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."

Staff:
Curtis Cureton, Executive Director, Former Athletic Director at Ozanam Cultural Center from 1981 to 1996 and the Executive Director of Youth Enhancement & Support (YES, Inc.) from 1997 through 2004.

Darelle Porter, Executive Assistant, Former Duquesne University NCAA Division I head basketball coach, a University of Pittsburgh graduate and the recipient of the University’s Panther Outstanding Achievement Award.

Karen Hall, Girls Program Director, Former NCAA women’s basketball head coach and a University of Nevada-Las Vegas full scholarship player, graduate and three time Academic Athletic Achievement Award Winner.

Alvis Rogers, Academic Support Director, Four-year starter and graduate of Wake Forest University and an NCAA Division I women’s and men’s assistant basketball coach and academic advisor.

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

Fall Development Program
Boys and Girls ages 13 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 Development Leagues (November- February)
Boys and Girls ages 13 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)
Boys and Girls ages 12 to 13 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.

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

Summer League
Boy’s 15 and under
Boy’s High School

Summer League & Development Program
Boy’s & Girl’s 13 and under (Co-Ed)
Girl’s 13 and under

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:
Our mission is to help city of Pittsburgh children develop into academically prepared young adults who serve as role models within their schools and their communities, with the objective of helping the students ultimately qualify for college scholarships through the Pittsburgh Promise. By making academic achievement or tutoring a requirement of our popular Ozanam basketball programs, we believe we can motivate many children when others cannot.