Greater Somerset County YMCA Nurtures Tomorrow’s Leaders Highlighting Youth Development Programs
Basking Ridge, N.J. – June 28, 2024 – Greater Somerset County YMCA is devoted to nurturing the growth and development of young leaders and changemakers through various enriching programs. The Y’s initiatives are designed to foster leadership and personal growth and are offered year-round at participating branches.
At Plainfield and Somerville YMCAs, the Y’s Achievers Program provides high school students in grades 9-12 with valuable opportunities to engage with professionals, explore career paths, and develop essential life skills. The sessions cover topics such as college preparation, financial literacy, and career development. Recently, local communications experts from Daiichi Sankyo, Inc shared career insights with participants, illustrating how effective communications contribute to creating a positive employee experience.
Additionally, Achievers students enjoyed campus visits to Fordham University and Seton Hall University, gaining firsthand experience of college life. One participant shared, “Hands down one of the best college trips I have ever taken! I had such a varietal wave of realistic student life pertaining to transportation, class size, social norms, and much more,” shares Achievers student.
At Princeton YMCA, the ACE (Accept Compete Excel) Program, in collaboration with Princeton Public Schools, supports students in grades 6-11 academically, socially, and professionally. This program, open to all students, provides mentorship, enrichment activities, and community engagement opportunities. During Black History Month, ACE students participated in a special showing honoring Phillis Wheatley. They also enjoyed a celebratory dinner featuring cuisine from a local black-owned business, along with activities honoring black heroes. This summer ACE students are participating in the Y’s Counselors In Training (CIT) Program to learn skills for future employment. A successful school year ended with the annual celebratory barbeque for ACE students and their families.
Princeton Young Achievers (PYA), another unique afterschool program at Princeton YMCA, supports children in grades K-5 from low-to-moderate income neighborhoods by providing homework help and academic enrichment. Students took part in the 200 minutes reading challenge, receiving prizes for their efforts and collectively completing over 2,000 minutes of reading throughout the school year. Additionally, PYA students contributed to the community by painting flower beds at Princeton Community Village.
At Somerset Hills YMCA, middle and high school students have opportunities to engage in civic affairs, problem-solving, and community service. Programs such as Youth and Government™ (for grades 7-12) allow students to delve into local and state government processes, honing public speaking skills and participating in a state conference as delegates. The Model United Nations program (for grades 6-12) helps participants gain a global perspective on peacekeeping and humanitarian work, developing skills vital for career and college success.
For more information on enrichment and education programs at the Y, visit https://www.gscymca.org/programs/enrichment-education/. If you’re looking to get involved and volunteer, please register on VolunteerMatters to set up a volunteer profile and understand the commitment and requirements to be a mentor.
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About Greater Somerset County YMCA
Greater Somerset County YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. For information about Greater Somerset County YMCA and financial assistance, visit us at www.gscymca.org/.
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