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Achievers Banquet
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Black & Latino Achievers ProgramGeneral InformationPurposeThe central purpose of the Black & Latino Achievers Program is to help youth set and pursue higher education and career goals. Goals & Objectives
The Black & Latino Achievers Program reaches into the heart of the community for both adult and teen achievers. By recognizing and utilizing the talents of successful professionals and community leaders, the program brings a much needed positive influence into the lives of young people. Every student stands to gain from the program. Target audience The ideal program should enroll youth in middle and/or high schools, from all income and academic levels. It is strongly recommended to recruit one-third "high" achievers, one-third "average" achievers and one-third "under-achievers." Core component The core component of the program is the relationship established between adult achievers and teen achievers during the career cluster workshops. Career clusters to consider are:
What we know today as the Black & Latino Achievers Program was started as the Black Achievers in 1971 by Dr. Leo B. Marsh, a financial consultant with the YMCA of Greater New York. The purpose of the program was to motivate African-American youth to set education and career goals. The Harlem YMCA sought to achieve these objectives by creating a forum to foster ongoing interaction between African-American youth and adults who had distinguished themselves in their professions. The Name The name Black Achievers represents and describes the historical origin and mission of the program. The term black (African-American as defined today), however, has been expanded to include other terms of color in YMCAs nationwide. Some programs identify themselves as Black & Latino, Black & Hispanic, Minorities, Hispanic, etc. The Black Achievers Program does not exclude based on race; it is, like the YMCA, a multi-racial effort to help teens develop to their fullest potential. Making a difference across America The YMCA National Black & Latino Achievers Program is making a tremendous impact not only in the African-American community but also throughout the YMCA by connecting positive and caring African-American adult role models with African-American youth. It is a program that lives up to the Capital District YMCA's theme: "We BuildStrong Kids, Strong Families, Strong Communities." Opening new doors The program has created many opportunities for youth and adults. Due to scholarships, our youth can now enter the doors of prominent universities. Our youth can compete in all academic areas because a caring adult took the time to assist them in reading, writing, math and science. They prepare for many opportunities awaiting them in business, technology, medicine, education, engineering, law and government by participating in the career clusters. But more importantly, they are taught the necessity of networking and setting goals. Youth range from grades 7 through 12. Each program targets youth from all social, economic and academic levels. The only true requirement a youth must have to enroll in the program is the desire to achieve. Learning to lead Adults are also benefiting from this program. Each year, corporations, businesses and organizations nominate successful role models in professional and managerial positions who are honored at an awards event. Many times, due to the spotlight and the opportunity for leadership roles in the Black & Latino Achievers Program, some adults become more visible within their companies. This visibility helps many adults move up the corporate ladder as well as within their community. Programs that have been in existence for quite some time now reap the benefits of past teen achievers who return to give back to a program that gave so much to them. Many past teen achievers have been honored as adult achievers. They also volunteer as cluster leaders, serve on local and corporate Capital District YMCA Boards, and hold key positions within the Capital District YMCA such as the position of Urban Development Director. Finally, because of their participating and networking with adult volunteers, many past teen achievers have attained high profile positions within the corporate and business community. |
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