Manchester Youth Development Center

09/30/2026

💡 Did you know?

Families pay less than 10% of what it actually costs MYDC to provide the afterschool experience.

MYDC works throughout the year to secure more than 90% of the cost through public funding, grants, philanthropy, corporate support and other resources.

That’s how we keep quality afterschool programming accessible to our families.

This year, we’ve made an additional commitment: making sure our children have access to a full dinner after a long school and afterschool day.

We could use your help.

Every gift — large or small — helps us continue investing in our children.

❤️ Help us Put Dinner on the Table:
https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_b367ce9b-5f47-11ef-8a36-06f160669cb3&WidgetId=71680

09/23/2026

💡 Did you know? When preschoolers play, they’re doing some pretty important work!

Building with blocks, creating pretend worlds, making art, and playing games build problem-solving, communication, creativity, and cooperation skills.

At MYDC, we love giving children opportunities to learn by doing, exploring, and having FUN.

09/16/2026

Did you know? Preschool learning goes far beyond ABCs and 123s!

The early years are an important time for children to develop skills they’ll use in school and beyond. Through play, exploration, routines, and time with friends, little learners are practicing how to:

🌟 Solve problems
🌟 Communicate their ideas
🌟 Manage emotions
🌟 Work and play with others
🌟 Build independence and confidence

At MYDC, even the moments that simply look like play can be opportunities to learn, grow, and discover something new. 💛

09/14/2026

Welcome back, little learners!

We’re so excited to kick off another wonderful year at MYDC! We have so many amazing things planned, with plenty of opportunities to learn, play, explore, and make new friends.

We can’t wait to see how our little learners grow, discover, and shine this year.

08/31/2026

Episode 7: What We Learned

After months of interviews, field trips, and conversations, students reflect on everything they learned throughout the project. The episode also features Heather Hulton VanTassel, Executive Director of Three Rivers Waterkeeper, discussing the importance of protecting Pittsburgh's rivers for future generations.

Listen now to hear the lessons that will stay with our students long after the project ends.

https://bit.ly/4z2ZoOG

08/26/2026

Episode 6: Archives

Why is it important to preserve our stories? Students create their own personal archives and interview Ms. Iris from MYDC, about the history of Manchester, exploring how memories and community stories help shape the future.

Listen now to discover why every story matters.
https://audio.com/media-1869148974869885/audio/riverlifearchives

08/20/2026

We're growing to meet the demand for safe and caring places for our youth to grow and develop outside of school... to do so, we're seeking qualified, dynamic and dedicated individuals to help us expand and fulfill our mission. Learn more and check out our opportunities at: MYDC: Explore Job Opportunities in Youth Development

Explore exciting job opportunities in youth development in a supportive environment at Manchester Youth Development Center (MYDC) in Pittsburgh.

08/19/2026

Episode 4: Public Art and Community

Public art can tell stories, celebrate communities, and transform public spaces. Students interview Sans Façon to learn how art is becoming part of the Complete the Loop project and why community voices matter in the creative process.

Listen now to explore where art and community come together.
https://bit.ly/4fSUOdd

08/17/2026

Students continue exploring the engineering behind Complete the Loop with structural engineer Greg Litterick, while also sharing fun facts about Pittsburgh's rivers and why they're so important to our city.

Listen now to discover the science behind the riverfront.
https://bit.ly/4wam5Ok

08/12/2026

How does a project this big become reality? Students interview Diana Bucco, President of the Buhl Foundation, to learn how community partnerships and funding help bring bold ideas like Complete the Loop to life.

Listen now to learn what it takes to turn a vision into reality.
https://bit.ly/4whGotn