Mission

Our mission is built on two governing principles: children with strong, positive connections are more likely to acquire the benefits of a healthy adulthood; and connectedness needs to involve several key domains to ensure success. The Hartford Knights Youth Organization (HKYO) aims to empower young adults by broadening their horizons through challenging educational training, volunteer experiences, raising social and political awareness, and career guidance. All of these objectives are developed and nurtured through "sports mentoring." The HKYO is changing the lives of young people by merging education, life skills development, mentoring and athletic programs in a safe and nurturing environment.

Goals and Objectives

Our main OBJECTIVE is to have FUN! This program is designed to give all of our youth the fundamental tools they need to be productive students, adults and parents. Our long term goals include offering other athletic specialty areas such as track and field and dance. HKYO will work with participants to identify interests, special skills and abilities. These programs and personal behavior demonstrate the important impacts the Hartford Knights Youth efforts are having on both individuals and organizations. Parents are also invited to participate to promote the support system of participants.

The Interpersonal/life skills are a very important part of the Hartford Knights Youth Organization program. Youngsters in this program are taught that life is beyond the TV, the streets and Music Videos. They must strive to be winners in school, after school, at work and their community. Participants realize that the same concepts and principles are used to set goals in life no matter where they live. Such planning is needed to execute a strategic outlook are the same skills needed to be successful in college and the pursuits of their professional careers. The Hartford Knights provides an atmosphere where young people feel safe, motivated, respected and are encouraged to discover the potential that is within them.

Hartford Knights Youth Organization's vision is that a critical mass of asset builders will surround all children and youth throughout the Greater Hartford Area so that asset building becomes a way of life supported by asset-building programs, public policy and media. These positive changes are being multiplied exponentially through the actions of the community leaders and partner organizations leading our growing movement to build assets for all children and youth throughout the Greater Hartford Area.