Pathways to the Future

YMCA Black Achievers is a success after high school program. We empower minority and underserved youth in Middle Tennessee with high school, college and career opportunities that encourage students to grow and thrive. We navigate students through a variety of after high school options including, college, military, trades, or direct entry into the workforce. Our goal is to create an encouraging and supportive environment for youth to find mentors, develop positive self-esteem, and pursue academic excellence.

Program Components

Club

Black Achievers (BA) hosts free clubs after or during school at local high schools with guest speakers, workshops and hands-on activities. Topics focus on college and career readiness content including time management, positive identity, financial literacy, decision making skills, and networking.

Schools Served

  • East Magnet High School

  • Hillsboro High School

  • Maplewood High School

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School

One-on-Ones

BA encourages mentorship by providing one-on-one academic and social-emotional support. This includes, but is not limited to, preparing for higher education through financial planning and submitting college applications. Each year, we award scholarships to deserving high school seniors and alumni actively involved in our program.

Success after High School

BA increases exposure to higher education through college tours, fairs and conversations with college admissions representatives and staff.

Workshops

  • Intro to Senior Year
  • College Application Workshop
  • FAFSA Workshop
  • Scholarship Application Workshop

World of Work

BA introduces professions and professionals of color through “World of Work” tours where students can see their dreams achieved by people who share their backgrounds.

Get Started

Phone: 615-226-5577

Email: blackachievers@ymcamidtn.org