With access & opportunity, all youth can succeed.

We’re relationship-centered; we forge & grow relationships between a youth & a caring, committed staff (Youth Development Specialist (YDS)). A YDS helps to navigate barriers to HS graduation, postsecondary credentials & rewarding employment. Together, they develop a thorough Individual Success Plan with longer term goals (graduate HS) broken down into manageable steps (raise attendance; tutoring). A YDS keeps in weekly contact to catch up, review & adjust plans as needed.

Using best practices & based on their plan, youth receive a combination of services in YOUTH DEVELOPMENT (relationship with YDS; goal-setting; barrier reduction; connect to internal/external supports); ACADEMICS (high school model for struggling students; tutoring; college/financial aid research & app help); and WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (“work-to-learn” opportunities; job readiness training; career counseling; internships; job/vocational placement & retention).

Growing up, Juan fell into the wrong crowd. He got into trouble and skipped school. When he started at OPP’s OPPortunity Academy Hartford, a high school for near- or former-dropouts, he brought his bad attitude with him. Soon, that all changed; Juan realized the opportunities presented to him. With support, he buckled down and worked hard.

After graduation, Juan began OPP’s Pathways to Careers Initiative career pipeline program, studying Advanced Manufacturing at Asnuntuck Community College. First in his family to go to college, Juan worked hard and obtained his certificate. OPP set up an interview with PDQ Manufacturing for an internship, and when he completed the three-month gig, he was hired permanently -- supported by OPP the whole way.

Working for 2 years, he’s moved into a team leadership position. He’s even saved enough to buy a car, and soon will get his first apartment. Juan comes back to speak with youth: “OPP is a blessing. It’s opportunity. Take advantage of it!”

Our Piece of the Pie's volunteer program is tailored for both individual and groups, creating a multitude of opportunities. Volunteers can work hands-on with youth providing tutoring or other services or be guest speakers for our Career Competency Development Training, providing youth with insight into various careers and lifestyles that they may not otherwise be exposed to. Assistance with administration or governance provides an important capacity building service for the organization as a whole. Volunteering for OPP is a fulfilling experience, regardless of the placement or frequency – the impact is seen immediately. Our youth inspire us every day – they inspire our volunteers as well.

Email Info@OPP.org for more information.

Suggested Donations

• OPPortunity Dreamer ($25.00)
• OPPortunity Maker ($50.00)
• OPPortunity Creator ($100.00)

Funding Needs

Imagine you’re a child, facing challenges too big for most adults.

Imagine going through your youth without someone to fight for you.
Imagine spending most of your energy just busting through the barriers poverty put in your way.
Imagine not having anyone care where you are, what you are doing or who you are doing it with.
Imagine feeling like the whole world has given up on you.

Now imagine that you have the power to help a young person overcome those challenges.

You can be the one to fight for them.
You can be the one who helps pave the way.
You can be the one who cares.
You can be the one who doesn’t give up.

You have that power. You can change their futures. And you can do it today.

With your support, hundreds of young people have a chance for a better future. One where they graduate from high school, go on to college or professional training, and get a stable, good-paying job.

The OPPortunity is yours.