Anchorage, AK

The Pride Club, an after-school program for at-risk teenagers, was founded in 2006 by Mao Tosi, a former NFL player. The club was formed in response to escalating gang violence marked by drive-by shootings in mall parking lots. Mr. Tosi founded the club while working as a security guard at West High School in Anchorage. Today, Mr. Tosi is involved full-time with the organization.

The Pride Club stresses the importance of studying and maintaining good grades. If the teenagers who participate in the Pride Club allow their grades to fall, they lose certain club privileges. Members spend two to three hours a day at the club. Mr. Tosi picks up members in his car and brings them to places like the Fairview Recreation Center for basketball or just “hanging out.” Carol Comeau, Anchorage School District Superintendent, praises Mr. Tosi’s efforts to reach out to the students in an effort to combat gang and street crime in Anchorage. Mr. Tosi is also a Citizens’ Academy alumnus and member of the Safe Streets Task Force.