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Funds will go toward expansion of academic achievement and career development initiative
PITTSBURGH (August 15, 2019) – The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh has received a generous grant of $150,000 from BNY Mellon in an effort to expand the Y Achievers program, an academic achievement and career development initiative for middle and high school students. Having previously been offered as a Saturday-only program, Urban Pathways students will now have the opportunity to take part in it as an elective course on Wednesday mornings this upcoming school year.
The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh has partnered with Urban Pathways 6-12 Charter School in downtown on Penn Avenue to bring the Y Achievers program to the classroom. At the beginning of the school year, students in grades 7-9 will take part in the program from 8:15-11:15 a.m. on Wednesday mornings and sessions will be taught by Y Achievers staff.
With a goal to establish connections between teens and professionals of color who can provide college and career knowledge, the program incorporates Adult Achievers, or respected professionals across a variety of industries, who will visit the classroom sessions to regularly guest speak on various topics. This year, we are excited to have Dr. Aleta Richards, Senior Vice President of Coatings, Adhesives & Specialties, from Covestro joining us as a guest speaker. “My life’s journey is a confirmation that your starting position is not as important as a commitment to hard work and a focus on results. I hope to share some of those lessons and to be inspired by similar stories from others.”
In addition to peer mentorship, the program utilizes multiple learning approaches to engage students. According to a Y-USA survey, only 22 percent of students enjoyed a classroom setting while 44 percent enjoyed peer-to-peer learning and 67 percent enjoy a hands-on project or activity. By taking the students preferred learning environment into consideration and giving them access to diverse mentors in positions of power, Y Achievers sets students up for success.
The Y Achievers Saturday program will remain as an option for any students in the Pittsburgh region grades 7-9. Saturday sessions will start the first Saturday of October and take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Homewood-Brushton YMCA.
Students and adults interested in participating in the Y Achievers program this school year are encouraged to register at pittsburghymca.org/yachievers, or contact the program director Jose Diaz at (412) 436-0524 or jdiaz@ymcapgh.org.
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 nearly $1.5 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.