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For Information contact:
BLACK ACHIEVERS
Executive Director
TONI MILES
1105 Elm Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513.362.9622
 
BLACK ACHIEVERS describes the origin and mission of the program. Today, however, the program includes all teens of color at YMCAs nationwide. Local program names may vary, such as Black & Hispanic Achievers or Minority Achievers.

History

QUENTIN MEASE first conceived the YMCA Black Achievers program at the South Central YMCA in 1967 under the label Young Black Achievers of Houston. The program was designed to motivate African-American teens to academic and career success. In 1971, New York YMCA Financial Consultant Leo B. Marsh challenged the Harlem branch to develop a new motivational program, initiating the Black Achievers format we know today. The new program fostered ongoing interaction between African- American youth and adults who had distinguished themselves in their professions. After the Harlem launch of the Black Achievers program, this successful career development/ academic achievement initiative spread quickly to YMCAs nationwide. Today, Black Achievers continues to grow in both urban and suburban communities of all sizes with more than 200 active programs nationwide.

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Black Achievers program is a national college readiness program designed to help African-American and other teens of color set and pursue high educational and career goals. Through academic support, career exploration and mentoring, the Black Achievers program helps youth raise their academic standards, develop a positive sense of self, build character, explore diverse college and career options, and meet and interact with professionals of color who serve as role models to inspire them to greater heights.

THE PROGRAM Since 1979, Black Achievers Program has served over 5,000 youth, awarded over $150,000 in scholarships, assisted youth with over $3 million dollars in awarded scholarships, and engaged more than 4,000 volunteers through networks of corporate and community partners.

Why we need YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Black Achievers
Education statistics show that high school and college drop-out rates are higher among African-American and Hispanic students compared to their Caucasian counterparts. Research also shows that teens are more motivated to succeed academically when encouraged and guided by adults who are successful and who look like them. The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Black Achievers program addresses these issues by pairing students with successful role models of color and providing academic and career-related mentoring and support services.

How the program works
The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Black Achievers is built on the notion that community and corporate involvement are critical to building networks and opportunities for youth. To that end, the program centers on the relationship established between volunteer mentors and youth during career clusters. Clusters are workshops dedicated to specific areas of professional interest. Youth participants and mentors, who are experts in their field, complete projects that are designed to provide students an opportunity to explore their career interests through real-life application of skills. Career clusters include: Arts and Humanities, Business, Communications, Computers, Education, Engineering, Health and Medical, Law and Government, as well as Vocational and Technical disciplines.