Ensuring the next generation of workers is a key to attracting and maintaining businesses in the commonwealth.

Team PA Foundation founded the PA Young Professionals (PAYP) organization in 2001 with a vision for connecting Pennsylvania’s young talent pool with their communities. The connections these young professional groups help build not only ensure a world-class workforce but they also invigorate communities with fresh ideas and the next generation of volunteers, entrepreneurs and civic leaders.

Across the commonwealth, young, talented people are recognizing the value in connecting and communicating with other young professionals to work together for the betterment of their local communities and state.

Today, PAYP’s membership includes nearly 40 local young professional organizations with over 14,000 members from every region of the commonwealth.

Developing the potential of young professionals is a hallmark of the program and one reason the Foundation founded this initiative.

Each year, PAYP organizes a dynamic statewide conference that emphasizes personal, professional and community service development.

Several years ago, Team PA, in cooperation with Young Professionals from around the state, worked together to create the YouLead Initiative. This program provides a voice for that demographic in state legislative affairs.

PAYP’s mission:

The mission of the Pennsylvania Young Professional group is to empower talented young-thinking people in Pennsylvania by bringing together dynamic young professional groups across the state over issues concerning their demographic.

PAYP’s Goals:

• Communicate issues to legislators and business leaders, resulting in a climate suited to the attraction and retention of talented young people
• Share “best practices” among regional groups
• Assist new young professionals organizations in getting started and help established ones increase membership
• Serve as a powerful marketing tool for Pennsylvania
• Battle “brain drain” from a peer-perspective
• Address economic development issues
• Offer professional development resources