Twenty-four year-old Anthony O’Neal, born in Columbia, SC., founded Young People Succeeding, Inc. (YPS) after he became entangled in nearly $15,000 worth of bad debt at the tender age of 18. O’Neal lacked the knowledge and skills necessary to responsibly manage his finances and soon found himself in a very uncomfortable situation financially. Moreover, although he was very active in his school, community, and church, O’Neal was a bit stubborn growing up. In fact, his stubbornness got him expelled from school twice: once in middle school and once as a freshman in high school.

However, in 2002, O’Neal decided to change his ways and focus on getting rid of his debt. It was then that a vision was born to create an organization that would give young people like him the tools they needed to lead successful lives and prevent them from getting caught up in the never-ending spiral of bad debt.

O’Neal also noticed the lack of positive social outlets for youth and young adults. He became tired of going out to the clubs and not always feeling safe while he was out (always having to watch his back). Likewise, it frustrated him to see young people disrespecting themselves in the ways they dressed and lived. He knew that young people needed better access to positive people who were doing positive things.

So, O’Neal redirected his frustration and fueled into a passion to start an organization that would not only help with debt prevention, but also enrich young people’s lives. In 2003, O’Neal’s passion inspired him to create Young People Succeeding. The organization started with seminars, concerts, and events in southern California, which are still going on today. From these efforts, the Mayor of Oceanside, CA even recognized O’Neal for his outstanding service in the city of Oceanside, but O’Neal didn’t stop in California. He knew there were so many more young people to reach.

Now, YPS impacts the lives of youth and young adults across the nation. Through enrichment programs, special events, and new media, YPS now reaches thousands of youth and young adults every month.

O’Neal’s efforts have gained him great recognition across the nation. He has been featured in several magazines including Hope Today, Gospel Spectrum, and NtoU, among others. He has also appeared on television networks BET and TBN and several news programs. O’Neal also served as host to TV show, “904 & Praise” and is currently the host of a new urban gospel radio show, Club 981.

In addition, O’Neal has organized several youth conferences, concerts and events and has shared the stage with artists such as Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Nick Cannon, Boyz II Men, Lisa McClendon, Canton Jones, Kelly Price, Da Truth and many more.

O’Neal continues to lead and build YPS, impacting young people every day. He hopes to see more young adults buying homes at the age of 20, gaining financial freedom, and living well-rounded lives. O’Neal believes it is time for young people to rise up as individuals of purpose and live complete lives, getting away from one-dimensional thinking and instead, thinking outside the box.