Our Members

Each year, AYD works with an average of 40 to 50 middle-school and high-school boys. We consider them members, a term that underscores our long-term commitment to their success. Nearly 85% of them remain with AYD for five or more years, through high school graduation. More than three-fourths of our alumni remain connected to AYD as staff members, volunteers, board members and donors.

Most new AYD members are referred by their schools during sixth or seventh grade because they've been identified as "high risk" for falling behind and eventually dropping out. Their academic vulnerability is compounded by a number of other factors placing them at risk for juvenile delinquency -- single-parent homes, low-income households, residence in high-crime neighborhoods, siblings or relatives with a history of delinquency.

Our Neighborhoods

While almost every North Side neighborhood is represented on AYD's membership roster, we are particularly focused on serving boys and young men in the northern-most neighborhoods of Marshall-Shadeland and Brighton Heights. Our offices are located on Shadeland Avenue in Marshall-Shadeland, and programs are held at New Hope Church and Pittsburgh Rooney 6-8 middle school.