Governor Shapiro Invests Additional $500,000 in Philadelphia Youth Basketball to Strengthen Pennsylvania's Workforce and Ensure Every Pennsylvanian Has the Opportunity to Succeed

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September 25, 2026 - Philadelphia, PA

Governor Shapiro Invests Additional $500,000 in Philadelphia Youth Basketball to Strengthen Pennsylvania's Workforce and Ensure Every Pennsylvanian Has the Opportunity to Succeed

Governor Josh Shapiro visited the Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center with Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB) President and CEO, Kenny Holdsmann, local leaders, and community members to announce PYB's plans to build The Generator of Career Development and Economic Opportunity. The Generator is a $50 million facility that will aim to help thousands of young adults build lasting careers in industries facing significant labor shortages throughout the region.

PYB received $1.5 million through the Commonwealth's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) - including $500,000 from the Shapiro Administration - to support the project and strengthen Pennsylvania's workforce development.

"I'm glad to be here to celebrate the next big step in Philadelphia Youth Basketball's future - The Generator - which will expand the life-changing work already happening here at the Sixth Man Center," said Governor Shapiro. "From the moment a student steps into the Sixth Man Center, they're met with a real community of support - learning about teamwork, perseverance, and how to pick yourself up after a loss - all while shooting hoops. Through the programs they've built both on and off the court, PYB is helping kids in Philly grow in every area of their lives, and my Administration is proud to support this next chapter and the opportunities The Generator will create for young people and families."

Speakers in Order:
Marshall Mitchell - Board Member, Philadelphia Youth Basketball
Kenny Holdsman - CEO/Co-Founder, Philadelphia Youth Basketball
Amin Ray - Varsiety Trades Academy Participant, Philadelphia Youth Basketball
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker - City of Philadelphia
Governor Josh Shapiro
State Senator Vincent Hughes
Catherine Bird - Chief Administrative Officer, Jefferson Health Plans
David Brown - Executive Director for Community Impact and Civic Engagement, Temple University
Rob Smith - Executive Training Director, Eastern Atlantic States, Carpenters Technical Centers

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