Regional YMCA Black Achievers College Preparedness Program has new home at Cincinnati State
January 6, 2009
Cincinnati State and YMCA Presidents To Welcome Teens & Volunteers To First Session – January 10
Over the past 30 years, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati’s Black Achievers Program has grown into one of the largest regional initiatives of its kind. Its aim is to motivate young students of color to further their education – and elevate their goals -- with help from successful, professional role models.
Beginning Saturday, January 10, thanks to a new partnership with Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, the bi-monthly college readiness portion of the YMCA Program will be hosted on a college campus and give students access to state-of-the art technology. What better environment to inspire academic success for young minds?
At 10 a.m. Saturday, (in Cincinnati State’s Carl Lindner Auditorium in the Health Professions Building), Cincinnati State President John Henderson and YMCA President Sandy Walker will welcome the 50-plus students and volunteers expected for the first session at the new venue.
The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati’s Black Achievers Program is part of a national program that incorporates mentoring, career exploration and college readiness; and helps teens of color to develop a positive sense of self, build character, explore diverse college and career options. Local professionals of color, many of whom are sponsored by area companies, serve as role models and volunteers.
The Saturday college-readiness sessions at Cincinnati State will include ACT and SAT preparation, writing preparation, workshops on financial aid availability and forms, and workshops led by volunteers on a variety of business and education topics. Cincinnati State is providing YMCA Black Achievers Program participants with access to computer labs, smart rooms, conference rooms and the library.
“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with a quality educational institution like Cincinnati State. This collaboration not only raises the bar of our program but creates great opportunities for our teens and the Cincinnati State organization,” said Toni Miles, YMCA Black Achievers executive director.
Since 1979, the YMCA Black Achievers Program has served more than 5,000 teens, awarded over $150,000 in scholarships and engaged more than 4,000 adult volunteers through a network of corporate and community partners.
With more than 83,000 members across the Tri-State, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati has grown to operate 111 program child care, CincyAfterSchool, and 21st Century Community Learning sites in addition to its 17 branches and summer camp locations.
About Cincinnati State
Cincinnati State offers more than 75 associate degree and 40 certificate programs in business technologies, health and public safety, engineering technologies, humanity and sciences and information technologies. About 8,580 students were enrolled in the late fall 2008 term; last year 14,000 separate students participated in credit and non-credit classes.
Cincinnati State has a 93% placement rate within three months of graduation, and its students have a 91% pass rate on required licensing and registry exams. It has the largest co-op program among two-year colleges in the United States.
