The YMCA Multicultural Achievers program is committed to the development of all youth

The YMCA Multicultural Youth Achievers program originates from the national YMCA Black Achievers program founded in 1971 at New York City's Harlem Y to motivate and encourage African-American teens to academic and career success.

In keeping with the focus of the founding program, the Mason YMCA Multicultural Achievers program remains committed to the development of all youth. Like the national Black Achievers movement, we have expanded the scope of the program to incorporate all racial groups, with an emphasis on minorities.

The Program

To encourage consistent participation, the students assist in developing program ideas, planning a service project and providing leadership. Program activities include group sessions as well as special activities based on individual needs (e.g., extra tutoring, English as a Second Language, career shadowing, special developmental need). The program is designed for school-aged youth, with activities planned for the family, concurrent with the youth programming (family involvement is encouraged). Tutoring/homework help and ESL are offered weeknights. Saturdays are devoted to personal enrichment, creative arts, fitness and career clusters. Recognition activities are held throughout the program period to acknowledge successes in academics, athletics, community service, and other personal milestones.

The program runs concurrent with the school year, with most activities taking place at the YMCA branch on weeknights and on Saturday morning with occasional field trips. During the summer months, many students remain involved with the YMCA in Summer Day Camp, Summer Swim or as volunteers.

Adult volunteers, from various professions, serve as role models. The adult achievers may share personal stories about how they achieved their career goals and challenges they've faced. They provide instruction on important steps students must take to be successful. Many also host workplace WORLD OF WORK tours and assist in securing incentive rewards for the students. Volunteer guest speakers include business/civic leaders, educators, elected officials and other professionals such as the National YMCA Black Achievers Director.

There is a one time $30 commitment fee for program participation. The commitment fee can be paid at any time and can be divided into payments. The low cost of the program is due to the generous sponsorship of Wachovia.

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