Brent Pedersen pursued a graduate degree in non-profit management as a way to find a career that would be "meaningful and impactful". It was through his experience with the YMCA that helped define his interest in working with kids. Brent served as a Graduate Assistant in the Center for Service and Learning's Office of Neighborhood Partnerships for two years. It was through his work at that time with the Near West that led him to pursue a career at the Hawthorne Community Center.