Programs

Through generous contributions and collaborations with local colleges, organizations, youth service agencies and other partners, the Minority Achievers Program is able to provide financial and college-readiness resources and programs that lead successful paths for the future of our youth and community.

Program Objectives:

• To raise the academic standards of minority youth, while assisting them in developing necessary skills for success
• To help minority youth develop individual talents, as well as academic and leadership capabilities that instill a greater sense of self-confidence
• To expose minority youth to diverse career options
• To foster a mentoring relationship between youth and business professionals
• To recognize and promote excellence and outstanding achievement
• To present adult Minority Achievers and community volunteers as positive role models for minority youth
• To create channels for continuing community involvement for business and industry

Program Benefits:

Youth

• Motivation to succeed in school and gain marketable skills
• Become well-rounded and realize their potential
• Preparation to enter the job market through corporate internship programs
• Networking opportunities through community and corporate involvement
• Develop character & life skills; self-esteem, conflict resolution, confidence, leadership abilities, test taking skills, SAT/ACT preparation, speech/communication skills, reading/writing skill development

Mentors

• Recognition from peers as achievers and given the opportunity to serve as role models for youth
• Public recognition of success at annual banquets
• A sense of satisfaction from having a positive impact on our youth
• Improving presentation and interaction skills
• Networking opportunities with other Adult Achievers and participating organizations

Sponsor Companies

• Positive publicity for support of YMCA Minority Achievers Program
• Enhances corporate image and helps to build a future workforce of motivated young adults
• YMCAs that sponsor Minority Achievers gain corporate support for its programs

Program Components

Community Service:
Students create a sense of self worth, as well as change the perception of minorities within our community. Community projects, such as the Share Program, Haven of Rest Ministries and visits to nursing homes, show to the community that these individuals demonstrate positive values and strong work ethic.

Recreation:
Recreational activities promote teamwork, build self-esteem and develop character through competition.

Business Tours/Trips:
Students explore the environments of local corporations and businesses on a first hand bases to build adult relationships in the community and business sector. Youth benefit from career fairs, college visits, corporate tours, career assessments, cultural field trips and Team Building/Leadership Development Retreat.

Scholarships:
The program awards at least one $1,500 scholarship each year to a student that successfully completes at least one year in the program. Award winners are selected by the Steering Committee.

Workshops & Seminars:
Students participate in project-based Career Clusters and worksite visits led by Adult Achievers, specialty trainers and community partnered organizations.

Aviation: From the Wright Brothers to the control towers, land behind the scenes and acquire an understanding of the field's transportation and communication components.

Arts & Culture: Inspire the mind and gain an appreciation for art and culture as you join professionals in performance and visual arts.

Business & Industry: Build relationships with business professionals and learn about the stock market, trade and other economic activity.

Career & Technical: Discover personal talents and interests and develop the necessary skills for success in a workplace of possibilities.

Communications: Explore the various media channels and tactics to reach audiences and send messages.

Computer Technology: Experience hands-on learning and training within the diverse career opportunities of the computer field.

Culinary Arts: Acquire a taste for the science of food and an understanding of nutrition, while skillfully preparing meals of the world.

Education: Discover the unique challenges and rewards of the teaching profession.

Engineering: Whether interested in biomedical, chemical, civil or mechanical engineering, explore the specialized fields and how they impact our world.

Entrepreneurship: Listen to motivational stories from entrepreneurs, build confidence, stand behind your ideas and discover how to put them in motion to reach your goals

Health & Medical: Witness first-hand, the daily responsibilities of doctors, dentists, nurses and other medical professionals.

Music: Liberate your ears with the dynamics of music and analyze its elements of rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, form, and texture.

Public Service & Law: Interact with government officials through mock trials, crime solving and introductions to a variety of public service careers.