Year-Round Program

YouthConnect provides neighborhood-based recreational, educational, and cultural activities to isolated and underserved youth ages 11-15 in Worcester.

Teen Program Descriptions

Teen Center

A special space at our YMCA – dedicated to teens and their comfort and interests.  Staffed on weekdays from 1:00-8:00PM, it’s a place to get homework done, hang out and talk with friends, use the computer lab, work on community service projects, get a nutritious meal, meet & interact with speakers and special guests – and so much more!

We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Because of the Y, more young people in neighborhoods around the nation are taking a greater interest in learning and making smarter life choices. At the Y, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, and can explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their potential. That makes for confident young people today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.

Y Fit

A space just for teens!  Y-Fit meets Mondays through Thursdays from 3-7pm, with our own staff/trainer. Come and learn about healthy living, healthy eating, and healthy cooking. Participants also go swimming, rock climbing and take group exercise classes.

Leaders Club

You can meet many of tomorrow’s leaders today at the YMCA Leaders Club! This Program gives young teens ages (13-14) the opportunity to learn to be more effective in their reactions with others. Leaders will meet on a weekly basis to improve their individual social skills while also experiencing new ways to give back to their community. Leaders will develop and implement projects aimed at providing valuable service to their local communities.

Youth and Government

The YMCA Youth & Government motto is, “Democracy must be learned by each generation.” Every person can make a difference. Youth & Government helps participants acquire skills to take into the future:

• Public speaking/communications
• Greater understanding of democratic process
• Enhanced leadership skills
• Application of moral and ethical values to life decisions

As a YMCA program, Youth & Government focuses on the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, civic engagement and fun.

Minority Achievers Program

Minority Achievers is a College preparatory program open to students grades 9 through 12. This program evaluates each student based on their grades and individual academic needs to prepare them for college admissions process. Potential participants must complete a M. A. P application as well as a membership application.

In our yearly college preparation initiatives, the minority achievers program provides an opportunity for inner city youth to visit Historically Black Colleges and Universities along with other schools in the South! Seats full up fast and the cost is $500.00 per student.

Pre-Teen Afterschool Program

Community Service – Homework Help – College Tours – Tutoring – Mentoring – & More!

(7th – 8th Grade)   (Mon-Fri / 2-6:00pm)

Food Program!

No matter WHY you’re at the Y – you can get a meal every day, afterschool.  Just stop by the Teen Center between 1:30-3:30.