EMPOWERING TEENS TO LEAD, LEARN, & MAKE A DIFFERENCE
At the YMCA of Greenwich, we believe in nurturing the potential of every young person. Our Education & Leadership programs prepare teens for success in school, career, and life by helping them build confidence, discover their purpose, and learn how to make a positive impact in their communities.
Explore our two new programs launching this fall: Youth & Government and Y Achievers.
FREE PARENT INTEREST WEBINAR
THURS, NOV 6 - 6PM FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTS, 6:45PM FOR HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS
Join us for a free virtual information session to learn about two exciting new teen programs launching this November at the YMCA of Greenwich — Y Achievers and Youth & Government.
During this live Zoom webinar, parents and teens will meet YMCA staff and learn how each program empowers students to lead, learn, and discover their potential. Hear how Youth & Government participants will explore Connecticut’s legislative process — including a trip to the State Capitol in Hartford — and how Y Achievers will help high school students prepare for college, career, and life after graduation.
Interested in Getting Involved?
Scroll down to complete our inquiry form and learn more about our Education & Leadership programs!
YOUTH & GOVERNMENT (GRADES 6–8)
Turn Thought into Action
- Begins November 2025
- Meets Weekly
- FREE YMCA Youth Membership while active in program
- $50 Registration Fee
- Additional fee for delegates who attend the Youth Assembly in Hartford.
- Financial Assistance Available
The Connecticut YMCA Youth & Government program gives students the opportunity to step into the roles of legislators and leaders, debate real issues, write bills, and experience the democratic process firsthand.
This hands-on civic learning program allows participants to explore how government works — not as spectators, but as active citizens. Students elect their own leaders, research and debate their own ideas, and support policies that reflect their values and vision for their communities.
The program culminates in a state-level conference where students gather in Hartford, CT to debate their bills on the floor of the legislature at the Connecticut State Capitol.
Through Youth & Government, students will:
- Build confidence in public speaking and self-expression
- Strengthen leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Learn how civic and governmental processes work
- Foster respect for diverse opinions and collaboration
- Gain a deeper sense of community involvement and responsibility
- Prepare for leadership opportunities in high school, college, and beyond
Middle School Youth Assembly
The Youth & Government program also welcomes middle school students in grades 6–8 to take part in the Middle School Youth Assembly, representing their schools and communities at this exciting statewide event.
- March 6–8, 2025
- Hartford/Windsor Airport Marriott & Connecticut State Capitol
Y ACHIEVERS (GRADES 9–12)
Building Leaders of Tomorrow
- 2025/26 Session: November 22, 2025 - May 15, 2026
- Meets twice monthly - first Monday of each month at 6PM - 8PM; third Saturday of each month at 10AM - 2PM.
- FREE YMCA Youth Membership while active in program
- $50 Registration Fee
- Financial Assistance Available
Y Achievers is a national YMCA program that helps high school students explore college and career pathways while developing leadership, academic, and life skills.
At the YMCA of Greenwich, participants meet monthly and take part in activities focused on mentorship, career exploration, academic support, and college and career readiness. Through guest speakers, networking opportunities, community service, and skill-building workshops, students gain valuable experience to prepare for life after graduation.
Highlights include a Spring Break College Tour, college fairs and tours, resume writing and interview preparation, and opportunities for personal and leadership development.
There is no cost to participate in this transformative program designed to help students set goals, build confidence, and connect with positive role models who support their success.
Y LEADERS CLUB (GRADES 6-8)
Developing Leaders Through Service
Begins January 2026
Leaders Club is a nationwide YMCA program that gives teens the opportunity to become leaders and changemakers in their communities through service, mentorship, and personal development.
Participants meet weekly and follow a curriculum that focuses on seven key areas of growth: academic behaviors, belonging, growth mindset, interpersonal skills, problem solving, self-advocacy, and self-efficacy. Working in small groups, students design and lead projects that provide meaningful service to their local communities — gaining hands-on leadership experience along the way.
Each group is student-led and advisor-supported, allowing participants to grow as leaders throughout their middle school and high school years. Leaders Club welcomes all students who express interest. There are no academic requirements to join — instead, the program uses a strength-based approach that helps every participant build on their unique skills and abilities.
Leaders Club provides teens with opportunities to find a sense of belonging, participate in social-emotional learning, and earn community service hours through project-based experiences. Students also have the chance to attend leadership retreats, advocacy events, college tours, and career exploration trips. Through these experiences, participants receive support from caring adult mentors and gain access to YMCA college and post-secondary scholarship opportunities.
READY TO LEARN MORE?
We’d love to connect with you! If you or your teen are interested in learning more about Youth & Government, Y Achievers, or Y Leaders Club, please complete the form below. A member of our team will reach out with program details, upcoming meeting dates, and next steps for getting involved.
Together, we can help today’s teens grow into tomorrow’s leaders.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We are committed to ensuring any family, regardless of financial status, feels welcome to sign up for membership and programs at the Y.
We are more than happy to walk families through the Financial Aid Application, via phone, email, or in person. This application can be submitted at any time and takes up to a week to process with the appropriate supplemental documents.
To learn more about the financial assistance we offer, visit our Financial Aid page.