YMCA of the Triangle

Header slogan

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
FOR HEALTHY LIVING
FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Lightner Y Achievers

Generating A Spark

Lightner Y Achievers is truly an experience everyone should soak up. It's a program that helps teens understand and learn who they are at critical times in their lives. 

The best part of the program? It's a safe haven, a blessing and at the end, teens feel good about who they and everything they can accomplish in life.

 

Register For Y Achievers

Y Achievers Virtual Annual Banquet

You're invited to join us for our 2022 Y Achievers Virtual Celebration. Join us on Thursday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about the program, discover what our Y Achievers have accomplished this year, meet some of our volunteers and find out how you can get involved. Register today and we'll send you a viewing link prior to the event!

The Clarence E. Lightner YMCA Achievers program introduces teens in grades 6 - 12 to adults of color who guide them through experiences that prepare them for life after high school. Through civic engagement, community service projects, and academic enhancement programs, students make new friends, learn healthy lifestyle choices and prepare for their future.

Teens attend meetings where they are divided into small age-appropriate groups called clusters and are exposed to a variety of education and career options. Lightner Y Achievers also take part in volunteer opportunities and group outings. During our spring break college tour, high school students visit area universities and learn more about higher education options. 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

  • Provide role models whose success and knowledge will inspire youth to set and reach their goals
  • Help youth develop individual talents, a positive sense of self and leadership ability
  • Motivate participants to raise academic performance, succeed in school and gain marketable skills.

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • Clarence E. Lightner YMCA Achievers Banquet
  • NCYAG Conference
  • Annual College Tour
  • End-of-Year Celebration

FIRST ROBOTICS PROGRAM

Y Achievers can participate in a STEM FIRST robotics program for grades 6 - 12. The program encourages kids to learn robotics through kits and Legos. Grade-based teams form to design, build and test their robots during the year. Competitions are held and participants may have the opportunity to travel to other competitions. 

Annual College Tour

Annually, during traditional Spring Break times, Y Achievers hosts college tours to schools across the Southeast. This gives students the opportunity to meet staff, learn more about schools and gather information for making post-graduation decisions.

Due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 College Tour has been canceled.

Family Camp Weekend

We are hosting a Family Camp Weekend at YMCA Camp Seafarer on Oct. 7 - 9, 2022 for all Y Achiever families. Camp Seafarer is an overnight camp in Arapahoe, N.C., on the coast of the Neuse River. Activities include ziplining, canoeing, paddleboarding and more. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided and families stay in open-air cabins. 

If you're interested in attending this weekend, please let us know. 

STAY CONNECTED WITH US

Want to keep up with everything we're doing and learn about volunteer opportunities? Visit the link below to stay in contact with us!

Connect with Lightner Y Achievers

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Adult Achievers are key to the program's success and growth. These volunteers serve 12 hours per month as committee members, cluster leaders and/ or role models.  Find volunteer opportunities.

DONATE

The Lightner Y Achievers program is funded through the YMCA's Annual We Build Campaign. Please consider a donation.

CONTACT

For more information about Lightner Y Achieves, contact Jasmine Gilchrist, Program Director or call 919-719-9622.