Open Road Box Truck Program

MISSION STATEMENT:

 

The Open Road Box Truck Program is designed to provide a viable employment option for “at-risk” young African American, and All Under Served young males to promote economic stability and leadership skills to live successful lives.

SUMMARY:

 

In the past, Pittsburgh was known as the “most livable city.” But for young African American males, their experiences are often the opposite of positive daily living. According to a recent Heinz Foundation report, “Black-White Disparities in Arrests in the City of Pittsburgh,” African American young males are stopped by police and arrested at a much higher rate than whites. Additionally, a considerable number of them are raised in single family homes, experience high unemployment, poverty and are unskilled. This stark reality can lead to the feeling of being trapped and without options. As a result, many resort to living “by any means necessary,” to support themselves and their families. This often includes drugs, violence, stress and desperation.

 

The City of Pittsburgh’s Gender and Equity Commission’s “Inequality Across Race & Gender” report also indicates that Pittsburgh has one of the highest homicide rates among Black males in the country. Due to the stress of urban living and economic insecurity, the report says the health of the city’s African American males experience higher cancer and cardiovascular disease rates.

 

The Open Road Box Truck Program (ORBTP) is a workforce development expansion of the Youth Renaissance Project (YRP). While the YRP’s focus was on developing the musical talents of “at- risk youth,” the ORBTP is designed to provide an employment path that will lead to economic stability, empowerment and sustainability.

 

The ORBTP’s target audience is 17-25 years of age. Many in this demographic may not be aware of the box truck career option. This career path does not include a long training period and the young men can escape becoming a statistic and attain a better life within a short period of time.

 

Providing an opportunity that can translate hopelessness into independence, security and confidence will result in productive community members. This is the epitome of transformative living.