By supporting the YMCA of Metro Atlanta Boys and Young Men of Color you contribute to the positive development education and safety of these individuals by fostering a more inclusive and equitable community.
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Boys and young men of color live in a different America, an America that both sees and treats them differently, resulting in a unique set of barriers to reaching their full potential. At the Y, we believe that all youth deserve the opportunity to thrive. That's why we're committed to building sustainable pathways for success through the YMCA Boys and Young Men of Color Strategy (BYMOC).
BYMOC focuses on youth during critical transition points in their lives, specifically the ages of 11-17. During adolescence, as boys of color mature and become more independent, their existing support systems in homes, schools and communities can often become distant or inaccessible to them, leaving them vulnerable and disconnected.
BYMOC is an intentional effort to shift attitudes and outcomes for the people, environments, and systems that influence these young men’s lives. The support and advocacy of caring, reliable adults coupled with the implementation of purposeful strategies will inspire and transform participants’ personal identities, equipping them with the tools they need to overcome obstacles. We are working to create a culture of care that demonstrates affirmation and sets an expectation that we believe in boys and young men of color and expect to see great things from them in their future endeavors.
- Impacts student attitudes toward education
- Empowers them to believe in their capabilities
- Prepares them with the skills to achieve academic success
- Develops college-and career-ready young people
- Creates pipelines to connect then with post-secondary education and meaningful job
- Work-based learning experiences, financial ed, career/college planning
- Creates experiences and environments that strengthen social-emotional competencies
- Supports character development across core Y values: honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility
- Helps young people build healthy relationships with peers and adults
- Fosters positive cultural identity and self-identity
- Supports community connections and civic engagement
- Works with young people to develop healthy physical and eating habits
- Focuses on healthy lifestyle changes that can prevent chronic conditions in adulthood
- Combats food insecurity
We try to find a way to bring leadership and character development, to lift up those boys and young men of color and help guide them as they become growing adults who are able to take care of their families.
Monteil Weeks, Group Vice President, YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta
In 2023, students in the Atlanta cohort of Boys and Young Men of Color traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Changemakers Program. The boys presented the negative messaging in their environment in the Southwest Atlanta neighborhood. They created an actional marketing plan to change and improve the narrative.
The boys were awarded 2nd place in the competition and two team members are now continuing their educations at four-year universities.
Join the African American Circle of Giving
The YMCA acknowledges the profound disparities facing African American children and communities of color, particularly in education and health. By providing targeted support, we can nurture the potential of every child, promote health equity, and foster educational success, ensuring that all children have the foundation they need to thrive.
Your generous support through the African American Circle of Giving enables transformative change across our community, touching lives from the earliest learners to young adults.
