We Help Individuals Attain
Ownership and Design Their Future.
Providing entrepreneurial education, training, and workshops.
Owning and operating a
business or enterprise
Developing
leadership skills
Exposing youth to
innovation
About Advancing Youth Initiative
The Advancing Youth Initiative (AYI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship (PHCSE) and Dominus High School to help students discover pathways for lifelong success. As the philanthropic arm of PHCSE and Dominus, AYI operates exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, and seeks to provide free and affordable opportunities to families.
Our mission is to support the health, welfare, and educational interests of PHCSE, Dominus, and other organizations that share our educational values. We believe that every student deserves access to quality education and resources, and our work is crucial to ensure that no student is left behind.
By accepting donations and resources, we can help students reach their full potential and discover the pathways for lifelong success. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of students and families throughout the Pittsburgh region.
Join us in our mission to create a better future for our community. With your help, we can provide the necessary support for our students to succeed and thrive.
Organizational Programs and Initiatives
Adult Workshop
Series
The Adult Financial Workshop Series is offered to support parents, families and community stakeholders regarding financial wellness, generational wealth and entrepreneurial development. Workshops are offered on a quarterly basis and industry experts host sessions such as Homeownership, Credit Restoration, Business Taxes, Savings and much more.
Soaring Shark Tank Pitch
Competition for Youth
The Garden of Entrepreneurship
The Garden of Entrepreneurship is a community garden space where students expand their entrepreneurship learning to a real-life scenario. Through a community garden and Farmers market, students rent out garden spaces to neighbors in the surrounding community, and host farmers markets to sell produce grown at the location.
Our Board of Directors
Dr. Lisa Palmieri
(President)
Global Leader for Co-Creation & Human Centered Design Enablement, Kyndryl Vital
Derrick Tillman
(Vice President)
Founder & President, Bridging the Gap Development, LLC
Charles Thomas
(Treasurer)
Retired Engineer, Philips Respironics
Debbie Hickman
(Secretary)
Retired Franchise Owner, Giant Eagle
Joshua Pollak, Esquire
(Legal Counsel)
Attorney at McKENNA SNYDER LLC
Leon Ford
Founder, Leon Ford Speaks
Dr. Wayne Jones
CEO, Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship
Allen Zeolla, AAMS
President & Owner, AZ Financial INC
MANY PATHS FOR GIVING
Whether you are a business looking to support the future success of youth, an alumni wanting to give back, or a citizen who wants to make a difference, the Advancing Youth Initiative is a 501(c)(3) and accepts gifts in many ways.
Helping youth attain ownership and design their future.
Your contribution will benefit our mission by providing real-world experiences for our scholars. AYI seeks to generate sponsorships and donations to support the future growth and sustainability of Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship and Dominus High School. For information about partnership opportunities, visit: https://phcharter.org/partnership-opportunities/.
500
2
SCHOOLS
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE
Advancing Youth Initiative is an approved to receive Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) as an approved Educational Improvement Organization. EITC-EIO contributions support our youth entrepreneurship programs.
We are also approved to receive Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credits to provide need-based tuition scholarships to graduates from Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship and Dominus High School.
Contact:
Dr. Wayne Jones
wayne.jones@phcharter.org
P: 412-793-6471 ext. 238
Corporate Community Partner Impact Opportunities are available. Learn how your corporation can make a difference at Advancing Youth Initiative here.
Many companies or corporations will match employees’ philanthropic contributions. Check with your employer to see if they offer matching gifts. It is as simple as filling out the company’s matching gift form and sending it to us with your gift. For information on corporate support and partnerships please contact Dr. Wayne Jones, at 412-793-6471 ext. 238 or wayne.jones@phcharter.org
If you have a donor advised fund, DAF Direct enables you to recommend grants to Advancing Youth Initiative, directly from your DAF (as long as your DAF’s sponsoring organization is participating).
Mentors offer guidance and support to our youth business owners and employees as they develop and grow their life changing ideas. Being a mentor to our scholars is crucial to helping them succeed in the real world. We encourage entrepreneurs and business leaders to visit our school and share their story and career path as a means to inspire.
If you would like to be a mentor or guest speaker please contact:
Dr. Wayne Jones
wayne.jones@phcharter.org
P: 412-793-6471 ext. 238
You can support Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship by shopping at smile.amazon.com.
When you do your back to school shopping or any shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/27-3920298
Advancing Youth Initiative
7336 Saltsburg Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Phone: 412-793-6471
Email: info@ayifoundation.org
Our Sponsors
Get connected
- 7336 Saltsburg Road, Pittsburgh PA 15235
- info@ayifoundation.org
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An outstanding education.
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