Teen Leadership

All kids have great potential. At the Y, we help them set and achieve their personal and educational goals. They gain confidence as they recognize the Y as a place where they belong and can feel comfortable exploring new interests and passions. Through leadership and academic enrichment programs, we make sure that every child has an opportunity to envision a positive future, and to take an active role in strengthening the community.

DAILY SCHEDULE FOR SWEDISHAMERICAN RIVERFRONT YMCA

Teen Calendar

TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Achievers is for high school students in 9th and 10th grade. Y Achievers is a national academic achievement and career development initiative of the YMCA of the USA with a purpose to help youth set and pursue high educational and career goals, resulting in graduation and acceptance to an institution of higher learning. RAISE and Achievers are the same program, but target different age groups. 
5 Pillars of Achievers:

  • Academics
  • College Knowledge
  • Positive Relationships
  • Life Skills
  • Positive Identity

Programming Includes:
  • Tutoring and mentoring support
  • Leadership development opportunities
  • Career exploration and empowerment workshops
  • College and scholarship application tips and practice
  • Community involvement and service projects
  • Friendship, fellowship and much more!



RAISE - Reaching and Inspiring Students for Education. RAISE and Achievers are the same program, but target different age groups. RAISE is for high school students in 11th and 12th grade. Students may have been in the Achievers program previously, but it is not necessary to join this group.

5 Pillars:
Academics
College Knowledge
Positive Relationships
Life Skills
Positive Identity

Programming Includes:
Tutoring and mentoring support
Leadership development opportunities
Career exploration and empowerment workshops
College and scholarship application tips and practice
Community involvement and service projects
Friendship, fellowship and much more!



Imagine a world where our youth are safe from violence, they are surrounded by positive influences and they can expand their minds with fun, educational activities. This is the vision behind Imagine This. It's a program for youth, ages 13-18, and is held at the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA.

Teens will participate in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities, pottery, arts and crafts, movie nights, fields trips, game nights, walks, fitness, and mentorship.



The Leaders Club is a national YMCA of the USA program, and an essential component of the Teen Council. The Leaders Club strives to develop leadership skills and foster a culture of service among teens ages 13 to 18. The Leaders Club prepares youth for the role of Teen Council Board Member. This is a free program and meets on Mondays from 6-7:30 p.m. at the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA.

For more information about the Leaders Club email Tamica at tfricks@rockriverymca.org.



Teen REACH (Responsibility, Education, Achievement, Caring, and Hope) is a comprehensive youth development initiative funded by the state of Illinois that provides after school program services to high-risk youth. The Y provides a safe environment with caring adult role models that work with youth to increase academic achievement and develop the life skills necessary for future success including high school graduation. 

Programming Includes:

  • Improving educational performance 
  • Life skills education 
  • Parental involvement 
  • Recreation, sports, cultural and artistic activities 
  • Adult mentors 
  • Service-Learning
LOCATION | HOURS 

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd,
1829 N. Rockton Ave. (directly across from West Middle School)

Elementary Hours on school days (1st-5th grade): 2pm-6pm
Middle School & High School Hours on school days (6th-12th grade): 4pm-8pm
Hours on non-school days and summer: Monday - Friday 10am-6pm

Registration can take place in advance or on-site. For more information, contact teenreach@rockriverymca.org​