Achievers

All kids have great potential. At the Y, we help them set and achieve their personal and educational goals. They gain confidence as they recognize the Y as a place where they belong and can feel comfortable exploring new interests and passions. Through leadership and academic enrichment programs, we make sure that youth and teens have an opportunity to envision a positive future, and to take an active role in strengthening the community.

REFER A YOUTH/TEEN

Teen Referral Form (English)Teen Referral Form (Spanish)

ACHIEVERS LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Achievers is for students in 9th - 12th grade and takes place at the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA. Y Achievers is a national academic achievement and career development initiative of the YMCA of the USA with a purpose to help youth set and pursue high educational and career goals, resulting in graduation and acceptance to an institution of higher learning. Additional mentoring and leadership opportunities are available to youth, such as Bro Code, Sister Circle and Youth & Government.

5 Pillars of Achievers:

  • Academics
  • College Knowledge
  • Positive Relationships
  • Life Skills
  • Positive Identity
Programming Includes:
  • Tutoring and mentoring support (Bro Code & Sister Circle)
  • Leadership development opportunities through Youth & Government
  • Career exploration and empowerment workshops
  • College and university tours
  • Scholarship application tips and practice
  • Community involvement and service projects
  • Friendship, fellowship and much more!

Participants have the opportunity to receive an individual free YMCA membership upon completing service hours and participation in leadership & mentorship program components.



Jr. Achievers after school and summer programming at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd* is for youth in 6 - 8th grade. During program students participate in activities, such as financial literacy, college knowledge, nutrition & cooking, recreation, service learning, tutoring, & more! 

Monday - Friday
School days: 4pm-8pm
Non-school days and summer: 9am-5pm

Participants have the opportunity to receive a free individual YMCA membership upon attending 80% of program sessions, completing a community service project and maintaining positive behavior when attending any YMCA programming at our various facilities.

Programming is funded in part by the state of Illinois and in partnership with Rockford Public Schools through the ARP Esser funds.  

Click below to learn more and register.

*Our Good Shepherd location is currently under construction, so afterschool programs are currently taking place at the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA. The location for summer camp is still to be determined.



Little Achievers is a free after school & summer program at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd for youth in K- 5th grade. During program students participate in activities, such as math & reading support through "Win Early Literacy" curriculum, snack & dinner, games, STEM, and more!

LOCATION | HOURS 

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd,
1829 N. Rockton Ave. (directly across from West Middle School)

Monday - Friday
School days: 2pm - 6pm
Non-school days and summer: 9am-5pm

RPS transportation is available to program from Westview & Conklin. Transportation requests should be sent to RPS 205.

Little Achievers is supported by the U.S. Department of Education through the Rockford Public Schools Live Learn Play grant.  A total of $439,681, or 24%, of the program is financed with federal funds, and $1,390,198, or 76% is funded by other sources. 

Click below to learn more and register.

*Our Good Shepherd location is currently under construction, so afterschool programs are currently taking place at the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA. The location for summer camp is still to be determined.



Youth & Government

YMCA Youth and Government offers students the opportunity to serve their schools, communities, states and nation through model government, civic engagement, advocacy, leadership and character development, service-learning and more to amplify youth voices and strengthen youth civic health.

Engaging the next generation in civic programming gives youth a voice in helping to solve community challenges, ensures that our local communities can thrive and serves as a critical step towards a long-term solution for improving our civil discourse.
 
The Y&G delegation meets weekly and follows the Y-USA Youth & Government program calendar. Some of the highlights include learning how a bill gets passed, meeting local and state elected officials, and a trip to the State Capitol in Springfield. 

For more information about Youth & Government email Kamrin at kmuhammad@rockriverymca.org.



PROGRAM PARTNERS