Yusef was a college dropout.
A native of the Homewood community, he found himself back on the streets struggling to avoid the temptations of street life that had taken many of his friends and family. But instead he joined the YMCA Lighthouse, an arts and media program for teens and young adults, and found his passion for music and serving others.
After a few months at the Lighthouse he enrolled in a music technology course at CCAC and was scholarshipped through partnership with the YMCA. This time around he excelled because he had support and his coursework aligned with his interests. He now has 12 college credits in pursuit of a Music Technology associate's degree.
The Lighthouse also helped him find gainful employment serving others. He is now employed part time at the University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center and also mentors his younger peers through a position at Youth Places.