A road map for a bright future.
The Teen Achievers program is a career and college prep program for high schoolers that prepares students to succeed in life. Participants are given opportunities to attend college tours, field trips, and workshops focusing on College Prep and Career Planning.
About the Achievers Program
Supported by the Metro Youth YMCA, the Achievers program provide teens ages 14-18 with opportunities to access access academic support for college preparation, career development and mentorship. High school students benefit from meeting twice a week for workshops and two Saturdays a month for college tours, world to work tours, life skills training, STEM programming like Drone and 3D animation, service projects, fitness and nutrition programs, and cultural activities.
Cost of the Achievers Program
The Achievers program can be Free! Scholarships are available by contacting the Achievers Senior Program Director by November 30, 2025. Use the form on this page to contact us about scholarships or email myy@ymcadetroit.org.
The benefits of being a Y Achiever include:
- Access to visit local and annual out of state college tours & industry tours
- Grow Detroit Youth Talent 6-week paid internship opportunity July–August
- Access to participation in Youth and Government Program, SAT/ACT Prep Courses, Fun Field Trips, Boys & Young Men of Color Mentoring, enrichment workshops, parent workshops and more!
- Access to Achievers 2.0 post High School Graduation
- Access to partial scholarships for senior participants
- Life-long friendships with Achievers across the nation
- Professional development
- Leadership opportunities and trainings
- Certified community service hours
- Letters of recommendation
Contact the Metro Youth YMCA
A Career Pathways Program
A career pathways program that provides college preparation, career development and mentorship to high school age youth (14-18). High school students benefit from meeting twice a week for workshops and two Saturdays a month for college tours, world to work tours, life skills training, STEM programming like Drone and 3D animation, service projects and, fitness and nutritional programs, and cultural activities.
Funding provided by the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation.
A Multifaceted Approach
Post-secondary education is increasingly the primary route to upward mobility. That’s why college readiness programs like Achievers are critically important to help youth reach their full potential.
Achievers Program Activities
Youth in Government
Youth and Government™ is a national program of the Y that involves thousands of teens nationwide in state-organized, model-government programs. Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in experiential civic engagement and to, quite literally, practice democracy. The program culminates with teens serving as delegates at their state conference, debating bills on the floor of the legislature.
SAT/ACT Test Prep
Students learn standardized test-taking strategies and information for the SAT and ACT.
Seniors Only
Exclusive only to Achievers
Seniors work one-on-one with a college success coach to prepare for post-graduation.
Y Careerwise
Summer Youth Employment in partnership with Grow Detroit’s Young Talent
The purpose of Y Careerwise is to provide young adults ages 14-24 with real world work experiences. Our aim is to provide relevant learning opportunities that help young adults build solid basic work skills and with develop realistic career plans.
K-8 Programs
Our Y provides structured programming based on the needs of youth, designated by partnering community organizations or schools that focuses on literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), building key skills needed for future leaders of tomorrow. Youth ages 8-13.