Pathways Forward Initiative

The Pathways Forward Youth Initiative is a comprehensive youth development program that supports at-risk youth through mentoring, case management, counseling services, skill-building, and leadership development. The City intends to partner with an experienced organization capable of delivering competent, trauma-informed services that reduce risk factors and increase protective factors among youth.

The selected vendor will serve a minimum of 30 youth from the ages 12 - 18, annually through structured programming that includes mentoring circles, counseling services, individualized success planning, enrichment activities, and community engagement opportunities. The initiative prioritizes measurable outcomes related to school engagement, social-emotional development, violence reduction, and family stability.

Through this investment, the City aims to expand positive pathways to education, employment, and leadership, and to strengthen coordination among youth, families, schools, and community partners.

Many St. Petersburg youth experience exposure to economic instability, community violence, academic disengagement, and limited access to structured after-school programming. The City’s Office of Community Impact is committed to advancing opportunities and investing in preventative, community-based youth services that interrupt cycles of risk and promote long-term success.

The Pathways Forward Youth Initiative was developed to provide consistent mentorship, wraparound case management and counseling services, and structured enrichment in a safe and supportive environment.

At-risk youth are young individuals whose current circumstances increase their likelihood of experiencing negative outcomes such as academic failure, substance abuse, or involvement in crime.