Our Piece of the Pie

06/25/2026

It’s more than just a 10-year milestone. It’s a testament to the talent, resilience, and leadership of Hartford’s youth. 📈

When the Hartford Youth Service Corps began a decade ago, our vision was to provide stability and workforce readiness. Today, that vision has evolved into a powerful engine for community leadership. We aren’t just creating paths for young people; we are watching them build their own, transforming neighborhoods and creating lasting change across our city.

From early skill development to the high-impact projects we lead today, the growth we’ve seen over the last 10 years proves one thing: when young people are given the opportunity to serve, they lead with purpose.

This is the heart of what we do. It’s why we show up. And as we celebrate this decade of impact, we’re setting our sights on what’s still to come.

Join us as we continue to grow, evolve, and empower the next generation of Hartford leaders.

06/23/2026

10 years ago, this was just an idea.
An idea that young people in Hartford deserved more: More opportunity, more stability, more pathways forward.

What started as a response to a real community need has grown into something much bigger:
A space where young people show up, build skills, earn, lead, and shape their futures. But this anniversary isn’t just about looking back. It’s a turning point.

Because today, HYSC isn’t just preparing young people for what’s next. They’re already contributing, leading, and strengthening their communities right now. This is who we are. And this is why it matters.

06/23/2026

We're proud to celebrate Governor Ned Lamont 's announcement of the Connecticut Service-to-Career Pathways Toolkit, a new resource that helps municipalities engage opportunity youth while building stronger public-sector workforce pipelines.
As Hector Rivera, President & CEO of Our Piece of the Pie, and Mike Duggan, Executive Director of Domus, shared:

"This toolkit bridges municipal workforce needs with career opportunities for opportunity youth, creating stronger communities and a new generation of civic talent."

Together, we're creating pathways that connect young people to meaningful careers in public service while helping Connecticut communities thrive.

Read the full press release here: https://shorturl.at/ttJSe

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day from our OPP family to yours! 🫂🧡

06/19/2026

Want to understand what 10 years of investment in young people makes possible? Start with Elijah. Elijah shows us what becomes possible when young people are given real opportunity and support over time.

Ten years ago, HYSC started with a belief that when young people are given consistency, responsibility, and access to meaningful work, they can change the direction of their lives and contribute to the communities around them. Today, that belief is something we can see in real ways.

When Elijah first connected with OPP, he was navigating barriers of housing instability and uncertainty about what came next. Through HYSC, he didn’t just gain experience, he became part of a community that helped him recognize his existing potential, build confidence, and begin to use his voice. Elijah went from Youth Ambassador to Co-Chair of our first Youth Leadership Council, where he used his leadership to shape conversations about what young people need and what their future can look like.

Today, Elijah’s impact continues beyond HYSC as a Community Outreach Intern at the Asylum Hill Neighborhood Association, where he is actively contributing to his community using the skills, relationships, and leadership he deepened along the way.

His story reflects something bigger… Over time, what was already there begins to show up more clearly as leadership, contribution, and a lasting presence in the community. This is what 10 years of the work has made possible, and it is what continues to grow forward. ⭐

06/19/2026

Today, June 19th, we honor Juneteenth. A celebration of freedom, resilience, and progress.

As we recognize this important moment in history, we reflect on the power of opportunity, community, and continued growth.

At OPP, we remain committed to empowering young people with the resources, support, and pathways needed to succeed in education, employment, and life.

In observance of this holiday our main office will be closed today.

06/18/2026

There's still time to make your gift go further!🏌️⛳️Birdies for Charity ends June 28th, don't miss the opportunity to increase your impact!

Through Birdies for Charity, every donation made to OPP receives an additional 15% bonus, helping us continue empowering youth with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Make your gift go further and support OPP today!

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

When municipalities, school districts, and community providers align on one common goal—"supporting educationally disconnected students"—truly incredible things happen! 🌟

Yesterday, we had the honor of visiting Riverside Academy to witness this powerful collaboration in action alongside the City of New Haven, New Haven Public Schools, Dalio Education, and Our Piece of the Pie (OPP).

Our visit was filled with inspiring conversations, including:

🌟Youth Engagement: An overview of the New Haven Youth Service Corps (NHYSC) Riverside Academy pilot, sharing updates on its journey and future potential at Riverside Academy.

🌟Alternative Education: Deep dives into curriculum developments, the current educational model at Riverside, and future considerations for serving young people in New Haven.

🌟Student Voices: An incredible, firsthand discussion with Riverside Academy students, capped off by a great tour of the facility.

A massive thank you to Mayor Justin Elicker and Eliza Halsey and the City of New Haven, NHPS Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negron and her leadership team, the exceptional staff and leadership at Riverside Academy, and our incredible strategy partner, Dalio Education CEO Barbara Dalio and Adhlere Coffy and the rest of Dalio Education team, on behalf of all of the OPP Team, thank you for allowing us to be a part of this incredible partnership, visit and discussion!

OPP remains steadfast and committed to making an impact in supporting educationally disconnected students. Together, we are empowering youth to succeed in education, employment, and life.

06/18/2026

At Our Piece of the Pie, Youth Development Professional Tajah works with young people who are involved with the Department of Children and Families. Though transformative relationships, she helps them set education, workforce, and personal goals then coaches them to build the skills they need to achieve their goals. As a result, Tajah helps young people overcome barriers and go to college.

Read more about Tajah’s work with young people in Hartford from CTOP’s Annual Report: https://www.ctopportunityproject.org/2025-annual-report/our-piece-of-the-pie/