Press On – Philly

Press On Youth was founded in Philadelphia in 1990 by Fetteroff Colen and Jerry Carr with a simple but powerful belief: when young people are supported, challenged, and seen, they rise.
What began as a grassroots effort to support under-resourced youth quickly grew into a community-driven organization rooted in mentorship, education, athletics, and real-world exposure. From neighborhood street fairs and educational workshops to field trips and youth-led programming, Press On Youth has spent decades creating spaces where young people could build confidence, discipline, leadership, and purpose.
Athletics has always played a central role in that journey. Team sports taught discipline, teamwork, resilience, and accountability values that extended far beyond the court. The trophies and early team achievements represent more than wins, they represent young people learning how to commit, grow, and push forward together.
Over time, the message of Press On Youth traveled beyond local neighborhoods and into broader cultural spaces appearing in media moments and platforms that reinforced the power of perseverance, representation, and visibility. These moments serve as reminders that impact doesn’t always stay contained; it spreads when a message resonates.
Today, Press On Youth continues to honor its roots while evolving its vision for the next generation, staying grounded in community, legacy, and the belief that every young person deserves access to opportunity, mentorship, and pathways forward.