Our Mission
The number of teenagers under the age of 18 who are held in adult jails and prisons in Pennsylvania has increased drastically over the last fifteen years. The Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project (YASP) is building a youth-led movement to stop this trend by ending the practice of automatically trying and incarcerating young people as adults. Through its work in the Philadelphia jails, YASP provides space for incarcerated young people to express themselves creatively and to develop as leaders both within and beyond the prison walls. Young people who have been through the adult court system are at the forefront of YASP, leading the movement to keep teenagers out of adult prisons and to create new possibilities for youth around the city.
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Stolen Dreams |
 Romeeka Williams, YASP supervisor and facilitator, speaks to the students assembled at the Youth Build Charter School, while Alisha Alexander, right, looks on.
Check coverage of YASP's work in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"Although [Zekey] just got out of prison, he's spending as many Saturdays as possible back in, as a YASP volunteer. "I just want to help somebody. I know it's cliché, 'If you can help just one person,' he said. 'But one life is a whole lot.'" Check out YASP's work in the The Bulletin
"Kids who survived adult jail send lifeline to those still inside" 
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"Stolen Dreams II " is a very captivating film and it holds your attention. We take you into the community and talk about the violence that's going on and how we can find better ways to deal with our youth instead of locking them away, which causes worse problems . The film includes powerful motivational speakers, including our very own YASP members Tot Metz and Romeeka Williams. The documentary is a great film and it would open your eyes on a lot of problems going on in our communities. Check out the trailer here!
Preview YouTube video Stolen Dreams ll - Trailer Stolen Dreams ll - Trailer 
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