In Kensington, a carpentry program is offering Philadelphia youth more than vocational skills—it’s creating opportunities for growth, confidence, and community.
Founded by Brenda Mosley, a longtime Kensington resident and executive director of By Faith Health and Healing, the Building a Brighter Future through the Art of Construction program draws young people from across the city. It offers not only practical skills in carpentry and other trades but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.
For Amar McNeil, who completed the certificate program last year, his participation began with reluctance.
“My grandma just randomly signed me up and told me I was doing something for the summer,” he recalled with a laugh. “At first, I was like, ‘I’m not going through with it, I’m probably not gonna like it,’ but it actually turned out to be fun. I actually learned something.”
Each student receives a personal set of tools at the start of the program, which runs annually from March through October. Classes meet Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Students begin by learning fundamental carpentry skills and progress to more advanced techniques, including electrical work, welding, cementing, and insulation, covering everything needed to build a structure from the inside out.
Last year, students built the exterior of a shed. This year, they’re finishing the interior.
McNeil’s grandmother, Hope Taylor, discovered the program on Instagram and reached out to Mosley.
“The safety has been stripped from our youth in this city, whether it’s going to school or just hanging out with friends. I wanted him to participate in something productive,” Taylor said.
Space was limited, but Taylor was relieved when Mosley made room for her grandson.
“His first day, I thought he’d come out and say he didn’t want to go back. But he loved it. He was so proud of receiving the tools,” she said.
Kai Hart, who was the only girl when she joined, was introduced to the program through her mother, who works with Mosley.
“Ms. Brenda is like family to me; I consider her my Titi [aunt],” said Hart, who has participated for two summers.
Though initially nervous, Hart quickly connected with the other students.
“When I joined, there were only five people, and they were all boys. Over time, I became friends with all of them. It turned into a cool summer activity where I could have fun and learn. Now, it feels like a place where everyone’s part of the same team, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” she said.
Instructors Mark Brown, a plumbing teacher at Mastbaum High School, and Justin Santiago of New Kensington Community Development Corporation’s (NKCDC) real estate team, serve as key mentors.
“We’ve got to nurture them and listen to them,” said Santiago. “When Miss B. shared her vision with me, I knew it was something I had to support. This has been four years in the making, and it’s just the beginning.”
Brown emphasized its role in keeping youth off the streets and offering opportunities he wished he’d had.
“I feel like the city needs more programs like this,” Santiago said. Reflecting on the long-term value, he added, “Even if they don’t fully see it now, later in life they’re gonna be like, ‘Man, I learned that working with Mr. Justin and Mr. Mark Brown.’”
That mentorship has made a lasting impression on students like Juan Rosario, who came into the program with no prior experience.
“I wasn’t really good at it when I started, but Justin’s been teaching me a lot—how to cut, how to nail things in, how to use all the different machines I’d never used before,” said student Juan Rosario. “It felt good because I didn’t know anything about construction when I started, but now, if someone asked me to help, I feel good enough to help. I see my growth through it.”
Each year ends with a graduation ceremony, where students receive certificates of completion—celebrating not just skills gained but personal growth. For Mosley, that milestone represents the possibilities ahead.
“I want to bring a smile to their faces, motivate and inspire them, and show them that there is so much more to life than what they see,” she said.
Taylor said she’s seen the change in McNeil firsthand.
“Being in this environment changed how he sees certain things. This program is a blessing. It’s what the city needs more of—something for our boys and girls to aspire to,” she said.
Mosley sees each season as a chance to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed and build something bigger than themselves.
“Many of these guys and girls came here not knowing how to measure, how to nail. But look at the work they’ve done. They’re proud of themselves now, and I’m so proud of them, too,” said Mosley.
“They need to be recognized for their efforts,” she continued. “And we must show them that their achievements matter.”
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