It can be hard to figure out your place in the world. As a young person with your whole life ahead of you, having the right guidance and support can make a real difference in figuring out who you are and what you can achieve. Whether kids come to the Y looking to explore their interests, or for support in navigating challenges, the Y is committed to nurturing children and teens and roots for their success.

LEADERS’ CLUB
YMCA Leaders’ Club provides teens ages 13-18 with knowledge, training, communication skills and valuable team-building experience through volunteering in Y programs and the community. Leaders’ Club trains teens to better serve their community and the Y as they encourage each other to make a positive impact for present and future generations. Qualifying leaders may participate in Blue Ridge Leaders’ School, a week-long school held in June that is run by the South Field YMCAs with a main focus on fitness and leadership development.

TEEN VOLUNTEERING
The Midlothian YMCA is proud to provide volunteer and social opportunities for teens in the YMCA while developing leadership skills in a positive atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging and encouragement. Teens will be required to attend a volunteer workshop prior to volunteering. Please fill out the online Midlothian YMCA volunteer application.

YOUTH IN GOVERNENT
This program, for high school youth grades 9-12, helps to promote leadership and civic responsibility in the youth of our community. The Model General Assembly provides youth with an invaluable experience as future leaders of Virginia’s system of government. Youth learn the importance of citizen participation and public service.

TEEN ADVISORY BOARD
An established Program Council (community leaders, members, teens, and parents) will meet monthly to develop measurable objectives and outcomes that clarify how we are to serve teens in the Midlothian community. New members will be accepted in the fall of 2012.

TEEN ACHIEVERS
Teen Achievers is a youth development program for teens, age 11 to 18, which focuses on career development, academic achievement, leadership development, and social development. The program strives to help youth improve academic skills, achieve higher levels of school performance, to improve overall self-esteem and to prepare for college and future careers.

The program's objectives are:

• To help youth ages 11 and up to develop a positive sense of self
• To raise the academic standards of youth
• To expose students to diverse career options
• To provide positive role models for youth
• To recognize and promote excellence
• To create channels for continuing community involvement for business and industry

The program's benefits are:

• Youth are motivated to succeed in school and gain marketable skills.
• Adults are recognized by their peers as achievers and are given the opportunity to serve as role models for youth.
• Companies are provided with a way to support urban youth, which enhances their corporate image and helps build a future workforce of competent, motivated young adults.
• YMCAs that sponsor Teen Achievers gain corporate support for its programs and a dynamic way to involve professionals in meeting community needs as YMCA volunteers.