By CatholicPhilly Staff Report • Posted August 5, 2026

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.

The grant, awarded for the period of July 1, 2026, through Sept. 1, 2027, will support the Youth Co-leadership Protagonism Initiative (YCOPI), which brings together teenagers and adult mentors to develop and lead mission projects in their parish communities.

Launched in 2023, YCOPI trains young people and their adult accompaniers through prayer, leadership development, theological reflection, and service experiences.

Participants then create and carry out youth-led mission projects that address local needs, including hunger, support for older adults, outreach to immigrant families, and other community concerns.

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.

“By strengthening these foundational systems, YCOPI positions itself for ongoing growth and ensures that youth will be empowered as active protagonists shaping a more just, compassionate, and Christ‑centered world for years to come,” she said.

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.

Registrations for the 2026 YCOPI Cohort are open. Email phillyomy@archphila.org for details. For more information on YCOPI, watch a video here.