“The Marathon Continues…” Ermias Joseph Asghedom (Nipsey Hustle) Dear Friends! On May 6th and 7th of 2023, APS had the...
Read MoreAbout APS Youth Networking Agency
Academic • Personal • Social
WE BELIEVE IN YOUTH
Our Core Values
Integrity
We will only make connections for students that we believe are in their best interests and promote their health, wellbeing, and growth.
Technology
Technology is an essential aspect of every student’s life. APS maximizes the use of numerous technological resources to enhance the quality of networks for the students we serve, while equipping them to not only navigate but also thrive in this technologically advancing world we live in.
Community
We believe that students benefit greatly from having a network of supports that are aware of their needs and desires and work together to support students.
Quality
We believe that students not only deserve opportunities to pursue their dreams, but the absolute best opportunities, along with supports to cultivate them.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide agency and guidance for youth entering 9th grade to pursue their Academic, Personal, and Social goals while building a network of resources and support around them that lasts into their adulthood.
Our Story
APS was officially established as a 501c3 in the state of Pennsylvania in 2021, and with the help of our funders, board members, and special consultants, we are ready to launch our first year of service in 2022. Learn more about the history and vision behind APS Youth Networking Agency in this letter from founder, Kameron Branson.
HOW IT WORKS
Our Vision
Our vision is to not only see the youth we represent have opportunities to pursue their short term goals and desires, but also build a sustainable foundation of skills and resources they can stand on through high school and into their adulthood.
How We Do This
APS Youth Agents act as managers for our students in their Academic, Personal, and Social areas of their lives. APS Youth Agents handle the logistics of our students’ academic and extracurricular calendars in an effort to help maximize their time and efforts to pursue their personal goals. APS Agents also pursue elite resources and services that build the students’ network and equip them with a foundation that they can stand on through high school and into adulthood.
Technology
We maximize the use of technology to increase the access our students have to resources and services, while equipping them to thrive as society continues to advance technologically.
Cultivation
We believe that all students have gifts, and that those gifts should be nurtured and cultivated to the highest degree. We empower our students to grow in their gifts, and pursue their interests, and we intentionally put them in positions to do so. Each student is allocated $500 to help remove any financial barriers that may
hinder them from achieving their goals.
Representation
We act on our student’s behalf to ensure quality resources, services, and opportunities for our students as they pursue their academic, personal, and social goals.
Connection
We believe it takes a village to really help a child grow. Therefore, we are determined to work together with family, school, and other extracurricular activities are aware of what the student is involved, and working together for the benefit of the student.
Our Team
Kameron Branson is a native of Pittsburgh, PA. After receiving his degree in Business Administration from Slippery Rock University, Kameron dedicated his career to working with young people in various capacities including education, ministry, technical education, and workforce development. In all of his roles, Kameron served as an advocate for his students, acting on their behalf to assure quality opportunities, services, and positive environments that help cultivate the skills and desires of the student.
Noticing the positive impact his efforts had in his student’s lives, particularly students transitioning from 8th to 9th grade, Kameron was motivated to create APS Youth Networking Agency. While Kameron is excited for this new journey, he also understands the important responsibility at hand. For more information about APS, or Kameron’s background and experience, please contact us!
Kamera Dorsey was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and she wholeheartedly believes two things. One, that Heinz Ketchup is the best ketchup and two, that the APS Youth Networking Agency is the future of transitional support for the next generation. Kamera received her Bachelor of Arts in Student Ministry in 2018 from Geneva College and has worked with youth in various ministry, educational, and mentorship roles.
In 2020, Kamera served as an AmeriCorps member at a crucial time in the city of Pittsburgh and in the world. During her service term she realized that the lack of transitional support for students was one of the major causes for the overwhelmingly lackadaisical attitude among students. They didn’t have a supportive network cheering them on and it was painfully evident.
She is excited to partner with APS to bring students what they need; a complete network of academic, personal, and social support that will last into adulthood!
Why We Do This
Going from 8th to 9th grade is a crucial transition in every child’s life, and we believe that our approach of advocacy, empowerment, and networking can not only help with that transition, but also transform their lives for the better. We also believe that all youth can benefit when they have a community of supports that work together to empower and cultivate the youth.
NEWS & BLOGS
Latest Blogs
For The Youth – Meet Layla!
Discover how APS helped 9th grade student Layla realize her dream of wanting to be a cosmetologist! Dear Friends! APS...
Read MoreFor The Youth – Meet Alayna!
Keep reading to learn how APS helped Alayna reach one of her goals of becoming a more polished musician! Dear...
Read More