Railroad Street Youth Project

What Railroad Street Youth Project does

Railroad Street Youth Project (RSYP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, that provides youth development and empowerment services to young people ages 14-25 across South Berkshire County. The organization operates a multi-component service platform centered on a Youth Operational Board (YOB) — a peer-led governance body that reviews and funds youth-generated project proposals — alongside a drop-in center, skate park, one-to-one and group mentoring, apprenticeship programs (culinary, gardening, and historically coding, robotics, photography, theatre, and cosmetology), school-based sexual health education, evidence-based counseling and advocacy, the RYSE post-secondary exploration and scholarship program, BASECAMP for young men, and the South Berkshire Community Health Coalition. All youth-facing services are free, with transportation provided and no insurance or appointment required for drop-in access.

RSYP's revenue model is approximately 100% community-supported, drawing on individual donations, foundation grants (notably Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Berkshire United Way, Mass Mentoring, and Jewish Women's Foundation of the Berkshires), state and local government grants, annual appeals, and fundraising events such as the Culinary Arts Dinners and apprenticeship celebrations. The organization runs on a $1.4M annual operating budget with a lean 11-50 person staff that includes a Deputy Director, program managers, and former program constituents who have progressed into staff roles — reflecting a deliberate talent pipeline.

The underlying technology is minimal: the YOB proposal system runs on Google Forms, the website serves as the primary content and donation channel, and Instagram (@yob.rsyp) plus a YouTube 'Talking to Teens' video series support outreach. Strategic differentiation does not come from technology but from a 25-year community ecosystem spanning dozens of local restaurants, schools, foundations, and civic partners, and from the structural embedding of youth voice into organizational governance — a model the organization describes as unmatched in mission and scope within its region.

Name

Railroad Street Youth Project

Legal name

Railroad Street Youth Project

Website

https://rsyp.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Railroad Street Youth Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1999 that provides free youth development, mentoring, apprenticeship, and counseling services to youth ages 14-25 across South Berkshire County, Massachusetts, funded almost entirely through community donations and grants on a $1.4M annual budget.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Child and Youth Services (624110), Educational Services (61), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits (BPAGADAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth) (EDAAAOAD), Youth-to-Adult Transition & Life Skills (Independent Living, Soft Skills) (EDAAAFAN), Substance Use Prevention & Student Assistance Programs (School-Based) (EDAKAMAJ), Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ)

Keywords

• Youth development services
• Youth mentoring programs
• Apprenticeship programs
• Community drop-in services
• Youth empowerment nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Great Barrington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Nearly 100% community-supported nonprofit relying on individual donors who want to support youth empowerment. Various donation levels provide specific program benefits from $25 mentee outings to $10,000 advocacy support.
2. Foundation and Government Grants: State and local grants, foundation support including Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation initial funding. Berkshire United Way funding for sexual health education integration.
3. Annual Fundraising Events: Culinary Arts Dinners, summer BBQs, and Apprenticeship Celebrations that serve as both community engagement and fundraising events.
4. Annual Appeal: Annual fundraising campaign to meet operating budget and support community youth needs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Railroad Street Youth Project operates a portfolio of free youth development programs for youth ages 14-25 in South Berkshire County, including a drop-in center, skate park, one-to-one and group mentoring, paid apprenticeships (culinary, gardening, coding, robotics, photography, theatre, cosmetology), school-based sexual health education, counseling and advocacy, a post-secondary scholarship track (RYSE), and a Youth Operational Board that lets young people review and fund peer-led community projects. All services are delivered free of charge to participants, with transportation provided for South County youth.

