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Young People Can Change the World

We believe young people are catalysts for change in the world, so we offer leadership programs and activities to lift up their voices and support them in their efforts to create positive change!

The Atlanta YMCA teen program mission is to build and support the strengths of our youth, specifically teens, by providing the necessary tools, resources and educational experiences needed to navigate adolescence, to prepare them for adulthood and, ultimately, put come on a path to successful and fulfilling lives.

Throughout the year, Y Teens have the opportunity to engage in:  

  • Leadership Programs  
  • Civic Engagement Programs  
  • College & Workforce Readiness Special Events

Check Out Teen Programs Available for Online Registration 

Or, contact your local YMCA to find out more about the teen programs offered near you.

Learn more about our teen memberships here. 

Benefits Of Teen Programs At The Y

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Leadership Development
We inspire young people to reach their full potential by building leadership skills, instilling character development, fostering teamwork and encouraging civic engagement.
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Self Confidence & Character-Building
We focus on instilling the values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. At the Y, teens build confidence and self-esteem while they grow as leaders.
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Civic Engagement
Great things happen when young people volunteer. They widen their social circle, discover new interests and gain valuable work experience – all while creating positive change in their community.
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Connecting With Others
Your teen will build relationships with other young people in a positive environment at the Y - as well as understand the importance of building networks for their future.

Teen Leadership Programs

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Changemakers (Grades 10-12)

Changemakers is designed for young people who are ready to take their passion for social justice to the next level. Changemakers connect and collaborate around issues that matter to them. The program provides a space for youth leaders to create plans and put them into action through grassroots organizing. The Changemakers experience focuses on equity, social justice, advocacy, and inclusion.

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Teen Leaders Club (Grades 9-12)

In Teen Leaders Clubs, the YMCA recruits teens from the community to strengthen their leadership potential. The Y believes a Leader should be strong mentally, physically, and spiritually. Leaders Club works towards this goal by focusing on building confidence, leadership skills and character development. 

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Boys & Young Men of Color (Grades 6-12)

The Boys & young Men of Color program provides weekly mentoring sessions with a focus on identifying pathways to success that inspire and transform personal identities so that boys and young men of color reach their full potential.  

Sammy’s Leadership Story

Sammy has been a part of Cowart Family YMCA’s Leaders Club for five years, serving as the new member engagement coordinator and then president. She has been to Blue Ridge Leaders School five times and is excited to get her official sixth-year jacket this coming summer. At her most recent trip to Blue Ridge Leaders School, Sammy was nominated by her peers to be an Honor Leader with four other teen leaders from across the country. The YMCA of Metro Atlanta sends teens to the Blue Ridge Leaders’ School on Black Mountain annually.
 

Get involved in Y Teen Leadership programs Today!


More Resources & Opportunities For Teens

Esports at the Y

Esports is one of the fastest-growing activities among kids today. The Y offers esports leagues and tournaments for kids 8 to 18, supported by trained Y coaches in a safe online environment!

Bold & Gold

In Bold & Gold, small groups of middle and high school students venture into the great outdoors without technology to discover what it means to truly connect on a one-week trip. And through these connections, our participants learn how to be great leaders.

Great Part-Time Jobs for Teens

Having a job as a teen is a great way to earn some money while gaining real-world experience. Whether that's a job with the Y or somewhere else, there are benefits of working as a teen.