Who participates?

YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Black Achievers is open to youth in middle and/or high schools, from all social, economic and academic levels. The only true requirement a youth must have to enroll in the program is the desire to achieve.

Adults of color also benefit from this program. Each
year, corporations, businesses and organizations
nominate successful role models in professional and managerial positions who are honored at an awards event. Thanks to the opportunity for leadership roles in the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Black Achievers program, adults can gain visibility within their YMCA branch boards and companies, helping them to advance professionally and within their community. The program now reaps the benefits of past teen achievers who return to give back to a program that gave so much to them. Many past teen achievers have been honored as adult achievers. They also volunteer as cluster leaders, serve on YMCA branch boards and hold key positions within the YMCA, such as the position of Black Achievers Director. Finally, because of their participation and networking with adult volunteers, many past teen achievers have attained high profile positions within the corporate and business community.

The program includes college prep and leadership development activities, such as workshops on SAT/ACT preparation; study skills/time management; interviewing techniques; financial management; teambuilding field trips; community service-learning projects; and college tours. The program hosts meetings at the YMCA, churches, schools, colleges/universities or local businesses. The Black Achievers program strongly incorporates the building of the Abundant Assets - 40 critical factors for the successful growth and development of young people. The assets clearly show the important roles that families, schools, congregations, neighborhoods, youth organizations and others in communities play in shaping young people’s lives.