Sonward Youth Programs works in neighborhoods with the highest poverty rates in Westmoreland County, including New Kensington and Arnold, PA. By working with one child, one family at a time, over and over again, Sonward changes the community through youth its enrichment programs.

Through after school and summer mentoring programs, students in Pre-K – 12th grade and beyond are given opportunities to grow, develop personally, and serve others. Sonward is the only free, multi-day per week, year-round program in the community. Sonward offers peacemaking, community gardening, service projects, tutoring, cooking, music, sports, team building, and low-tech makerspace programs. Sonward also provides career training beginning in 5th and 6th grade, through a tiered mentorship; adults mentor college-age staff, who in turn mentor high school staff, who mentor career readiness interns, who then help group-lead and run stations during the after school and summer day programs.