Youth Empowerment

No one should have to go it alone. The Y-Achievers program helps high schoolers get career- or college-ready. Workshops, mentorships and college tours help young people define their version of success. Then, we help them figure out their next steps.

The program emphasizes five pillars: academics, college knowledge, positive relationships, life skills and positive identity. It also uses the 6to16 curriculum—an online learning program—to set students up for success in high school and beyond.

You’re never too young to be a leader. The Leaders Club empowers middle schoolers to be forces for positive change. They learn how to plan programs, mobilize resources and inspire community pride. Through service and volunteering, they become leaders—among their peers, in their community and for the future.

Safe Sitter® prepares students in grades 6-8+ to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. Students learn life-saving skills, such as how to rescue someone who is choking, and helpful information like what to do in the event of severe weather. Lessons are filled with fun activities and role-playing exercises.

Our Young Entrepreneur Program empowers future founders. Whether they want to launch a business or a social movement, we’ll help them bring their ideas to life. Workshops and activities develop entrepreneurial skills: defining problems, finding solutions, and pitching ideas.

The program leads up to a Shark-Tank-style pitch. Local entrepreneurs, program staff and peers provide individualized feedback. And as students exchange ideas, they educate and empower one another.

The Young Men of Distinction (YMOD) is a local program of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis to build and invest in pathways that inspire and transform personal identities. Through this initiative, the YMCA hopes to recreate the kind of communities shown to improve the wellbeing of boys and young men, individually and collectively, so they can achieve economic and social mobility in adulthood.

Young Men of Distinction (YMOD), is geared toward young men ages 11-17. The goal of this program is to promote clear pathways to skill building and improving outcomes in numerous areas such as academic achievement, positive identity, personal and professional agency, social-emotional health and wellbeing, career readiness, financial stability, and civic engagement. This program is structured to help boys and young men reach their full potential, empowering young men to understand their power of choice.

YMOD creates a safe space for young leaders to express themselves, nurture their unique identities, and learn important life skills. The YMOD strategy ensures equitable outcomes for boys and young men by removing systemic barriers and providing support systems that promote confidence and growth.

The best way to learn about government is to take part in it.  And here, students won’t just read about government; they will be the government! In this model government program, students in grades 6-12 will go through government simulations. They get to elect their own peer leaders, debate their own bills, and build a vision for a better tomorrow. Middle school students become part of the legislature and work on public speaking and debate, parliamentary procedures, writing, evaluating, and ranking bills. High school students can join the legislature, judicial process, legislative oversight, or media.

In the legislature, student reps and senators elect leadership, research current events, and write bills. They debate their bills on the house and senate floors, aiming for the youth governor’s signature.

In the court, students role-play as attorneys or seek election as judges. They learn how to examine a court case, then choose and defend a position. They work together to debate issues with peers and solve problems through democracy.

For 2024-2025:

Participants Choose One Meeting Site:
Avondale Meadows YMCA
Baxter YMCA
Benjamin Harrision YMCA
Jordan YMCA
OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA

Org Day: Saturday, November 2, 2024
*MS Conference: Saturday, December 14, 2024
*HS Conference: February 28-March 1, 2025
*Conference fees will apply

Our comprehensive services help young adults find a job or continue their education. Funded by EmployIndy, this free program gives them the tools to achieve their potential.

Its holistic approach caters to physical, emotional, social, and mental needs. Participants can even get help earning a High School Equivalency certificate. And we provide 12 months of follow-up support.

You may be eligible if you live in Marion County and are between the ages of 16 and 24. Contact Jamie Rhodman at 317-344-9377 or jrhodman@indymca.org to learn more.

The Y Empowerment Zone After School Program is a academic intervention and enrichment program designed to give middle school students extra support with everything from daily homework support to STEAM learning to college and career readiness.

We offer structured activities that are age-appropriate while encouraging a fun and active way to extend learning from the classroom. Our program supports academic achievement, fosters health and wellness, instills positive social and emotional learning and creates opportunities for young people and families to belong and connect.

This program is funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Center and is free of charge for eligible participating students.

The 21st CCLC 2024 local evaluation report for Avondale Meadows Middle School and Homecroft Elementary School will be made available by making a formal request. Formal request can be sent to jrhodman@indymca.org.