The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania

07/14/2026

Congratulations to our very own, Sophia Duck, Training & Engagement Manager, on being named a recipient of the inaugural You Belong Here Award from MENTOR!

We are incredibly proud to have Sophia on our team. Her hard work, dedication, and leadership inspire those around her every day. She leads by example with professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to excellence, making a positive impact on both our team and the people we serve.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Sophia!

Research shows that young people who feel a sense of belonging are more likely to thrive. That kind of impact starts with intentional leadership.

Congratulations to Sophia Duck, Training & Engagement Manager at The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania, recipient of MENTOR's inaugural You Belong Here Award.

As a founding member and longtime chair of the Committee on Racial Equity (CORE), Sophia has helped shape initiatives that strengthen belonging across our Affiliate Network, from developing racial equity onboarding resources to organizing Network-wide learning opportunities and guiding CORE through periods of transition.

Thank you, Sophia, for your steady leadership and unwavering commitment to creating a Network where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute.

05/01/2026

Congratulations to DeAnna Perez Hall, winner of the Week 7 Jerome Bettis Leadership Award! DeAnna is an outstanding student-athlete at Obama Academy, known for her leadership, work ethic, and positivity. A corner/DB and four-year program leader, she sets the tone by showing up early, stepping up first, and encouraging her teammates every step of the way. She is a 4.4 GPA student, Big 33 Flag Football selectee, and founding member of Latinos Unidos, DeAnna leads with excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in her community.

04/27/2026

Congratulations to Viyhshaela Macon, winner of the Week 6 Jerome Bettis Leadership Award! Viyhshaela is an outstanding student-athlete at Sto-Rox, known for her leadership, consistency, and team-first mindset. A RB/DB who leads with positivity and confidence, she supports her teammates and creates an inclusive environment on and off the field.

04/24/2026

THE PICK IS IN! What a moment for and for youth leadership. As the Steelers announced their first-round Draft pick, several Jerome Bettis Leadership Award Honorees joined Jerome Bettis and Roger Goodell on stage for a national spotlight moment celebrating the next generation of leaders.

The NFL Draft is about changing futures — and we’re seeing that unfold in Pittsburgh this week. While players and teams shape the future of the game, young people in our communities are shaping the future through service, leadership, and support of others.

Now in Season 4, the Jerome Bettis Leadership Award recognizes outstanding boys HS football and girls HS flag football student-athletes who are making a difference in their schools and communities.

We’re proud to celebrate these remarkable young leaders and all they are doing to create stronger futures for others. Congratulations to our Honorees — and welcome to Pittsburgh, Max Iheanachor!
Pittsburgh Steelers

04/24/2026

CALLING ALL MENTORING PROGRAMS/YOUTH-SERVING ORGS!
Over the next three weeks, is conducting a survey of those who work in youth mentoring to gather their perspectives on the uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the work of running a mentoring program and supporting young people. We’d love to hear from you about this important topic! Click the link below to share your thoughts in a brief, 5-minute survey.

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8765970/AI-in-Youth-Mentoring

04/23/2026

What an incredible week for Pittsburgh! Last night’s Taste of the NFL Draft event was a great celebration of everything that makes our region special — community, culture, great food, and a deep love of football. As Pittsburgh hosts the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s exciting to see our city taking center stage on a national platform.

Even more inspiring was the event’s support of GENYOUth , an organization helping schools across the country expand student access to nutrition and physical activity.

Moments like these remind us what’s possible when communities come together to invest in young people and create opportunities for the next generation. Happy Draft Week and Here We Goooooo!
Office of the Allegheny County Executive . Emily Kinkead

04/20/2026

Meet our 5th 2026 Girls Flag Jerome Bettis Leadership Award Winner: Kendall Lee! She is an outstanding student-athlete who leads with confidence, positivity, and determination. She uplifts teammates, celebrates others, and brings energy on and off the field. Congrats Kendall!

04/10/2026

Congratulations to Alaina Cafardi, winner of the Week 4 Jerome Bettis Leadership Award! Alaina is an exceptional leader at Pine-Richland High School and a driving force behind the school’s inaugural Girls Flag Football program. She is consistently supportive of her peers, encouraging others and celebrating their success. Alaina leads with empathy, confidence, and positivity. Congrats Alaina!

04/03/2026

Meet our 3rd 2026 Girls Flag Jerome Bettis Leadership Award Winner: Simone Sharpless! Simone is a star on the field for ,in the classroom and in the community, truly leading by example and through her unselfish, humble nature. She was a huge part in getting girls flag football started at North Catholic, now the second largest girls sport at the school.

03/31/2026

Strong developmental relationships are among the most powerful drivers of student success. Join us for this 1-hour virtual info session for an introduction to our consultative framework for strengthening belonging, mentoring systems, and student outcomes! Register at the link below.
https://www.mentoringpittsburgh.org/news_posts/school-services-info-session