An ideal Achiever is a teen ready to grow and thrive in the Black and Latino Achiever program. While every participant’s journey is unique, the program is designed to help them reach their full potential and create a sustainable path for success. Our Achievers come from a community where opportunities may be limited but is eager to break barriers, may have faced challenges such as economic hardship, lack of mentorship, or exposure to systemic inequities, and has a desire to succeed academically, personally, and professionally.

The ideal Achiever graduates high school with a clear plan for college, trade school, or entrepreneurship, striving for financial independence and long-term stability. They become role models for peers and younger participants, using their experiences to uplift others. Committed to giving back, they grow into mentors, leaders, and advocates, ensuring a lasting impact on their community.
 

• Attendance at the following activities is required:
• Orientation session
• Kick-Off Retreat 
• At least 25 of 28 program sessions
• Absences MUST be made up via community service hours [1 absence = 2.5 hours owed]
• Excessive absences from the program will result in dismissal from the program at the expense of the parent.
• Immersion and Industry Exploration Days
• College Tours
• Social/Networking Events
• Community Service at 10 hours monthly
• Participation in Mentor Match Sessions, Career & Scholarship Fairs
• Salute Awards Celebration
• Completion of 8 Career Maps

• Free Y Memberships & Discounts to Family Memberships
• College & scholarship application support
• Professional Development
• Scholarships for graduating Seniors
• The CDYMCA Dreams Scholarship (up to $2,000)
• The Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
• Youth & Government and other Y program offerings, i.e. swim instruction
• Professional Headshots
• Access to Black & Latino Alumni Association
• Access to Employment & Internship Opportunities
• Leadership Opportunities and Training via PSC
• Certified Community Service Hours
• Letters of Recommendation

• Program runs concurrently with the academic calendar, October - June
• Choose your site and your session:
  • Full-year session (Oct. - June) - $250
  • Fall Session (Oct. - Feb.) - $150
  • Spring Session (Feb - June) - $150
• Students meet once a week for 2.5 hours 
• 10 hours minimum monthly volunteer and community service
• Quarterly Immersion Days and Monthly Career Exploration Days
• Professional and character/life skills development workshops
• Financial and financial aid workshops
• Local, domestic, and regional, college tours
• Swim lessons
• Love Notes initiative
• Boys and Young Men of Color (BYMOC) | Queens Rising
• CPR/AED & First Aid certifications | Phlebotomy Certification Courses
• Youth & Government (Achievers do not pay or register separately for YAG. It is included in their program.)

The program runs concurrent to the academic calendar. We run on industry cycles. Each cycle goes as follows:

Week 1: Industry Intro/ Research / & Virtual Week
Achievers research career industries, including licenses/certifications needed, colleges or tech schools, cost and offerings, salary range, and advancement opportunities, as they build their career maps.
Achievers also talk about and plan their service project for the upcoming month

Week 2: Career Exploration Conversation
Presenter in the industry shares their story and professional journey.
Youth & Government Session

Week 3: BYMOC & Queens Rising/ Mentor Moment Link-Up
Achievers work with their mentors or an Adult Achiever to finalize their Career Map presentations.
Achievers present career maps to their peers and receive feedback.

Week 4:  Presentations/Professional/ Character Development Workshops
Achievers engage in a variety of workshops that focus on various professional life, hard, and soft skills