Product overview

Railroad Street Youth Project (RSYP) is a nonprofit youth empowerment organization offering a multi-component service platform centered around youth voice and leadership. The core portfolio includes the Youth Operational Board (YOB) as the central governance body, the Drop-In Center as the physical hub, and interconnected programs spanning Mentoring, Apprenticeships, Sexual Health Education, Counseling and Advocacy, RYSE college preparation, South Berkshire Community Health Coalition, BASECAMP for young men, and Skate Park facilities. Programs connect youth ages 14-25 with community mentors, resources, funding, and support structures to develop and implement youth-inspired projects. The organization operates primarily in Great Barrington, MA, serving southern Berkshire County.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Youth Operational Board (YOB) The central governance body of RSYP where young people meet weekly to review and approve youth-inspired project proposals, provide funding and support, and facilitate community-based initiatives. YOB has sponsored over 300 youth-inspired projects since 2000 and is open to youth in grades 8-12.
• Mentoring Program One-to-one and group mentoring matching youth ages 14-25 with volunteer adult mentors, including specialized groups for middle school, LGBTQ+ (Queer Connect), and young men (BASECAMP). The longest-running mentoring program in southern Berkshire County. Mentors commit 4-6 hours monthly for 9-12 months.
• Drop-In Center A safe, flexible space at 60 Bridge Street in downtown Great Barrington where youth aged 14-25 can hang out, develop projects, attend meetings, and receive counseling support, crisis intervention, referrals, and advocacy services. Open weekdays 3-7 PM with doors open from 9 AM. Features games, computers, WiFi, and arts and crafts.
• Skate Park A staff-supervised skate park located behind the Drop-In Center, providing a sober and safe environment during Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons. Features quarter pipe, bowl, rails, ledges, and adjacent basketball courts.
• Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Free vocational and educational program matching youth inspirations with community mentors for skill-building. Programs run 6-8 weeks, 2 hours weekly. Includes Gardening Apprenticeship, Culinary Arts Apprenticeship, and historically computer coding, robotics, photography, theatre, and cosmetology. Over 450 young people have participated since 2006.
• Gardening Apprenticeship Seven-week summer apprenticeship at Berkshire Botanical Garden providing hands-on gardening, cultivation, and landscaping experience for youth ages 14-25. Emphasizes skill-building, confidence, work readiness, and connection to local trades professionals.
• Sexual Health Education Comprehensive sexual health education provided in local high schools using the Get Real evidence-based curriculum. Includes training for youth and adults as Sexual Health Educators, parent education, and facilitation at Simon's Rock and Mt. Everett Regional High School. Integrated as permanent requirement for every Berkshire Hills Regional School District student.
• Counseling and Advocacy A ten-session program for teens ages 13-18 addressing drug, alcohol, or vaping impact on their lives. Uses the Invitation to Change Approach incorporating DBT, ACT, CBT, and CRAFT methodologies to build coping skills and awareness.
• RYSE (Railroad Street Youth Student Empowerment) Five-day program helping young people explore goals and next steps after high school. Includes panels on educational options, financial behavior, goal setting, and self-care. Participants receive $250 stipend and may apply for scholarships up to $20,000 over four years for college or vocational training.
• South Berkshire Community Health Coalition (SBCHC) Coalition of organizations, schools, businesses, and individuals implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce substance use among South County teens. Programs include Kitchen Table Talks, Restorative Prevention Fellowship, Peer Health Educator Initiative, and 'Talking to Teens' video series.
• BASECAMP Monthly mentorship gathering for young men focusing on leadership development, masculinity and identity, financial markets, fitness and health, professional life preparation, and building real connections. Meets at Monument Mountain Regional High School Library.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 450 young people have completed apprenticeship programs since 2006
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Berkshire Botanical GardencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGardening Apprenticeship program hosted at Berkshire Botanical Garden. Seven-week summer apprenticeship provides young people with hands-on exposure to gardening, cultivation and landscaping. Partnership emphasizes skill-building, confidence, work readiness, and connection to meaningful local work.
• No. 10 RestaurantcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulinary apprenticeship host location. Chef Zee Vassos leads 8-week semester sessions, teaching kitchen work and restaurant operations. Program held every Monday and Thursday after school.
• John Andrews Farmhouse RestaurantcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulinary apprenticeship host. Chef Dan Smith opens his kitchen twice monthly to students. Some former apprentices have been hired as employees at the restaurant.
• Rose's RestaurantminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulinary apprenticeship program partner with chef Fabian Dominguez serving as mentor.
• Marjoram & RouxminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulinary apprenticeship program partner with chefs Daire Rooney and Jim Corcoran serving as mentors at annual dinner.
• The Stagecoach TavernminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulinary apprenticeship program partner with chef Jesse Holmes serving as mentor.
• Supreme Soft ServeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulinary apprenticeship program partner with Megan Kitsock serving as mentor.
• Planned ParenthoodcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides training to RSYP staff to deliver most up-to-date and relevant sexual health education to students.
• Center for Motivation and Change (CMC): Foundation for ChangecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloped the Invitation to Change Approach used in RSYP's Counseling and Advocacy program. Combines aspects of DBT, ACT, CBT, and CRAFT. CMC: Berkshires also co-presents parent education forums.
• Translate GendercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrans-led community organization that builds Western Massachusetts communities equitable for trans and gender creative individuals. Partnered with SBCHC on 'Navigating Community Safety' community event. Provides expertise on supporting trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive youth.
• Multicultural BRIDGEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner in Southern Berkshire Community Health Coalition. Co-developed 'Talking to Teens' video series with RSYP and SBCHC to help parents and teens have conversations about substance use.
• Berkshire Youth Development Project (BYDP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizational coalition including RSYP, Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC), and Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center that organizes the annual 413 Youth Conference.
• MASS MoCAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for annual 413 Youth Conference, a countywide event bringing together high school students for connection, workshops, and fun.
• Boston University Tanglewood InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for 413 Youth Conference workshops, with students from schools across Berkshire County participating in varied programming.
• Momma Lo's BBQminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted group mentoring session where youth prepped BBQ, learned smoker and grill techniques, and participated in cards and video games.
• Berkshire AHECminorOthersListed as partner resource in SBCHC coalition network supporting youth health and wellness.
• Brien CenterminorOthersListed as partner resource in SBCHC coalition network for mental health and substance abuse services.
• Elizabeth Freeman CenterminorOthersListed as partner resource in SBCHC coalition network for community support services.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires: Regional affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America serving Berkshire County youth with after-school programs, mentoring, and youth development services. Most directly comparable community-based youth development organization in the same geography.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berkshire County: Youth mentoring nonprofit serving Berkshire County with one-to-one mentoring matches for at-risk youth. Directly comparable to RSYP's Mentoring program, which competes for the same volunteer mentor pool in the same region.
• Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center: Multi-service youth and family community center in Pittsfield, MA serving Berkshire County with youth programming, child care, and community services. Coalition partner in the 413 Youth Conference and directly comparable as a regional youth-serving nonprofit.

