Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
The transition from childhood to adulthood is one of life's most significant journeys. For teenagers ages 13-15, this period is filled with questions about identity, purpose, and future possibilities. The YMCA Leaders In Training (LIT) Program offers teens a structured pathway to develop leadership skills, gain real-world experience, and discover their potential to make a meaningful difference in their communities. More Than a Summer Program: A Leadership Journey The YMCA Leaders In Training Program is a unique, six-week summer experience that goes far beyond typical teen activities. This isn't summer camp, it's a leadership development intensive that prepares young [...]
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Y Teen L.I.F.E.
The teenage years are a pivotal time for personal growth, identity formation, and leadership development. At the YMCA of Greater Houston, our Y Teen L.I.F.E. programs—Leadership, Inspiration, Fellowship, and Education—provide the perfect environment for young people to discover who they are and what they're capable of achieving while building lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. What Makes Y Teen L.I.F.E. Special Y Teen L.I.F.E. programs engage middle and high school students in fostering a culture of service, providing opportunities to set goals, learn to share their voice, and receive support from caring adult mentors. Through our club-based program model that [...]
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
THRIVE WHERE YOU LEAD, LEARN, AND SERVE: YMCA Leaders In Training (LIT) Program Teen years are a crucial time for growth, learning, and self-discovery. The right opportunities can help teens develop confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of responsibility. That’s why the YMCA’s Leaders In Training (LIT) Program is designed to give teens a meaningful and enriching experience that goes beyond a traditional summer camp. What is the LIT Program? The YMCA Leaders In Training (LIT) Program is an 8-week leadership, learning, and workforce readiness experience for teens ages 13–15. Through hands-on participation, mentorship, and real-world experience, LITs gain [...]
How Y Teen Programs Unlock Your Teen’s Potential
Youth programs play a crucial role in shaping adolescents in various ways. Here's how YMCA of Greater Houston Teen Programs can help your teen thrive: Socio-emotional Skills Positive social and emotional development is pivotal for teens to form healthy relationships and adopt behaviors that enhance their overall well-being. Confidence Building confidence empowers teens to make informed decisions and navigate challenges with resilience, fostering self-esteem and a strong sense of self-worth. Community Engagement Involvement in community service instills a sense of belonging and responsibility, which is crucial during the influential teen years. Connections These programs facilitate connections with peers, family, and [...]
Texas YMCA Announces Partnership with Bezos Family Foundation
Texas YMCA Announces Partnership with Bezos Family Foundation, Increasing Student Access to Youth Civic Engagement Opportunities HOUSTON (April 9, 2024)—The Texas YMCA, the state resource office for the 200+ YMCAs across Texas, is pleased to announce the launch of a $900,000 multi-year statewide partnership with the Bezos Family Foundation. This partnership will support increasing access to YMCA Youth and Government® programs in Texas, offering more students, schools and local Ys the opportunity to participate. The partnership is part of a $2.9 million investment that will also support youth civic engagement in Florida and Kentucky. This partnership will help close the youth civic [...]
YMCA Youth and Government Conferences
This year students in the YMCA Youth and Government (Y&G) program competed in the High School & Middle School Youth and Government State Conferences held in Austin, TX. The mission of the Youth & Government program is to help teenagers become responsible citizens and future leaders of our nation. Delegates practice democracy through mock committee meetings, debating and voting on bills, participating in mock trial court or appellate court and specializing in Legislative, Judicial, Media and State of Affairs forums. There were 122 teen delegates present at the conference and 19 were individually recognized for outstanding performance. These awards [...]
Empowering Youth Through YMCA Programs
Representatives from the YMCA of Greater Houston attended the YUSA Boys and Young Men of Color (BYMOC) National Convention in Washington D.C. last week. Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, addressed the delegation to provide her inspiration and appreciation for the work of the initiative. https://youtu.be/JrJJM38KWcE The BYMOC strategy is preparing and empowering these youths to be our nation's next generation of leaders and thinkers. #YBYMOC #YMCA #BYMOC #WEAREMBK
