Pittsburgh, PA, February 26, 2019 – Exemplary students and mentors will be recognized at the 2nd Annual Y Achievers Awards on Thursday, February 28 at the August Wilson Center. They will be joined by David J. Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition and the first executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. One mentor, one organization and four students will be honored at the luncheon.
The Y Achievers mentorship program is administered by the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. The program establishes connections between teens in grades 7–12 and minority adults who help them develop academic and career skills. Young Achievers meet the Adult Achievers, respected professionals across a variety of industries, twice per month for three-hour sessions. During this time, Young Achievers learn job skills, take tours of company offices, create vision boards and more. The result? Higher graduation rates and acceptance into institutions of higher learning.
"These young people have amazing minds – all they need are connections with successful people who can understand where they come from," said Kevin Bolding, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. "Y Achievers makes those connections while the students and mentors do the rest. Both parties have put in tremendous work to develop themselves through this program. The least we can do is recognize their work and encourage them to continue on this path to success."
At-risk youth who found a mentor are 55 percent more likely to enroll in college and 130% more likely to hold leadership positions, according to a study from The National Mentoring Partnership. Y Achievers is contributing to these astounding numbers by paying attention to Achievers’ preferred learning styles. Only seven percent of students enjoyed a classroom setting while 64 percent enjoyed peer-to-peer learning. By taking the students preferred learning environment into consideration and giving them access to mentors in positions of power, Y Achievers sets students up for success.
The six honorees at the 2nd Annual Y Achievers Awards include:
Jerry MacCleary
Jerry MacCleary is the CEO and chairman of Covestro LLC, an international leader in polymer manufacturing. MacCleary started at Covestro in 1979 as an accountant and has moved his way through the company to his position today. MacCleary will be recognized for his efforts to diversify Covestro’s workforce by preparing the children of today to become the leaders of tomorrow. Under MacCleary’s leadership, Covestro launched its Adopt-A-School program, designed to get kids interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) at an earlier age so they can drive the industry in the future. He is an exemplary corporate citizen as an active participant in the Pittsburgh community as a member of the board of directors for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Imani Christian Academy.
Bank of New York Mellon
Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon) has been a committed sponsor of the Y Achievers program since we launched in 2018. The company has contributed not just financially; they have also provided us with three adult mentors who have consistently shared their time, talents, and expertise with our kids since the very beginning.
Y Achievers
These four students have been with us since our first year and will be recognized for their consistent performance, attendance, and overall contributions to the program. They are:
- Dejuan Smith, Sterrett Classical Academy, Pittsburgh, PA
- Brianna Ewell, Urban Pathways 6-12 Charter School, Pittsburgh, PA
- Raven Diggs-Thompson, Imani Christian Academy, Pittsburgh, PA
- TreVaughn Nelson, Woodland Hills Junior/Senior High School, Churchill, PA
Event details
The event will kick off at 11:30 am. on Thursday, February 28 at the August Wilson Center in downtown Pittsburgh. Attendees will enjoy a networking lunch and words from guest speaker David J. Johns.
Sponsorships and ticket proceeds benefit the Y’s work in local, economically disadvantaged communities focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility initiatives. To learn more about the program or to register for the event, please visit www.pittsburghymca.org/events/2nd-annual-y-achievers-awards.
About the Y
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh is a 501c(3) charitable organization committed to closing the achievement gap, eliminating health disparities and providing aid to financially struggling families throughout the greater Pittsburgh region. Our Y serves more than 80,000 individuals each year and provides over $1.1 million dollars in membership subsidies to individuals and families. Every day, the Y works side by side with people of all faiths and beliefs to ensure that everyone regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.