Capital District YMCA relaunches Adult Achievers Program
ALBANY, N.Y. » Capital District YMCA announced recently the relaunch of its Adult Achievers program.
The program is designed for Capital District professionals who are looking to increase their workplace skills and further their careers. Besides professional development opportunities, the Adult Achievers program guides participants in becoming impactful in the communities they serve.
Adult Achievers are emerging or mid-career professionals who are seeking to strengthen skills or learn new skills that augment their careers and help them meet their goals. Professional development opportunities will be provided, and networking opportunities are plentiful within the program. Benefits of participation include a professional headshot, access to the Black and Latino Achievers Alumni Association, access to employment opportunities, leadership opportunities, training, letters of recommendation, certified community service hours, and lifelong friendships with Adult Achievers.
The Adult Achievers program is an extension of the successful Black and Latino Achievers Program through CDYMCA, for students in grades 9-12. The Adult Achiever program participants are expected to work alongside our youth achievers to foster the same tenacity and determination they possess in the next generation, as CDYMCA believes that strong adult role models are critical to the success of the community.
“Having a strong role model in my life as a young man set me on the path for a successful career with CDYMCA. Our Black and Latino Achievers program is graduating future leaders ripe with potential, but having an adult that may be working in their intended career field, comes from a similar background or has mirroring life experiences helps encourage greatness in these students,” said David Brown, CEO for Capital District YMCA, in a press release.
This program is part of CDYMCA’s ongoing mission to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in all programs and initiatives. According to reports from Pew Research and McKinsey, African Americans and Latinos continue to be underserved in professional opportunities and career advancement. While anyone — including former Adult Achievers — are encouraged to apply for the program, special urgency is placed on African American, Latino, and other minorities living in the Capital District.
“DEI initiatives have been part of the YMCA mission since the organization’s founding. Providing opportunities for those who are chronically, historically under-served is critical to upholding that mission. CDYMCA encourages all individuals who are emerging in their industries or mid-career to apply to this program in hopes that the program provides our Achievers with personal benefit while they also grow in their commitments to their community and create a more equitable workplace for all,” said Abigail Gomes association director of youth development for Capital District YMCA.
The relaunch of the Adult Achievers program has space for up to 50 participants. Applications are due by July 15, 2023. More information on the program and a sign-up form is available at https://cdymca.org/racial-equity-and-inclusion/adult-achievers.