Achievers
Teen Mentoring & College/Career Readiness Program
The YMCA Achievers Program is a data-driven and strategically designed initiative for teens aged 13-18 (grades 8-12) that develops individual talents, enhances leadership skills, and prepares participants for life beyond high school.
This program supports high school graduation, college preparation, and career exploration while providing a welcoming space for teens to hang out with friends and grow through personal development workshops and hands-on team building activities.
At the heart of the program is a teen-focused leadership curriculum from the world-renowned Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North Carolina, offering participants unparalleled opportunities to grow as leaders.
"As a parent, the Achievers helped me be better prepared to support my son in the next steps for social and academic success in high school, college, and life." - Margaret, Y Achievers Mom
Activities Include:
- Teen internships
- Leadership & mentoring
- STEM & engineering workshops
- College tours
- Overnight leadership conferences
Program Cost:
$100 Member | $130 Community Guest
Join the Achievers to build lifelong skills, explore your potential, and create lasting memories with friends!
Meeting Times
Achievers meets at the Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA, 2630 E Florida St, Greensboro, NC 27401 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the following dates:
August 22, 2026 | 10am | Hayes Taylor Memorial YMCA Open House & Interest Meeting: Achiever Day
Section 1: Self Leadership
Focus: Building personal discipline, goal-setting, and self-awareness
Dates (4 regular meetings):
- September 5, 2026 (1st Saturday)
- September 19, 2026 (3rd Saturday)
- October 3, 2026 (1st Saturday)
- October 17, 2026 (3rd Saturday) LEARNING LAB
Section 2: Community Challenges
Focus: Teamwork, problem-solving, and addressing community issues
Dates (4 regular meetings):
- November 7, 2026 (1st Saturday)
- November 21, 2026 (3rd Saturday)
- December 5, 2026 (1st Saturday)
- December 19, 2026 (3rd Saturday) – Family Dinner LEARNING LAB
Section 3: Positive Relationships
Focus: Communication, empathy, conflict resolution, and building healthy connections
Dates (4 regular meetings):
- January 9, 2027 (1st Saturday)
- January 16, 2027 (3rd Saturday)
- February 6, 2027 (1st Saturday)
- February 20, 2027 (3rd Saturday) LEARNING LAB
Section 4: College & Lifeskills
Focus: College preparation, career readiness, and life skills
Dates (4 regular meetings):
- March 6, 2027 (1st Saturday)
- March 13, 2027 (3rd Saturday)
- April 10, 2027 (1st Saturday) LEARNING LAB Achievers Regional Summit at the Palmer Memorial Institute, Sedalia NC. 10am – 3:00pm
- Week of April 17, 2027 (3rd Saturday) – Teen Programs Gala
March 22–26, 2027 | Achievers College Tour Washington DC
Senior Achiever Impact Days
These are days in which senior Achievers will be transported to the Palmer Memorial in Sedalia to volunteer and attend special leadership development sessions:
- October 3, 2026 (1st Saturday) (10am – 11:30am senior achievers CHB)
- December 5, 2026 (1st Saturday) (10am – 11:30am senior achievers CHB)
- February 6, 2027 (1st Saturday) (10am – 11:30am senior achievers CHB)
Special YMCA Greensboro Teen Events:
September 21, 2026 | College Tour / Teen All Day
November 11, 2026 | College Tour / Teen All Day
Criteria & Enrollment
Youth must be in grades eight through twelve to enroll. There are no GPA requirements to enroll. Enrollment is held from August through December. You can apply for the Achievers program online or in person at any YMCA Greensboro branch. Report cards may be collected for confidential data-tracking purposes.
Cost
$100 Member | $130 Community Guest
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact Eric Graves, Association Teen Director, at [email protected].
Serving the Greensboro, Jamestown, Eden and Reidsville, NC, areas, we ensure there is a College Prep Program near you. If you're interested in the YMCA Achievers Program, you must complete and submit two forms in order to finalize registration. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
We're so excited to be part of this important step in your teen’s life!
Volunteers Needed!
Interested in volunteering as an adult mentor? Contact Eric Graves or call (336) 894-1256.
The Achievers has an exclusive partnership with North Carolina A&T State University and the Society of Black Engineers, as well as the National Society of Black Engineers. These groups provides STEM-based education resources and college prep sessions for the teens.
Sponsors
The achievers are proud to announce our sponsorship with Lincoln Financial Group. We appreciate your support!
Teen Mental Health Resources
We are joining other Ys across North Carolina working to raise awareness about mental health resources. Click the link below to learn about mental health resources that are available to teens and their families.
