Youth Development
Helping young people build confidence, discover possibility, and connect with mentorship and meaningful opportunity.
Building stronger futures together
When people rise, communities rise.
We stand with young people and families—opening doors, strengthening neighborhoods, and helping communities rebuild when life changes without warning.
Our belief
Every family deserves the support and opportunity to move forward whole.
Our purpose
Opportunity today.
Generational strength tomorrow.
Our mission
The Up and Coming Foundation empowers youth, supports underserved families, and strengthens communities through mentorship, resources, advocacy, and responsive care. When natural disasters disrupt lives, we help families find stability, dignity, and a path toward becoming whole again.
Our vision
We envision communities where every young person can see a future worth pursuing, every family has a real chance to thrive, and no one is left to rebuild alone.
How we show up
Care that meets people where they are.
Our work begins by listening, then bringing people, experience, and resources together around what a community truly needs.
Family Support
Connecting underserved families with practical resources and compassionate support that protects dignity and creates stability.
Community Improvement
Working alongside residents, leaders, and local partners to strengthen neighborhoods from within.
Disaster Recovery
Beginning in Altadena, our vision connects recovery with trade training and local work—helping residents rebuild homes, restore neighborhoods, and strengthen the community from within.
The community rebuilding the community
Rebuilding Altadena, from within.
The Eaton Fire left families facing a long road back. Our dream is to help local residents learn practical building trades, create pathways to paid work, and put community skill and community hands at the heart of rebuilding homes and neighborhoods.
Beginning in Altadena. Built to serve wherever families need to rebuild.
Teach the trades
Work with experienced tradespeople to help residents develop practical construction skills.
Create pathways to work
Prepare community members for paid opportunities connected to the rebuilding around them.
Rebuild together
Keep recovery rooted in Altadena, so rebuilding homes also strengthens the people and community.
The future we’re building toward
Build homes. Build skills. Build opportunity.
Recovery means helping families return while giving local people the tools to help shape what comes next. By connecting trade education, meaningful work, and neighborhood rebuilding, Altadena can recover in a way that honors its history and creates opportunity for generations ahead.
Youth trade education
Providing education.
Building futures.
One car. Many lessons.
High school students stepped into the shop to learn the skilled craft of restoring Model A antique cars. With experienced guidance and real tools in their hands, they discovered how patience, precision, teamwork, and pride can transform both a vehicle and a young person’s sense of what is possible.
A closer look
Learning beyond the classroom
The restoration process gives students an introduction to bodywork, tools, shop safety, problem-solving, and the discipline behind a finished result. Just as importantly, it gives them direct access to mentors who share knowledge, set expectations, and encourage them to see skilled trades as a meaningful path forward.
This is philanthropy through participation: investing time, experience, and trust in young people while giving them a lasting achievement they can point to with pride.
Our founderWilbert L. Smith, PhD
Service Leadership Legacy
A lifetime of service
Founded by Wilbert L. Smith, PhD
An educator, author, award-winning filmmaker, and lifelong community advocate, Dr. Smith has built his work around the belief that opportunity can change the direction of a life.
He holds a Master of Arts in Special Education, an MBA, and a PhD in Business Management. His commitment to young people has included election to his local school board and appointment by the Governor of California as Director of Child Development Programs. He has also supported youth mentorship, scouting, and drug-abuse prevention efforts through groups and programs such as Big Brothers and Boy Scouts of America.
Dr. Smith later served on the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, helping shape policy and procedure for more than 100 community colleges, and taught in the School of Business at Pasadena Community College. Across education, storytelling, business, and community service, his purpose has remained consistent: share knowledge, encourage hard work, and create meaningful paths forward.
- Education
- MA, Special Education · MBA · PhD, Business Management
- Public service
- School board · Child development · Community-college leadership
- Creative work
- Author · Award-winning filmmaker
“The activities that meant the most were those that allowed the greatest impact on the lives of young people.”
Give with purpose
Help build what comes next.
Your gift helps young people learn practical skills, supports families working toward stability, and moves community-led rebuilding forward in Altadena and beyond.
One community. Many ways to make a lasting difference.
Secure online giving
Our donation portal is almost ready.
We are completing the final verification needed to accept gifts online. One-time and monthly giving will be available here soon.
Donation portal activating soon
Thank you for believing in the power of a community investing in its own future.
Community outreach and essential supplies
Hands-on youth training materials
Trade education and mentorship
Community-led rebuilding efforts
Let’s build together
Every stronger future starts with a connection.
Reach out to learn more about The Up and Coming Foundation, explore community partnerships, or share a need we should know about.
Emailinfo@tucf.us
Toll-free in the U.S.877-277-TUCF (877-277-8823)
International calling charges may apply.