PUMP’s mission is to make Pittsburgh the most dynamic and diverse place by engaging, educating, and mobilizing all young people to create change in our community. Each year, we serve nearly 30,000 individuals, primarily under the age of 40, through our advocacy, civic, social, and recreational programming.

What We Do Together

Rally in DC

Advocate for Change

We shape and influence public policy issues that are important to the future of our city. We leverage our collective voice for change to build a city for ALL.

Recreate and Play

We join together to promote health and wellness through the Pittsburgh Sports League (PSL), community wellness activities, and tournaments.

Serve Our Community

We make a difference in our community and the lives of others through service projects, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities.

Mayoral Forum (1)

Connect with Leaders and Opportunities

We dialogue with policymakers and civic leaders through our debates, forums, and meet and greets and connect with leadership opportunities to make an impact across a wide spectrum of issues.

Build and Diversify Our Networks

We diversify our networks, meet new people, and welcome newcomers through dozens of civic and social events, service experiences, and the PSL.

diverse-and-connected-region

Collaborate and Share Ideas

PUMP connects young people who lead and want to make a difference to other young leaders, organizations, and events and opportunities to create change.

PUMP Through the Years

History

PUMP has been working with young people in Pittsburgh since 1995 thanks to founders Michelle Fanzo and Adam Pollock. From the very start, PUMP has hosted local interest forums, including political debates for mayor and county executive, forums on transportation, healthcare, city-county consolidation, energy policy, and more. Many people don’t know that PUMP originally stood for Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project. When we began, our mission was to help encourage young and talented people, both those who had lived here all their lives and those who were new to the region, to stay here. On some measures, Pittsburgh has made significant progress since that time as more and more young people choose to come or remain here. Yet, for all of the well earned and deserved accolades attributed to Pittsburgh’s latest renaissance, we are keenly aware of the fact that the benefits are not enjoyed equally by all. The work of PUMP is no less important today than it was at our founding. We now focus our renewed advocacy efforts on fostering equity in the region and helping a diverse group of young people get connected to one another. We seek to build a Pittsburgh for ALL. Read more about our history here