Y Achievers launching in Coatesville and Jennersville for children in grades 5 - 8 

West Chester, PA – [Sep 26, 2024] – The expectations facing teens are ever-increasing and the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is thrilled to offer a new program to uplift children in grades 5 – 8.  

Registration is now open for Y Achievers, a free program designed to empower teens and pre-teens to set and achieve goals through mentorship, skill-building workshops and more. All participants receive a free youth membership. 

Supporting Personal Achievement
Nationally, Y Achievers has a rich history of supporting the academic and career aspirations of older youth. In 1967 Quentin Mease of the South Central YMCA in Houston, Texas, developed the Black Achievers program to support the career goals of black and brown youth. In 1971 it was expanded at the YMCA in Harlem, New York, forming the basis of the Y Achievers program that we know today. 

Across the county, the program has been successful in ensuring that participants graduate from high school, determine a career path and more. YGBW plans to build on that success while incorporating needs specific to Chester County youth. Children from all races and backgrounds are welcome to participate in Y Achievers at YGBW’s Coatesville and Jennersville branches. 

“I grew up going to the Jennersville YMCA,” shares Jazmyn Hudson, Association Director of Teen Programming. “I am familiar with the unique experiences that youth in our community are facing and am excited to help them discover and develop their passions, solve problems in their neighborhoods and increase their self-confidence.”

Strengthening Community Through Personal Achievement
While Y Achievers focuses on the academic and career achievement of participants, the program is beneficial to the community at large. Investing in out-of-school-time (OST) programming for youth is known to benefit the community, as well as the individual program participants. 

“We are proud to further our commitment to Youth and Teen Development by expanding programs for ages 12-21,” says Bertram L. Lawson II. “Teens are our future leaders – and we want to ensure they have the tools needed to succeed in school and in life. We invite others in the community to join in our mission by mentoring or sponsoring Y Achievers.”

Y Achievers at YGBW is sponsored by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. 

Revamping 7th Grade Initiative
In addition to launching Y Achievers, YGBW is rolling out changes to its popular 7th Grade Initiative. Through the support of donors, YGBW provides a free youth membership to area seventh graders.

The Coatesville, Jennersville and Upper Main Line branches of YGBW are piloting enhancements to the 7th Grade Initiative. Enhancements include fitness programming, volunteer projects, special events and more.  

Both Y Achievers and 7th Grade Initiative are free for participants and include a free Youth YGBW Membership. 

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About the YMCA of Greater Brandywine  

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), an association of nine YMCAs and Program Centers serving Chester County, is a leading non-profit organization committed to building community. We strive to nurture the potential of every child, promote healthy living and foster social responsibility through life-changing programs for all. YGBW raises funds to provide financial assistance to those unable to pay the standard rates. In 2023, $2.2 million was provided to more than 11,000 individuals to ensure they had access to childcare, summer camp, programs and memberships at YGBW. More than 60,000 people are members of YGBW. To learn more, visit ymcagbw.org.   

 

Photo Caption: Jazmyn Hudson, Association Director of Teen Programs, speaks to a group of teens at the Jennersville YMCA.