In honor of National Mentoring Month this January, Andréa Stanford shines a light on the Y Achievers program, for which she serves as a Youth Mentor. The Pittsburgh chapter of Y Achievers intentionally introduces teens middle and high school to professionals who guide them through experiences - ranging from civic engagement, community service projects, and academic support - that ready them for life after high school.
I got involved with the Y Achievers program over three years ago as an Adult Achiever. The vision of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh for the program is to provide adult professionals as mentors to African American and Hispanic youth in the area to help show them that success is colorful.
The Y Achievers program aims to expose minority youth to career opportunities, mentorship, and overall support beyond the classroom by pairing them with professionals who look just like they do. Every year we have young scholars who are brilliant and eager to explore programs ranging from architecture, to arts and sciences, to government, and we are there to push them forward and hopefully inspire them in their journey of discovery and understanding.
Growing up I had the support of many mentors in my life who were there to guide me and help me get to where I am today, and now I get to give back as an Adult Achiever. That is how I support the WHY.
Andréa Stanford | Youth Mentor
Assistant County Manager
To learn more about this youth mentorship program, attend the Y Achievers Luncheon at 11 a.m. Thursday, Deb. 27 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. For more information or tickets, visit: pittsburghymca.org/luncheon