The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Ministry with Youth has received a $125,000 grant from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry through The Drexel Project to expand a youth leadership program serving parishes across the region. Launched in 2023, YCOPI trains young people and their adult accompaniers through prayer, leadership development, theological reflection, and service experiences. Marisally Santiago, Director of the Office for Ministry with Youth, said the funding will help expand the program, establish a “train-the-trainer” model for future parish leaders, and create formation resources to support youth ministry throughout the archdiocese. In announcing the award to the archdiocese, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry cited the program’s emphasis on youth leadership, adult accompaniment, parish engagement, and faith formation. The Office for Ministry with Youth expects the next YCOPI cohort to include eight to 10 parish teams, each made up of youth participants and adult mentors working together to develop parish-based mission projects.