Photo Credit: Celeste Roberts; Youths at the Skills Center
A youth center in Hillsborough County is changing the way after-school programs function with its state-of-the-art sports facility. Co-founder and CEO of The Skills Center, Celeste Roberts, is helping pave the way for students to successfully navigate the workforce through youth development programs.
“We are a sports-based youth organization that uses the power of sports to create change around education, health, and the workforce,” stated Roberts.
The Skills Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating academic and leadership skills through the power of sports. Founded in 2006 by Roberts, Chris Ward, and John Arroyo, the nonprofit operated without a dedicated center until June 2024, when they opened the now fully functional state of the art facility. In her position, Roberts provides strategic leadership and vision for the organization.
The youth center project was originally slated for $13 million, but with inflation and rising costs, it totaled to $25.5 million by the end of production. The Skills Center hosts a combination of educational and sports-related venues, including a basketball court, a culinary kitchen, a college career center, and multiple classrooms.
Photo Credit: The Skills Center’s Facebook; youths in a culinary class.
The physical center was strategically planned to combine areas for physical activity while providing spaces for educational opportunities, such as college prep. The collaborative space provides a way to connect youth development to the workforce. Its services differ from traditional aftercare in that their programs are offered throughout the day rather than scheduled for the afternoon. The Skills Center is open to students during the day, after school, in the evening, and additionally allows students to schedule workshops that fit their calendars (e.g., ACT/SAT Prep classes).
Roberts’ vision was to create a place where multiple organizations could collaborate, expand programming to leverage knowledge and resources, and have a greater impact on youth.
“It’s really about helping our kids get on a pathway. Whether they’re going to college, pursuing vocational training, entering full-time employment, or joining the military, kids come in for youth development. Our intention is for them to be able to create a path to lifelong success,” Roberts said.
Accessibility to the youth’s sports center was a top priority. The location was purposely built in the middle of Hillsborough’s Area Regional Transit (HART) bus routes. The HART bus line runs from South County to North Tampa, providing students near and far with operational transportation.
Through their partnership with Hillsborough County Schools, the location has secured a bus stop in front of the building. In addition to the transit system, the facility secured three passenger vehicles (one 25-passenger and two 15-passenger vehicles).
“A part of our work is how we think strategically to eliminate barriers that prevent kids from accessing things, and transportation is just one of those things. Not only for our kids, but for our city,” Roberts said.
Photo Credit: The Skills Center’s Facebook; youths stretching.
The Skills Center’s department served a total of 3,400 youth through programs and events in 2024. Since its opening, they’ve tripled in staff and more than doubled in contractors and vendors since 2024. The non-profit has also secured two grants ($1.4 million and $1.5 million) through The Collab, a five-core partnership of organizations that contribute to the overall mission of the youth center. The Collab includes Men of Vision, Girls Mentally Empowered for Success (GEMS), G3 Life Applications, and the CDC of Tampa (Corporation to Develop Communities)
“We wanted to be creative and strategic and figure out a way to bring in the money that we need to make sure that our kids get the services they need,” said Roberts.
Roberts is eager to celebrate their 20th anniversary next year. Beginning January 2027, the Skills Center will host small celebratory events leading up to their annual SNKR Ball in March to celebrate their anniversary.
Photo Credit: The Skills Center’s Facebook; youths visit the Lee Chira Family Heisman Plaza.
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