/viewform

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

PYB Work-Based Learning Partnership As a valued partner in our commitment to providing enriching opportunities for young individuals, we are reaching out to gather essential information to enhance our collaborative efforts in the work-based learning program. Your input is crucial in categorizing your organization appropriately and ens...

As we move into the Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center, we're seeking enthusiastic individuals who share our vision and are eager to contribute their skills and talents! Visit https://www.phillyyouthbasketball.org/jobopportunities and apply today.

We're looking for:
🔹 Passionate individuals who are committed to our mission of empowering youth and communities.
🔹 Team players who thrive in collaborative environments and value diversity.
🔹 Creativity and innovative thinking to drive our programs forward.
🔹 Strong communication skills and the ability to connect with youth and stakeholders.

Benefits of joining our team:
🔸 Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
🔸 Professional development and growth opportunities.
🔸 A supportive and inclusive work culture.
🔸 Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and organizations.

HOOPHERS - OUR PROGRAM MADE BY YOUNG WOMEN, FOR YOUNG WOMEN.

We founded HoopHers because we believe in physical activity's transformative impact and the strength of female solidarity. In a world where girls often face barriers to participation and self-expression, HoopHers offers a dynamic solution—a space that's exclusively theirs, where they can embrace their athleticism and harness their potential for leadership and empowerment.

At HoopHers, we understand the profound importance of providing girls with opportunities to engage in sports and fitness and find themselves, on their terms. Physical activity isn't just about staying fit; it's about building confidence, fostering teamwork, and nurturing resilience. By creating a supportive environment tailored specifically for young women, we're breaking down stereotypes and empowering the next generation to embrace their strengths and pursue their passions without limitations.

Our recent was a testament to the incredible energy and spirit of HoopHers. Join us in our mission to inspire change, one girl at a time, and together, let's show the world what young women can achieve when they're given the space to thrive!

NEW JOB ALERT! We are looking to hire a Director of Skilled Building Trades! Make sure you visit https://philadelphiayouthbasketball.bamboohr.com/careers/46 to learn all about the position and apply.

Soon, we will develop a Generator of Workforce Development & Economic Opportunity. The Generator will include a skilled building trades academy for the construction industry; an entrepreneurship accelerator for high-potential startup enterprises, a community health center, and more. The Generator will drive community impact while providing meaningful career development opportunities for young people and adults ages 18 through 26.

This position will work heavily to begin a range of “on-ramping” work, including the creation of pilot “pre-apprenticeship” programming for young adults ages 18 through 26, with an emphasis on serving African-American young men as well as young women - two populations which have been historically underrepresented in the skilled trades of the construction industry.

Congratulations to the Red Raiders and Coach Matt Langel for winning the Patriot League Tournament! This is actually the 4th consecutive year Colgate has won the tournament to go to the !

Did you know Colgate Alumni and Coach Langel’s father John Langel has served as our founding board chairman for almost 9 years?!

🌟 Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the world? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where creativity and innovation are valued? If so, we want YOU to join ! 🌟

We are currently looking to hire a Program Manager of our Early Years Programs and a Program Manager for our Financial Empowerment Program. Make sure you visit https://www.phillyyouthbasketball.org/jobopportunities to apply today!

As we move into the Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center, we're seeking enthusiastic individuals who share our vision and are eager to contribute their skills and talents.

We're looking for:
🔹 Passionate individuals who are committed to our mission of empowering youth and communities.
🔹 Team players who thrive in collaborative environments and value diversity.
🔹 Creativity and innovative thinking to drive our programs forward.
🔹 Strong communication skills and the ability to connect with youth and stakeholders.

Benefits of joining our team:
🔸 Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
🔸 Professional development and growth opportunities.
🔸 A supportive and inclusive work culture.
🔸 Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and organizations.

If you're ready to embark on a rewarding journey and be part of something bigger than yourself, we want to hear from you! Together, let's build a brighter future for our youth and communities.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES | PYB Website Interested in becoming a part of the team at Philadelphia Youth Basketball? If you would like to contribute to a mission-driven organization and have a passion for sports-based youth development, we would like to learn more about you! 

Join us in welcoming our newest PYB team members! We cannot wait to see their imprint on our programming and operations as we move into the "Sixth Man" Center!

Roy Butler - Director of Operations
Phalea Colvin - Safety and Security Manager
James Angaza "AJ" Thompson - Accounting Coordinator
Simonne J. - Program Operations Coordinator

Want to join the PYB staff team? We are hiring! Make sure you visit https://www.phillyyouthbasketball.org/jobopportunities.

Today’s and we’re ready to celebrate!

Rooted in all of our programming and measurement collection, Social and Emotional Learning ( ) is proven to have a positive impact on students’ academic outcomes, healthy relationships, sense of belonging, and mental well-being. Check out the carousel to learn more about our Social and Emotional Learning practices and our impact on young people.

This past Wednesday we hosted our culminating Black History Month event at Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery in Germantown!

This event was a community conversation that builds on and explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.

With our moderator Andrea Lawful-Sanders of WURD Radio, participants learned from panelists: Aizhaneya Carter, MFA, a Visual and Performance Artist, Moneek Pines of Artrageous Studios, Nina E. Ball aka "Lyrispect" of AAMP, and Steven Taylor of Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery. We also had a live painting made by Mikal Gibson, aka 'The Art Bully'.

This event amplified our commitment to racial equity and will provide a platform for African Americans involved in the Arts throughout the city of Philadelphia to share their stories and connect with our community. We hope everyone enjoyed!

In celebration of Black History Month, the People Power team created the Planning Committee. Over the month, our committee curated a series of activities for the PYB ecosystem to participate in throughout February.

Events and activities included cultural workshops, panel discussions/speaker series, film screenings, supporting black-owned businesses, trips to a local museum featuring Black history or art, service-oriented projects, discussion forums, storytelling sessions, and others.

Thank you to the committee for bringing this vision to life and helping us honor the spirit of Black History Month!

"What was once a factory in Philadelphia's Hunting Park neighborhood will soon be a 100,000 square foot youth and community empowerment center."

Check out our full feature on 6ABC at https://ow.ly/exNV50Qx2Zf!

Former factory transforming into community resource hub powered by Philadelphia Youth Basketball Action News got a first look at the courts and classrooms still under construction. The space will serve hundreds in the community.

Who's excited for our doors to open?!

Huge thank you to the Presenting Sponsors of the Opening Night Gala - Jeff & Tracy Brown and the NFI Family! Your support means the world to us. NFI Industries 🫶🤍

Saleem is ! If you would like to sign up a young male for our I Am Because We Are program, please visit https://ow.ly/moY350Qx2PJ.

I Am Because We Are (IABWA) is an anti-violence mentorship program that develops young men in their teenage years into the next generation of leaders, Deeply rooted in the African philosophy of "ubuntu" in which our sense of self is shaped by our relationships with others, we combine off court, social-emotional, identity development curriculum with on-court skill building and gameplay.