Y Achievers is a national program that helps youth in seventh through twelfth grade discover and pursue higher educational and career goals by equipping them with the skills needed to succeed and be community role models. Young people (Youth Achievers) participate in workforce readiness, college readiness and life skills sessions to support their pathway to success through programming by grade level and interest. Y Achievers sessions are intentionally located on a college campus to inspire hope and a belief that a college degree is in all of our young peoples futures. Youth Achievers are guided by staff and local professionals (Adult Achievers) in fields that they are interested in through Career and Life Skill exploration workshops. YMCA Achievers is committed to ensuring all young people have access to programming, fieldtrips, Y membership and college tours no matter financial circumstance. To ensure accessibility, the Y Achievers program and benefits are offered at no cost to young people and their families.

Our Purpose is Caring for Others:

For 45 years, YMCA Achievers Boston has been purposefully designed as a leadership development opportunity for adults (Adult Achievers) as well. Through long term corporate partnerships, the Y Achievers program orients and involves adult professionals who serve as leaders and mentors for Youth Achievers. AdultAchievers take their places as volunteers in the program, sharing experience, professional expertise, and knowledge with youth.

Research shows that teens are more motivated to succeed academically when supported by caring adults. The Y Achievers Program addresses these issues by pairing students with successful role models and providing academic and career related mentoring and support services. We are proud to share that the YMCA Achievers is a volunteer led program filled with corporate partners who believe in strengthening our youth to strengthen our communities.

YMCA Achievers Objectives:

Expose youth to career and college knowledge through the lens of professionals who look like them. We believe that children cannot aspire to be what they cannot see.

Help youth develop individual talents, a positive sense of self, and leadership ability.

Motivate participants to raise academic performance, succeed in school, and gain marketable skills.

Recognize and promote excellence among youth participants and adult volunteers.

Build character and increase positive assets of youth.

We proudly share the impact of our work and how the program has grown:

More than 2,400 employees of color from Greater Boston are Alumni of the Achievers Program, representing 173 companies.

Adult Achievers have volunteered more than 84,000 hours in community service.

Since its inception, the YMCA Achievers Program has served 25,000 teens in the City of Boston.