Achievers

Achievers

Achievers is an academic achievement and career development program for Black and Latino students in middle school and high school. During the 2023-2024 school year we had 7 scholarship recipients in which we gave out $12,000 worth of scholarships. 

One of the key components of the Achievers program is the week-long spring break college tour. The students truly enjoy the college/universities and gained valuable knowledge for future college decisions.

Another goal of the program is to have students prepare for the world of work; the achievers participated in several work tours. Through these tours, the students were exposed to the skills most desired by current employers. The achievers program has made a lasting impact on students.

Black Achievers

The YMCA Black Achievers program is an academic achievement and career development initiative for middle school and high school youth and teens. The high school program is referred to as the Black Achievers Program and the middle school program is referred to as Youth Achievers, although both are operated under the umbrella of the Black Achievers Program. 

The purpose of the program is “to help teens set and pursue high educational and career goals resulting in high school graduation and acceptance into and graduation from an institution of higher learning, and successful entry into a career of their choosing.” The high school component meets twice per month, once in a general session where there are sessions on a variety of topics related to college preparation and career development, ranging from test taking skills, SAT Prep, to job readiness.

The second meeting is a cluster meeting in which students are broken into a career cluster of their choice (e.g. Computers and Technology, Law and Government, Communications, or Arts, Entertainment and Fashion) and they are involved in hands-on and active career related activities. The program also offers students opportunities for service learning through volunteering, social development, networking and college tours.

Criteria & Enrollment

Youth must be in grades eight through twelve to enroll. There are no GPA requirements to enroll. Enrollment is held from October through December. You can apply for the Achievers program through by clicking here.

Schools served