About Us
Program Overview
The Youth Skills Building Program is designed to equip teens with essential life skills, practical knowledge, and emotional intelligence through a series of structured workshops and hands-on activities. Our program focuses on areas such as financial literacy, carpentry, and social-emotional learning, fostering a holistic approach to youth development.
Our Mission
To empower youth with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life and contribute positively to their communities.
Our Vision
To create a supportive environment where every teen has the opportunity to reach their full potential
Our Team
Alan C. Speed, M.S.W.
Alan Speed is a native of West Philadelphia who attended Cheyney University and Philadelphia Biblical University where he received his B.S. in Leadership and Biblical Theology. He continued his studies at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Social Policy & Practice where he graduated in May 2007 with his M.S.W.
Mr. Speed is an active member of the Black Men at Penn School of Social Work Inc who has engaged in race relations and male mentorship. He is a recipient of the prestigious American Cities Award, which selects 100 men each year, whose members have impacted their community by serving others. This yearly award is given and supported by Congressman Chakka Fattah.
He worked as a facilitator for “Best Practices” with the United Way on mentoring, and appeared live on WDAS and WURD to discuss mentoring in the West Phila area. Mr. Speed is a Biblical Counselor and has taught for six years. Mr. Speed has engaged and received many awards in his many years of service to the local community and abroad.
Ken Whalen
Ken is fueled by a deep-seated passion for passing on the time-honored craft of carpentry to the next generation. With over three decades of experience as an Industrial Arts/Technology Education Instructor, he embodies the dedication and enthusiasm needed to ignite a love for craftsmanship in his students.
Ken’s teaching philosophy centers on instilling not just technical skills, but also a sense of pride and mastery in his students’ work. He believes in nurturing their creativity and problem-solving abilities, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in the ever-evolving fields of carpentry and home improvement.
As a self-employed Home Improvement Contractor for over 30 years, Ken brings real-world expertise to the classroom, bridging the gap between theory and practice. His genuine passion for the craft shines through in each lesson, inspiring students to embrace the challenges and rewards of building and creating with their own hands.
Ken’s dedication extends beyond the school year, as he has offered summer internships to eager students looking to dive deeper into the world of construction. Through mentorship and hands-on experience, he cultivates the next generation of skilled tradespeople and innovators, ensuring that the legacy of craftsmanship continues to flourish for years to come.