Teen Achievers
The YMCA Teen Achievers program motivates youth to succeed.
The YMCA Teen Achievers program is a cooperative venture that marshals the resources of the home, the school, the corporate community and the YMCA to help young African-Americans develop a positive sense of self and set high education and career goals. Founded in 1971 at New York City’s Harlem Y, the Teen Achievers program is also a national collegiate readiness initiative where Achievers are mentored by (volunteer) African-American professionals who act as role models and leaders.
The Davis Teen Achievers program serves Memphis City Schools, Shelby County and DeSoto County Schools.
The YMCA Teen Achievers program objectives are:
- To help youth develop a positive sense of self
- To raise academic standards of youth
- To expose students to diverse career options
- To provide positive role models for youth
- To recognize and promote excellence
- To create channels for continuing community involvement for business and industry
The YMCA Teen Achievers program benefits:
Youth are motivated to succeed in school and gain marketable skills.
Adults are recognized by their peers as achievers and are given the opportunity to serve as role models for youth.
Companies are provided with a way to support urban youth, which enhances their corporate image and helps build a future workforce of competent, motivated young adults.
YMCAs that sponsor Teen Achievers gain corporate support for their programs and a dynamic way to involve black professionals in meeting community needs as YMCA volunteers.
How does Teen Achievers help youth?
- Academic support
- Career exploration (weekend clusters)
- Career-related mentoring with successful role models
- Encouragement by adults who are successful and who share cultural similarities
After School Enrichment
This program is designed as a free After School comprehensive program for today’s changing society, not only for working families but also to enrich children’s lives. The program is a combination of several components. It must be emphasized that it is not to be an extension of the school but rather compliment school in a manner that is fun for the child. A long term goal of the program is to help the child develop socially through small group work while emphasizing the child as an individual. Program participants are divided into small groups based on age and maturity. This program is offered free through the generous funding of United Way of the Mid-South.
Provided at:
- Havenview Middle School
- Oakhaven Middle/ High School
- Thomas B. Davis YMCA
New initiatives from the YMCA Teen Achievers program
The YMCA Teen Achievers program seeks to position itself as a top leader in changing the lives of youth and teens of color.
New initiatives include:
Collegiate Achievers Program
This program will serve as a bridge to the college campus community for its adult, teen and college-aged participants. College students will continue to receive support, career guidance, education and applicable experience to aid in fulfilling their long-term personal and professional goals. In addition, the program will foster the culture of “giving back” as students mentor their younger teen achievers partners at local area YMCA Teen Achievers programs.
National Adult Achiever of the Year Award
This award will recognize a national leader for outstanding commitment and accomplishment in their field of expertise and to the betterment of humankind. The YMCA Teen Achievers program reaches into the heart of the community for both its adults and teen achievers. By recognizing and utilizing the talents of successful adults, the program brings a much-needed positive influence into the lives of young people. Due to improved academic achievement and the availability of corporate and college scholarships, our youth proudly enter the doors of prominent colleges and universities. Teens increasingly compete in all academic areas, because a caring adult took the time to assist them in reading, writing, math and science. Youth prepare for many opportunities that await them in business, technology, medicine, education, engineering, law and government. But just as important, they are taught the benefits of networking, setting goals and civic engagement.
The YMCA Teen Achievers program is making a tremendous impact in the African-American and Hispanic/ Latino communities by connecting positive and caring minority adult role models with minority youth.
Support the YMCA and our programs such as Teen Achievers.
Support the YMCA Teen Achievers program
Donations
Donations to support the YMCA Teen Achievers program are always needed. If you believe in our purpose and want to help us succeed in our initiatives, donate now
As part of the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, donations to Teen Achievers are tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.
Volunteer Opportunities
We need people to help youth with their homework at the Davis YMCA, Monday through Thursday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. No prior tutoring experience is necessary; we will train you. This position requires a drug test and a background check. Contact the Davis branch for details.
