Organizational Overview
Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB) uses the power of basketball to help young people grow into strong students, leaders, and citizens. For us, basketball is more than a sport, it is a pathway to confidence, teamwork, and the skills needed to succeed in school, careers, and life.
Our vision is a Philadelphia where every young person is supported, empowered, and thriving. PYB works to create lasting change by providing opportunities for learning, leadership, and community impact.
We believe every young person deserves voice, value, and visibility. At PYB, we create safe and inclusive spaces where young people are respected and uplifted. Guided by our values of inclusion, authenticity, growth, integrity, and care, we strive to build a culture where everyone belongs and has the chance to reach their full potential.
PYB also instills six key principles, which guide how staff and young people engage with one another:
- Trust – We believe in each other and work to form positive relationships.
- Safe Space – We take responsibility for creating judgment-free environments where everyone feels welcome.
- Teamwork – We find strength in our peers and honor every role on the team.
- Integrity – We value honesty and equity, and we take responsibility to repair relationships when necessary.
- Care – We show empathy by protecting the health and well-being of each other and our space.
- Respect – We honor each person and treat them with dignity, striving to treat others how they wish to be treated.
Together, these principles shape PYB’s “bigger than basketball” culture, ensuring that every program advances both athletic and personal growth.
Core Work Scope & Responsibilities
Scholar-Mentors serve as caring educators, role models, and facilitators, supporting the academic and social-emotional growth of youth in grades K–8 within PYB’s Community Learning Hub. This role balances academic enrichment with mentoring, relationship-building, and culture-setting. Reporting to Program Managers and working in collaboration with facility staff, responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Academic Support & Enrichment
- Lead structured academic enrichment activities in reading, math, and other core subjects using provided curriculum and playful learning strategies.
- Provide individualized homework support, emotional encouragement, and positive reinforcement.
- Model strong study habits and celebrate effort, persistence, and growth.
- Observe and report student progress and behavior to site supervisors as needed.
Mentorship & Role Modeling
- Serve as a consistent and positive presence for young scholars, building supportive, trusting relationships.
- Create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all youth and families.
- Demonstrate PYB’s cultural principles — Trust, Safe Space, Teamwork, Integrity, Care, and Respect — in all interactions.
- Encourage participation, teamwork, creativity, and resilience in both academic and recreational settings.
Program Facilitation & Engagement
- Deliver off-court curriculum designed by PYB and ensure daily activities run smoothly and intentionally.
- Facilitate age-appropriate games, crafts, and group projects that promote creativity and social-emotional development.
- Support daily transitions, routines, and mealtimes with attentiveness and care.
- Engage with families and the community to strengthen bonds and foster inclusivity.
Collaboration & Teamwork
- Work collaboratively with fellow Scholar-Mentors, Program Managers, and facility staff to cultivate a positive culture and climate at PYB centers and community program sites.
- Attend and actively participate in staff trainings and team planning sessions before and during the program.
- Share insights and feedback with the team to ensure continuous program improvement.
Commitment & Accountability
- Maintain consistent attendance and reliability throughout the full program season (October–June).
- Uphold all requirements for youth safety, including mandated clearances and reporting responsibilities.
- Model professionalism, adaptability, and a strong work ethic in service of PYB’s mission.
