The Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP) is a group of young, active, civic-minded professionals who have a clear vision of Harrisburg's future as a great place to live, work, and play. We are part of a movement which is breathing new life into urban areas and lessening the negative impact of suburban sprawl. We are also working to prevent the migration of educated young people to larger cities (often referred to as "brain drain") and to encourage those who have left to return to the Central Pennsylvania region. In the spring of 1998, five friends recognized the need for young professional men and women to come together and take action in the city of Harrisburg. J. Alex Hartzler, former president of HYP, explains, "Harrisburg is a city we believe is poised to experience a long overdue renaissance....The energy, enthusiasm and talent of the new members stand out as most encouraging for the city's future." The organization has grown rapidly and now has several hundred members.

HYP serves as a catalyst in making Harrisburg a better place to live, work, and play, while developing and retaining future leaders.