What We Do

Our Philosophy

Career and skill-focused programming begins in pre-kindergarten and continues throughout a student’s academic journey. Today, P4K serves more than 3,000 students, pre-kindergarten through postsecondary, growing up in underserved neighborhoods. At no cost to students or their families, P4K helps youth develop hope and trust, both of which are critical to a young person’s ability to plan for the future.

P4K transcends a family environment filled with passion, and our program really works.

Joanne Poppleton, Elementary & Middle School Program Director

Literacy & Goal Setting

The Literacy Program promotes reading and regular school attendance among early learners, grades pre-K through 4th, with increased access to age-appropriate books and exposure to strong reading practices.

The Goal-Setting Program uses a small group mentoring model to engage 5th and 6th grade students in developing future-focused mindsets. Goal Buddies help their group of students practice goal setting and encourage students to begin exploring postsecondary and career possibilities.

College & Career Readiness

The P4K College & Career Readiness Program builds upon itself beginning in middle school and continuing throughout high school. We use a small group mentoring model to engage students in goal setting, career opportunities, healthy relationships, financial vitality, and postsecondary opportunities that reinforce learning objectives.

An application process is used to narrow the scope of service as students enter middle school. Critical factors for selection are: qualifying for free or reduced lunch, demonstrating academic potential, engaging in risky behaviors, and being recommended by school personnel.

My whole objective was to find out how we could change lives and how we could motivate them.

Michael B. Yanney, Co-Founder

Postsecondary & Workforce Development

Our programming plays a crucial role in preparing students for the ever-evolving demands of the professional world. Through specialized programs, internships, and professional connections, we aim to bridge the gap between academia and the workforce.

In collaboration with community partners, we host career-themed sessions for students and their family members. Career themes include the trades, STEM, healthcare, and high-demand jobs in the metro area. Students and their families explore postsecondary and career pathways and polish their job-readiness skills.

Family Engagement

To promote further engagement opportunities for families, P4K coordinates events designed to promote career exploration, postsecondary access, and life skill development. In collaboration with community partners, we host career-themed sessions for students and their family members.

Tutoring Program

P4K provides a tutoring program for participating middle school, high school, and postsecondary students. Program Coordinators identify students in need of additional academic support and connect them with a tutor. In ratios of 4-to-1, qualified tutors will lead 1-hour sessions designed to help students achieve academic success.

Service Learning

P4K’s service learning curriculum helps students understand the connection between curriculum and service; inspires them to become actively engaged in meaningful service activities; and collaborates with other local organizations in a way that is mutually beneficial.

Summer Enrichment

We want to keep our students engaged all year long. By providing summer workshops and field trips in the areas of art, science, literature, social service, and healthy living, it is our hope that students will be motivated to take what they learn and apply it in their classroom studies and everyday lives.