The Blueprint InitiativeNavigating today.
Building tomorrow.
The Blueprint Initiative helps young people in Pittsburgh build the literacy, confidence, and readiness to reach college, trade school, and meaningful careers.
We prepare young people for what comes next.
The Blueprint Initiative is a Pittsburgh nonprofit providing education enrichment, support services, and college and trade-school readiness — meeting students where they are and walking with them toward their goals.
Education enrichment
Literacy, learning, and identity-building experiences that help students grow beyond the classroom.
College & career readiness
Hands-on guidance through applications, financial aid, trades, resumes, and interviews.
Support services
Mentorship and wraparound support that keep students moving forward through obstacles.
Opportunity shouldn't depend on a ZIP code.
We serve students in under-resourced Pittsburgh communities — young people whose talent is real but whose access to enrichment, mentorship, and a clear path forward is limited by circumstance.
When students lose ground over the summer or leave high school without a plan, the gap follows them for years. We work to close it early, so every young person can navigate today and build the future they choose.
Half of Pennsylvania students grades 3–8 read at grade level.
In 2024–25, just 49.9% of Pennsylvania students scored proficient in reading on the state PSSA exams — and the gap is widest for students who are economically disadvantaged, the very young people we serve.
Source: PA Department of Education, 2024–25 PSSA results
Built by people who know this work.
The Blueprint Initiative was founded in Pittsburgh to widen the path to college and career for students who are too often overlooked. Our founding team and board bring direct experience in education, law, counseling, and workforce development — and a shared belief that with the right support, every young person can build something lasting.
To prepare and empower young people in Pittsburgh for college, trade school, and career success through enrichment, support, and readiness.
A Pittsburgh where every student — regardless of ZIP code — has the tools, mentorship, and opportunity to build the future they choose.
Equity
Giving each student what they actually need to succeed.
Empowerment
Helping young people own their goals and their voice.
Excellence
A high bar for our students and ourselves.
Resilience
Habits and support to keep going through setbacks.
Opportunity
Opening doors that felt out of reach.
Purpose
Connecting today's effort to tomorrow's future.
Programs built in phases.
From a summer that builds the foundation to the readiness work that opens doors after graduation.
CDF Freedom School
A free, six-week summer program built on the nationally recognized Children's Defense Fund model. Scholars read culturally affirming books, are mentored by trained Servant Leader Interns, and are fed and supported — at no cost to their families.
College & Career Readiness
Hands-on support for high school students navigating what comes next — college and trade-school planning, applications and financial aid, resumes, and interview preparation.
There's a way for everyone to help.
Give, lend your time, partner as a business, or simply spread the word. Every bit moves a young person forward.
Become a sustainer
Reliable support that lets us plan year-round.
Sponsor a scholar's place
Covers one child's Freedom School program fee.
Fund a child's summer
A scholar's entire six weeks — books, meals, staff.
A board built for this work.
Founding leadership spanning education, law, counseling, and workforce development.
Ty-Juan Salley
Tyree M. Sloan
Cydney Haines
Kayla Edwards-Scott
Christina Kenney
Kufere Laing
Help a young person build tomorrow.
Your support puts books, mentors, and opportunity in the hands of a student who's counting on it.