PROGRAM SPONSORS
YMCA BLACK ACHIEVERS
The YMCA of Central Kentucky Black Achievers program serves all youth, grades 6-12, and is designed to develop future leadership potential and encourage youth to pursue higher educational and career goals.
Founded in 1985, Black Achievers continues to support youth in academics, mentoring, and post-secondary success through dedicated business and community volunteers who support the program giving of their time, talents and treasures.
If you are interested in receiving information for the 2023-24 Black Achievers session, please share your contact info here.
Program Objectives
- Helps youth develop a positive sense of self.
- Raises academic standards and improves college and career readiness.
- Builds character, increases positive assets of youth, and provides social-emotional support.
- Encourages students to set and pursue goals related to their college and career aspirations.
- Provides mentors and role models whose success and knowledge will inspire youth.
- Creates opportunities for youth to engage with mentors from local businesses and industries.
- Recognizes and promotes excellence among youth participants and adult volunteers.
Program Components
Black Achievers meets within various schools during "Achievers Clubs" and on Saturdays during monthly "Teen Summits". The program provides a robust curriculum that includes:
- Workshops on SAT/ACT preparation
- Study skills/time management strategies
- Interviewing techniques
- Financial literacy
- Team-building field trips
- Community service-learning projects
- Arts & culture exploration
- College tours
Scholarships
Scholarships are provided to senior participants who opt-in and complete our scholarship process and serve a number of years in the program. These cash awards provide students with the support they need to meet post-secondary goals, and are provided through the generous support of individual donations and corporate sponsors who believe in our mission.
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
In addition to generous donations, corporate sponsorships allow for businesses and organizations to nominate successful role models who volunteer their time and talents as Adult Achievers for the school year. Adult Achievers are recognized for their professional skills, program support and desire to give back to the community.
For more information, please contact Vice President of Mission Advancement at jberry@ymcacky.org.
Volunteering
We are so grateful to all of our community partners who have committed to share their time, talents, and treasures with our Achievers. We will begin looking for volunteer support in the Spring 2023.
How to Register
Registration for the 2022-23 school year is now closed. Please check back in Spring for new enrollment year.
Questions?
If you would like additional information on our Achievers Program, please email blackachievers@ymcacky.org. We will offer financial assistance to families who qualify.