Mel Blount Youth Leadership Initiative
The mission of the Mel Blount Youth Leadership Initiative is to provide youth with programs where they will have a healthy environment to learn, work, play and to develop principles of respect, responsibility, and leadership through: nurturing, moral & character development and guidance.

Franco Harris – The Most Decent Human Being
“Franco was a great football player but an even better person. He always made time for others. He was the most decent human being I have ever known. He was respected by all who knew him and made those around him better. Franco was a huge supporter of the Mel Blount Youth Leadership Initiative and poured his heart out to every youth orgranization throughout the Pittsburgh Community. I am grateful for our friendship. I will truly miss my brother, teammate and dear friend. TiAnda and I send our condolences to Dana, Dok, and the entire Harris family.”
-Mel Blount
2023 Summer Internships
The MBYLI is now accepting interns for Summer 2023
Invest In The Future: Become a title sponsor for the MBYLI Internship program.

Mel Blount has spent a lifetime supporting young people
Mel started the Youth Leadership Initiative after his decades long NFL career. Mel and the foundation have intervened and intercepted the lives of at risk youth and provided the avenue for them to get another chance to succeed with their life’s goals. Today, the Initiative focuses on instilling leadership qualities in young people to arm them to tackle life’s challenges.
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LATEST MBYLI NEWS
Together we make all the difference
Steelers’ 2022 Rookies Partner with Legend Mel Blount To Inspire and Give Back
Steelers' 2022 Rookies Partner with Legend Mel Blount To Inspire and Give Back The Pittsburgh Steelers mean a lot to many people, but especially the community in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, and especially to the youth. The team partnered with Steelers' legend and NFL Hall of Famer, Mel
The house that Mel built
The house that Mel built While troubled youth no longer live at the Mel Blount Youth Home, it’s still a vital resource. Brandon Humphrey flashed back a quarter-century, to an African-American kid enticed by the mean streets of a mean Pittsburgh neighborhood. Read the Whole Story
Registration now open for the 2023 Mel Blount Youth Home All-Star Celebrity Roast Honoring Troy Polamalu
Registration now open! Mel Blount Youth Home All-Star Celebrity Roast Honoring Troy Polamalu on May 5th, 2023 at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Registration Now Open! May 5th, 2023 at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh After a 3 year hiatus, we are happy to announce the date of our
New Video: The Impact of the Mel Blount Youth Leadership Initiative
New Video: The Impact of the Mel Blount Youth Leadership Initiative Please watch this new video detailing the positive impact of the Mel Blount Youth Leadership Initiative on its participants. “This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind,
The Vision from the Steps of Canton NFL Hall of Famer Mel Blount
THE VISION FROM THE STEPS OF CANTON Mel Blount shared his vision and the importance of giving back to youth even before he founded the Mel Blount Youth Home. Standing on the steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio as a first ballot Hall