Program Model

Since 1994, Allegheny Youth Development has produced excellent results in improving the academic performance and personal development of highly at-risk boys. In addition to outcomes derived from tutoring and cognitive skills development classes, AYD has been especially effective in leveraging “hard,” measurable results from the “soft” techniques of mentoring and relationship-building in a fraternal atmosphere rooted in Christian philosophy. Key to our success has been retention of these boys as they grow older, so that as they enter high school they become peer mentors to middle-school members; many return after graduation as volunteers, staff, board members and donors.

AYD builds strong relationships between our staff and members, typically lasting six or seven years, and averaging 15 hours each week.  This group mentoring approach delivers results in four core areas:

• Academic assistance rescues failing grades through homework help and student advocacy, and improves student proficiency through standards-based tutoring.  Services are delivered after school at Pittsburgh Public School sites.
• Self-control development decreases student behavior referrals and improves classroom performance by using a research-based curriculum developed by AYD to teach specific problem-solving, self regulation and self-mastery skills in a high-energy, systematic and fun group setting.
• Sports, recreation and social activities teach and reinforce the practical application of self-regulatory skills. 
• Christian education courses, offered optionally at AYD’s New Hope Church site on Shadeland Ave., are for members seeking a more serious understanding of the Bible and Christ’s message of hope and redemption.

Special focus:  The Self-Control Project at AYD

This innovative program, developed by AYD and cognitive-behavioral partner David O. Saénz, Ph.D., Ed.M., LLC, combines cognitive and behavioral skills training with practical application and reinforcement to dramatically boost school performance and behavior.  Read more…

Special focus:  AYD Judo

What if a group of inner-city boys learned the Olympic sport of judo, practiced it to the point of proficiency – even excellence – and, most important, applied the self-control concepts of this martial art to their daily lives?  The answer is right here in AYD’s popular Judo Program.

Program Goals

Year to year, AYD’s focus is for our members to:

• improve grades and advance in grade level
• develop behavioral skills that contribute to their academic success
• reduce violent and problem behaviors

Our long-range goal is for AYD members to graduate from high school on time, with the grades and school attendance they need to qualify for the Pittsburgh Promise.