Ones Up took shape in 2010, under the alias of Rising Sons, by piloting mentoring and professional development programming to address the issues faced by young black men in low-income communities. Since then, we have served over 160 young adults ages 18-35 who received job training and career exposure through community projects that served over 3,500 community members.

Today, Ones Up is fighting economic barriers for black and brown youth most heavily impacted by poverty and systemic injustices in North Philadelphia. Through our year-round project-based learning program, youth receive job training by working alongside communities to address social justice issues and increase access to resources for the people in their neighborhoods. Upon completion of the program, young people gain access to employment and post-secondary educational opportunities through our diverse educational, nonprofit, and for-profit partnerships.

Ones Up is transforming the face of workforce development for black and brown youth by addressing the deeply rooted issues contributing to the economic marginalization of our communities.