Mission: Our mission is to help the boys and girls of Western Pennsylvania develop into responsible young adults through positive developmental training, including educational programming, athletic competition, social and cultural activities and exchanges and academic support services. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of the youth we serve and to enhance and enrich the quality of their lives.

History: Ozanam grew out of a historically well-known basketball program for children 8 to 18 years of age which was formerly sponsored by the YES, Inc. and previously the Ozanam Cultural Center. Many of these children remained in the program until they ultimately graduated from high school. As a close, long-term relationship developed with the coaches, it was realized that this nurturing environment provided opportunities that extended far beyond basketball. The coaches became involved in the children's lives as mentors and provided assistance to make sure the children could eventually receive college scholarships. This group of young basketball players developed into disciplined, respectful young men who took school seriously and received college scholarships. Many emerged as some of the city's elite student athletes. The program became known as the "Future Stars."

Our Programs

Program Design: Ozanam programming can be broken into three areas: basketball leagues, skills development camps and education/mentoring.

Summer League & Development Program

Boys and Girls ages 12, 14 and High School will participate in this 8 week program. Teams will play twice a week at Mellon Park in Shadyside. All teams make the playoffs with 1st & 2nd place teams receiving awards.
( June - July)

Fall Development Program

Boys and Girls ages 12 and under participate in a 6 week program. The program focuses on skill development, health, nutrition and safety along with league competition. Awards for Sportsmanship, Most Improved & Academic Success are present at the conclusion of the program.

(September - October)

Winter League & Development Program(November- February)

AAU League takes place during this period. Boys ages 12 and under compete in this highly competitive league. This program is for team competition only.

Boys and Girls ages 12 and under participate in a 6 week developmental program. The program focuses on skill development, health, nutrition and safety along with league competition. Awards for Sportsmanship, Most Improved & Academic Success are present at the conclusion of the program.

Spring Development Program(March - April)

Western Pennsylvania AAU and Citiparks are co-sponsors of the Ozanam Basketball Leagues and Camps.

Skills Development Camps

Skill-building basketball camps will be offered during the fall/winter/spring and summer months.

The camps will focus on skill building and development, along with nutrition,education and safety.

Mentoring Programs:

After a individual youth signs up to participate in our developmental league, youth are placed on teams with a Mentor/Coach, many of our Coaches are former High School, Collegiate Players and in some cases College Coaches who provide mentoring and developmental support throughout there league participation. Pittsburgh Fire Bureau, Pittsburgh Public School Security both support and participate in the Ozanam Mentoring Programs.

Tutoring/Outreach Program:

Ozanam creates value by developing a culture of inner city youth, led by role models and mentors, who make it socially acceptable to receive tutoring and mentoring support and to succeed academically. As a new initiative, Ozanam plans to promote the use of Tutoring through our partnership with Duquense University and Clarion University. Ozanam plans to expand the Tutoring/Mentoring programs through our efforts to partner with other Academic Support Services throughout thePittsburgh area. Our goal is to provide academic support for all those who want, desire or need it.