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Capital District YMCA
Black and Latino Achievers Logo

The impact of this program is centered on support from our community. Adult Achievers are expected to be consistent and positive role models for students. Mentors motivate and aid students in building the character strengths, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behavior, smart life choices, and the pursuit of higher education and career goals. Our Adult Achievers are also professionals seeking to strengthen or learn a new skill set to further their careers in their industries. Professional development opportunities are provided to Adult Achievers to advance their careers, becoming more impactful in the communities they serve. Strong adult role models from the community make all the difference. 

Who should apply for Adult Achievers?

  • Emerging and mid-career professionals
  • Commitment to diversity in your organization
  • Self-motivated and mentoring spirit
  • African-American/Black, Latino, and other minority professionals but all are welcomed to apply
  • Capital Region based
  • All are encouraged to apply, even if you were a former Adult Achiever

Meet our 2023-2024 Adult Achiever Cohort

Why the CDYMCA Black and Latino Achievers?

Through YMCA Black Achievers, you'll help youth gain a sense of self, raise their academic standards, build character, develop cultural competence skills, gain exposure to diverse career opportunities, engage in community service opportunities and receive hands-on service learning and field experiences. A key benefit of Black and Latino Achievers is the relationship formed between adult achievers and teen achievers during career cluster workshops.

Self-Esteem: When you feel good about yourself, you have the courage to try new things and have new experiences.

Leadership Skills: The Y offers programs that mentor teens and young adults by exposing them to leadership opportunities.

Community Connections: The Y offers programs that introduce teens and young adults to community leaders and mentor opportunities.

Confidence: Children gain the confidence they need to try new things, make new friends, and do well in school.

Benefits of being an Adult Achiever

  • ​​​​​Professional headshot
  • Access to Black & Latino Alumni Association
  • Access to employment opportunities
  • Access to relationships with local successful Black and Brown professionals 
  • Life-long friendships with Adult Achievers across the nation
  • Professional development
  • Leadership opportunities and trainings
  • Certified community service hours
  • Letters of recommendation

Volunteer Opportunities

Becoming a career workshop presenter: Conduct a seminar in your area of professional expertise.

  • Time commitment: 2 hours a year

Becoming a personal development workshop presenter: Conduct a seminar on a topic such as interviewing skills, dressing for success, money management, college life, self-esteem and other such similar topics. 

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours a year & 1 Special event a year

Becoming a Chaperone: Provide adult supervision at a special event. 

  • Time Commitment: 1 special event a year

Hosting a job shadow day: Provide a young person with the opportunity to experience a typical workday in my profession. 

  • Time Commitment: 1 workday a year

Becoming a tutor: Help a program participant improve his/her academic performance in an area that he/she is finding to be academically challenging. 

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour a week outside of regular meetings

Becoming a mentor: Provide an adult presence at meetings. 

  • Time Commitment: 4 hours a month

Joining the scholarship team:  A) Identify at least three scholarships for college-bound juniors and seniors and B) Meet on a quarterly basis with a small group of college-bound juniors and seniors to assist them with the application process for various college scholarships. 

  • Time Commitment: 8 hours a year

Hosting an Internship: Provide A 6–8-week internship experience to our Junior & Senior Achievers. 

  • Time Commitment: 1or 2 6–8-week cycles

Black & Latino Achievers Program Committee: Provide program/event planning support.

  • Time Commitment: TBD
Volunteer today with Achievers

Professional Development Series Topics

  • Leadership - Team Management
  • Leadership - Strategy Development/Planning
  • Leadership - Data Driven Decision-Making
  • Executive Leadership – NonProfit
  • Executive Leadership – Corporate
  • Communication (Internal, Social Media, etc.)
  • Technical (Microsoft Office, et al)
  • Organizational Development
  • Non-Profit Management
  • Board Participation/Management/Development
  • Conflict Management & Resolution in the Workplace
  • Public Speaking
  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
  • Networking Like A Boss
  • Program Management
  • Project Management
3 guys standing together

Student Achievers

Members of the CDYMCA Achievers Program are provided with the opportunity to set exciting career and education goals and the resources they need to achieve those goals. To become an student achiever, please click here.

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Invest in an Achiever

The cost, per student, to experience the Black & Latino Achievers program is $1800. Through funding and sponsorships, we've been able to offset that cost significantly to just $250. However, we know that this amount may yet be a barrier to a student engaging and participating in Black & Latino Achievers. 


Would you be interested in sponsoring an Achiever or the program at large?

Invest in an Achiever today

To become an Adult Achiever please use the form below.

2023-2024 Applications are due July 15, 2023.

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