Our Piece of the Pie, based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides intensive, long-term case management services to urban youth ages 14 – 24. In the agency’s cornerstone program, Pathways to Success, youth development specialists help each young person develop an individualized service plan for making a successful transition to adulthood. The ultimate goals set for each young person are a vocational school certification or a degree from a two- or four-year college or university and/or full-time unsubsidized employment. Through Pathways, youth gain access to several educational and job readiness programs that help them reach these goals.

During 2008 – 09, 981 youth were enrolled in the Pathways to Success program, of which 61 participants earned a post-secondary degree or vocational certification, 203 maintained employment for one year or more, 220 were enrolled in a post-secondary program, 107 were placed in internships or full-time employment, and 63 earned their high school diploma or GED. OPP also serves Hartford youth in several non-core programs.

In the fall of 2009, OPP, in partnership with Hartford Public Schools, opened Opportunity High School. The school combines the public school curriculum with OPP’s youth development strategy, enabling over-age and under-credited youth to earn their diplomas. Each student is enrolled in Pathways to Success and works with a youth development specialist to identify and reach his or her goals. In its inaugural year, 90 students enrolled. Ultimately, the school will enroll 200 students.

EMCF Investment and Business Plan Highlights

Since 2004, the Foundation has invested $3.75 million in Our Piece of the Pie to develop and implement a comprehensive, long-term business plan. In 2005-06, OPP successfully realigned its array of services around the goals of education and long-term employment for youth, divested several programs that did not fit this core mission, and began implementing an agency-wide performance tracking system. The organization also underwent a major re-branding campaign, changing its name from Southend Community Services to Our Piece of the Pie to reflect its citywide focus on Hartford and on helping youth gain access to opportunity.

EMCF’s current one year, $1 million investment (made in December 2008) will help OPP to solidify the gains made since 2004 and further strengthen internal operations.

For more information about Our Piece of the Pie, visit its website at www.opp.org.