Regional players

• Northern Berkshire Community Coalition: Community coalition serving northern Berkshire County with youth substance abuse prevention, mentoring, and community organizing. Coalition partner with RSYP on the 413 Youth Conference but serves the northern part of the same county, not directly overlapping Great Barrington.
• YWCA of Western Massachusetts: Regional YWCA serving Western Massachusetts with youth programs, domestic violence services, and women's empowerment. Comparable in mission area (youth empowerment, social services) and similar operating model to RSYP though at larger regional scale.
• Multicultural BRIDGE: Berkshire County community organization promoting equity and inclusion, coalition partner with RSYP in SBCHC. Comparable as a small, community-embedded nonprofit serving similar youth and family populations in the Berkshires.

Others

• Berkshire United Way: Regional United Way affiliate that funds RSYP and other Berkshire County nonprofits. Acts as a peer in the regional nonprofit ecosystem and a key funder relationship; comparable in scope of community impact work.
• Berkshire Hills Regional School District: Public school district that integrates RSYP's sexual health education into permanent curriculum. Acts as both customer and partner; not a direct peer but a key institutional relationship for service delivery.
• Planned Parenthood of Western Massachusetts: Provides training to RSYP staff for sexual health education delivery. Acts as a strategic partner and curriculum source; comparable in delivering youth-focused sexual health programming though at broader regional scale.

Broad incumbents

• 4-H (Berkshire County / Massachusetts): National youth development organization offering mentoring, project-based learning, and community service programs. Operates at much larger scale than RSYP but with comparable mission of empowering youth through hands-on projects.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/yob.rsyp

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Railroad Street Youth Project