Building Strong Futures
The YMCA of Rock River Valley is part of a national YMCA movement to invest in boys and young men of color, BYMOC. This strategy ensures equitable outcomes for boys and young men of color ages 11-17, by removing systemic barriers, providing relevant services and support systems, and creating nurturing environments that promote confidence and growth.
Why We Focus on Boys & Young Men of Color
Research and experience has shown that boys and young men of color are:
- twice as likely to grow up in poverty
- more likely to live in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty
- more likely to fall into poverty as adults, regardless of background
The Y is building programs to focus on education, college and career readiness, character development, belonging and community building, and health and well-being.
Education
Education is the cornerstone for a productive life.
- Impacts their attitudes toward education.
- Empowers them to believe in their capabilities.
- Prepares them with the skills to achieve academic success.
College & Career Readiness
With a focus on their future, we aim to:
- Create pipelines to connect them with post-secondary education and meaningful jobs.
- Provide work-based learning experiences, financial education, skills development, career and college planning, and resource navigation opportunities.
Character Development
Character counts!
- Creates experiences and environments that strengthen social-emotional competencies.
- Supports character development across the Y’s core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility.
Belonging & Community Building
Everyone wants a sense of belonging and support.
- Helps them build healthy relationships with peers and adults.
- Fosters their positive cultural- and self-identity.
- Supports opportunities for community connections and civic engagement.
Health & Well-being
Lifestyle habits are as important as work skills.
- Helps them develop healthy physical and eating habits.
- Teaches them about lifestyle changes that can prevent chronic conditions in adulthood such as diabetes and heart disease.
- Combats their experiences with food insecurity.
Emerging Leaders Challenge
The Emerging Leaders Challenge is a 6-week leadership development program in the summer for boys & young men of color to gain hands-on professional experience. The challenge allows for young men entering grades 9-12 to become temporary YMCA employees throughout the course of the challenge as they work together as individuals and as a team to plan a culminating community event. The main areas of focus will include Marketing, Finance, Fund Development, and Human Resources.
YMCA Leadership will use a matrix to determine weekly winner projects. The overall winning project will receive an end of project bonus. Individuals will receive an introduction to the YMCA of Rock River Valley, meeting leaders within the association as well as leaders in the Rockford community. BYMOC Emerging Leaders will have opportunities to job shadow, learn skills related to the area of focus, and participate in a weekly challenge presentation.
First Place Team: $500/person
Second Place Team: $300/person
