PUMP has been working with young adults in Pittsburgh since 1995. When we first started, our goal was simple—encourage young and talented people, both long-term residents and those new to the region, to stay in Pittsburgh.
Over the years, the city has made significant progress in attracting and retaining young professionals and emerging leaders. Today, PUMP focuses on engaging, educating, and mobilizing young adults with renewed advocacy efforts to foster equity in the region and connect diverse young people. We invite you to build a Pittsburgh for ALL with us.
Make an Impact with PUMP
PUMP engages young people in Pittsburgh around advocacy and public policy issues that are important to the future of our city and residents. Each year, we engage and connect nearly 30,000 individuals, primarily under the age of 40, through advocacy, civic, social, and recreational programming to create change in our community.
Elevating the Voice of Young Pittsburghers
With a collective voice for change, we shine a light on pressing advocacy efforts like expanding early childhood education opportunities, providing equitable support for parks, encouraging paid family and medical leave, protecting voter rights and accessibility, and more.
Civic engagement is paramount to our advocacy work. We strive to promote the importance of voting, to increase voter turnout, and to encourage young people to think about how public policy can transform our region. Over the last three years, PUMP has achieved a high impact in the community and grown our advocacy efforts significantly.
“PUMP’s incredible work brings us together as a region and makes sure we have an important voice and a seat at the table.” ~Tom Baker, Executive Director of North Hills Community Outreach
A Platform for Young Pittsburghers
PUMP provides young people with opportunities to deepen civic engagement with elected officials and candidates, policymakers, and community leaders through debates, forums, and social events. Since 2003, PUMP has held more than 12 Mayoral and candidate forums, numerous elected officials Meet and Greets, and hosted local interest forums on critical topics like transportation, healthcare, city-county consolidation, and energy policy.
We believe that people who are committed to transforming our City for the better should never go unnoticed in Pittsburgh. In addition to connecting young Pittsburghers through civic and social events, PUMP partners with Pittsburgh Magazine to spotlight outstanding individuals and difference makers in Pittsburgh through the 40 Under 40 Awards. To date, over 800 diverse individuals have been recognized as 40 Under 40 honorees.
“Without PUMP, there would be no advocacy on behalf of young people in the region.” ~Allyce Pinchback Johnson, Founder and CEO of Pinchback Consulting LLC, 40 Under 40 Award Honoree in 2020
Building and Diversifying Personal and Professional Networks
One of the most successful programs PUMP is proud of is the celebrated Pittsburgh Sports League (PSL), the largest adult co-ed sports leagues in the entire country. PSL offers opportunities for young people to engage with a diverse cross-section of community members through casual recreation and high-level competition activities for over 24,000 people each year.
In addition to PSL, PUMP hosts over 30 events including Kickball for a Cause and Steel City World Cup, to connect young people from different backgrounds every year. PUMP’s programming has a proven track record of broadening networks, building relationships, deepening roots, and expanding opportunities.
“Without PUMP, the region would be a less connected place for young people.” ~Mateo Villa, PUMP Board Chair and the First Vice President of CBRE Pittsburgh
Strengthening Our Community
PUMP helps young Pittsburghers directly serve our community through events, community initiatives, service projects, and volunteer opportunities. Our community-building work includes service projects, PUMPed to Run, volunteer opportunities, neighborhood clean-ups, and fundraisers.
Through the years, PUMP, our members, and our program participants have come together to donate tens of thousands of dollars to local charities and strengthened nonprofits and local initiatives through thousands of volunteer hours. One of the best examples is our annual event, Kickball for a Cause, which has raised more than $140,000 for 19 Pittsburgh-area nonprofit organizations like the Homeless Children Education Fund and the Latino Community Center.
“PUMP has changed the dynamic. You can’t measure the positive impact it has had on our city.” ~Claudy Pierre, PUMP board member and Chef Executive Officer at Eat Initiative Inc.
This year, we hope to raise $50,000 from over 300 donors during our Activate for PUMP campaign. The funds raised will be used to increase the capacity of PUMP’s advocacy and public policy efforts as described above.
Why should you support PUMP financially? Here are a few reasons shared by those who know PUMP best.
Donate to Activate for PUMP Today –>