Our Story

Open Letter “Story of APS Youth Networking Agency.” By Kameron Branson 

“I wrote these words for everyone that struggles in their youth…”

Lauryn Hill

In 2009, I worked at a church summer camp to earn some extra money before starting my senior year of college. It was that summer my life changed forever. I fell in love with the young people I worked with that summer, and grew up in ways I didn’t realize I needed to. I’ve always felt indebted to them after my experience. Therefore, after earning my Business Administration degree from Slippery Rock University, I made it a point to volunteer as a youth leader at Eastminster Church. During my time as a volunteer, I was inspired to make a career change to youth services. Since 2012, I have worked with youth in the City of Pittsburgh in various capacities including, ministry, education, workforce development, and mentoring. In all of these roles, I tried my hardest to meet all the needs of my students in an effort to cultivate their skills, interests, and dreams. Very quickly I learned that I couldn’t do that by myself. It became apparent to me that it truly takes a community to support youth, and all young people deserve to know and see that they have many people working for their benefit. 

I spent the later half of my career working to connect youth with resources that directly meet their needs, and align with their goals. I’ve seen good come from these efforts; however, I have not had the sustainable platform to support youth in this fashion. I also continue to see young people overworked, overwhelmed, and underserved, particularly as they navigate high school. It is these experiences, good and bad, that have inspired the formation of APS Youth Networking Agency. 

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. At its core, APS is designed to be a platform to put people in healthy positions to do what they want to do. This includes the APS team, our partners, and most certainly the students we serve. While the mission of APS is certainly derived from my experience in youth services, these experiences don’t happen without the remarkable young people I have worked with over the past decade. I thank you all for your wisdom and growth you have gifted me. You all have a special place in my heart, and I dedicate my work with APS Youth Networking Agency to you.

Peace,

Kameron Branson

Founder/Executive Director 

APS Youth Networking Agency