The Central New York Community Foundation recently awarded the YMCA of Central New York a $50,000 grant to support the expansion of the Y Achievers program, a college and career exploration program hosted by the Y in collaboration with Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, The Image Initiative, Inc., and Say Yes to Education.
The funding is supported through the Central New York Community Foundation’s Poverty Initiative Fund, which supports anti-poverty efforts in the Central New York community. Students in the Y Achievers program meet monthly during the school year to participate in a comprehensive college preparation curriculum, professional development, leadership skill-building, and career exploration. Participants must reside in the City of Syracuse, attend grades 9-12, and be from a historically underrepresented background. There is no fee for students to attend the program.
The Central New York Community Foundation shared that they were “happy to fund an expansion of the YMCA of Central New York’s Y Achievers program because it is setting our local children up for success. The program’s education, mentoring and experiential activities are helping to inspire participants to become leaders in their community and achieve academic excellence, which will help them thrive for years to come.”
More information about Y-Achievers can be found at ymcacny.org/yachievers
About the YMCA of Central New York: The YMCA of Central New York is a diverse organization committed to nurturing potential by empowering young people, improving the health and well-being of people of all ages, and inspiring action in and across communities. YMCACNY serves over 45,000 people as members throughout Onondaga County and beyond.