YMCA BLACK ACHIEVERS PROGRAM

The YMCA Black Achievers program is an academic achievement/career development initiative for high school youth and teens of color. The name “Black Achievers” represents and describes the historical origin and mission. Today, however, the YMCA Black Achievers program is like the national YMCA movement, multi-racial and gender-balanced.

YMCA Black College Tour: April 7 - April 14, 2012

On Saturday, April 7, 73 Milwaukee-area high school students will depart from the Northside YMCA for the 21^st annual YMCA Black Achievers Historically Black College Tour, which is generously supported by The Harley-Davidson Foundation.

Students and chaperones will have the opportunity to visit seven prominent historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) in the Southeast. In addition to providing an inside look at the overall college experience, these visits will help students learn about the unique opportunities offered in a HBCU setting.

Click Here to follow student journalists on the tour while they post blog entries reflecting on their experiences throughout the weeklong tour.

Tour Schedule

April 7:   Depart from Northside YMCA in Milwaukee; travel to Charleston, W.Va.

April 8:   Attend Easter Sunday worship service at Abundant Life Ministries; Load buses to travel to Greensboro, N.C.

April 9:   Travel to Winston Salem, N.C.; Tour Winston-Salem State University; Tour North Carolina A&T State University; Travel to Charlotte, N.C.

April 10:  Travel to Columbia, S.C.; Tour Benedict College; Tour South Carolina State University

April 11:  Travel to Nashville, T.N.

April 12:  Tour Meharry Medical College; Tour Fisk University

April 13:  Tour Tennessee State University; Travel to The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson

April 14:  Travel to Milwaukee; return to Northside YMCA.

The Black Achievers Program reaches into the heart of the community for both its Adult and Teen Achievers. By recognizing and utilizing the talents of professionals of color who are successful in their careers, the program brings inspiration and positive influences into the lives of Teen Achievers.

VISION

To be the leading resource in preparing young people for their futures. Black Achievers accomplishes this by providing leadership experiences for existing and emerging community leaders, as well as increasing community reinvestment of local businesses and organizations.

PURPOSE

To help teens of color set and pursue high educational and career goals resulting in high school graduation and acceptance into and graduation from an institution of higher learning and successful entry into a career of their choosing.

MISSION

To support, encourage, and equip teens with skills and competencies needed to gain acceptance to and graduate from institutions of higher learning and successful entry into the workforce. These goals are facilitated through academic support, career exploration, college preparation and leadership development.