OLDER YOUTH PROGRAMS

There are many distractions that compete for the attention of our youth today. It's important that the messages they hear are coming from positive sources. All young people, regardless of economic, geographic, ethnic, gender or religious background face choices that can positively or negatively influence their futures. The YMCA wants teens and families to know there is a way for youth to reach new heights, and is committed to programs for older youth and teens that offer character development, citizenship, leadership and service programs in collaboration with local school districts and other community organizations.

Contact Regenia Roach at 713.633.0530 for additional information.

TEENS

YMCA Youth & Government

Building Our Future Citizens. The State Youth and Government program, which began in New York in 1936, is held in 37 states involving more than 53,000 student participants. The students learn the democratic process by actually participating in many aspects of state government. They research and write bills, debate issues, vote on proposals, participate in committees, run for office and hear judicial cases. There are additional aspects of the program that involve the judicial arm of the government and offer an opportunity for young people to participate in print and video media.

Session: Academic school year

Registration: Ongoing

Meetings: Monthly

Location: Northeast YMCA and YMCA Center For Leadership Development

Facility Member: FREE

Program Member: $30 annual program member fee plus $5/month

YMCA Teen Club

At a YMCA Teen Club, young people meet on a weekly basis in small groups, working closely with their peers and a counselor on skill and character-building activities, as well as on planning and organizing club projects. The program provides a safe haven for young people to become confident and competent adults with a sense of belonging in their community.

Session: Academic school year

Registration: Ongoing

Meetings: Bi-weekly

Location: Northeast YMCA and local high schools

Facility Member: FREE

Program Member: $30 annual program member fee plus $5/month

YMCA G.I.R.L.S.

YMCA G.I.R.L.S (Girls In Real Life Situations) programs provide structured fun, educational and self-exploration sessions led by strong, positive role models to adolescent girls which promote character development, self-determination and positive life choices. The highlight event is a weekend retreat at a YMCA resident camp upon completion of the program.

Grades: Middle School (6-8)

Session: Academic school year

Registration: Ongoing

Meetings: Monthly

Location: Northeast YMCA

Facility Member: FREE

Program Member: $30 annual program member fee plus $5/month

YMCA Youth Achievers

The central purpose of the program is to help older youth and teens develop a positive sense of self and to set high educational and career goals. The program strives to:

Assist students and their parents in identifying and qualifying for financial resources to continue their post-secondary education
Raise the academic standards of youth
Expose students to diverse career options
Provide youth with role models whose success and knowledge will inspire them to reach their personal goals
Create channels for continuing community involvement by business and industry
Recognize and promote excellence in our youth

Grades: High School (9-12)

Session: Academic school year

Registration: Ongoing

Meetings: Monthly

Location: Northeast YMCA & YMCA Center for Leadership Development

Facility Member: FREE

Program Member: $30 annual program member fee plus $5/month

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