Eric McIntosh is on an urban mission to enrich the lives of Wilkinsburg teen­agers through the creative and performing arts.

As the new executive director of Neighborhood Youth Outreach Program in Wilkinsburg, McIntosh,44, will be able to retool the after-school program to do just that.

FUTURE ARTIST—Eric McIntosh looks on as students create their works of art. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

“There’s a lot of violence happening in Wilkinsburg, but there are a lot of services out there for youth. There’s still a chasm and we want to bridge that and give them good choices to keep them moving forward,” McIntosh said.

“I was asked to be the executive director to give the after school program more substance. It’s been in existence for 16 years and I am working to strengthen the staff and working to expose the kids to as much art as we can,” McIntosh said.

Two years ago, LaWrene Robinson saw changes in her son Steven’s performance at school she didn’t like. So she pulled him out of the Steel Valley School District and enrolled him in the 4th grade at the Propel Charter School in Homestead. And the changes she’s seen since, she likes.

“I moved him because he was having behavioral issue and his grades were suffering. They went from As to Cs,” she said. “Here, he’s rebounded. He’s getting all As again, and he’s having fun.”

WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE—Propel Homestead Principal Bob Bischoff chats with kindergarten students on their way to lunch. (Photos by J. L. Martello)

Neighborhood YMCAs across Pittsburgh celebrated after school programs on national “Lights On Afterschool Day”

More than 1200 kids in the afterschool programs at local Y’s, parents, teachers, and diverse community leaders, including Jake Wheatley of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and representatives of The Hill House, Wireless Neighborhoods and Pittsburgh Public Schools.

YOUNG SUPPORTERS—Kids of many different grades and ages were in attendance to show their support for the programs. (Photos by J.L. Martello).

Members of the State House and Senate and Gov. Edward G. Rendell proclaimed Oct. 21, “Lights On Afterschool Day.” Ys across the city held open house events to celebrate the importance of afterschool programs and to raise awareness about funding shortfalls.

Ward Home helps teen­agers make the transition from the social services system to self-sufficient adult life.

Twenty-two foster teens—14 of whom are African-Americans, participate in “life skills training” programs operated by Ward Home, founded in 1905.

Nationally, only 50 percent of foster teens finish high school. However, this year, all 22 high school seniors in Ward Home programs graduated.

Better yet…21 are starting college in the fall, and the remaining teen will begin a career in the U.S. Army Special Operations.