There is a quiet revolution that’s been happening on Saturday mornings at Capital Community College. Young people of color are busy learning skills and work habits that will prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow. In the classroom and interacting with their teachers, they are developing a love of learning, a strong belief in themselves, and making commitments and following through.
Four years ago, the YMCA of Greater Hartford established the Minority Achievers Program. Starting with a group of fifth grade students from schools in Hartford, Windsor, Bloomfield and East Hartford, we set out to create a mentoring program that would help kids cross the bridge to become contributing adults in our society. We set out to teach and inspire each one these young people to grow into their God-given potential, to believe that they can grow up to be an engineer, a doctor or an astronaut.
In many cases, “Saturdays at Capital” with the Minority Achievers Program is the first exposure to a higher education environment for both student and parent. They participate in classes taught by adults from the community—our volunteer Adult Achievers—who represent good ethics and values, who value higher education, who care about the students in the program and care about helping them make a successful transition to adulthood.
Hard Work
Transition doesn’t come easy. The Minority Achievers Program requires early-morning attendance, commitment to complete the tasks at hand, and a commitment to each other.
Our students accept instruction and guidance from Adult Achievers at an age when most of their peers are not so willing. From balancing checkbooks and opening CHET savings accounts, to writing and publishing newsletters and producing television news broadcasts, they are challenged to complete projects with patience and maturity. They are creating habits that will serve them well in school and in the workforce. At the same time, many of the parents dive into learning with the same enthusiasm as their children. Working with adult achievers, they too develop skills that help them become stronger leaders in their own families. By program’s end, they may have learned to navigate the college financial aid process or how to help their children maintain good study habits.
Investing in this program are our local visionary corporate sponsors. They provide financial support and encourage their outstanding employees to volunteer. We are also supported by generous individuals who believe in the mission of the YMCA and the vision of the Minority Achievers Program.
It is important to celebrate our students and parents, and honor the adult achievers who lead by example and follow through without fail.
Developing Talent
Our original group of fifth graders is entering high school in the fall, and the Minority Achievers Program has grown up along with them. Today, over 100 students in grades five through eight, and their families are working toward a future that includes college and vocational training as avenues to achieving their dreams
It’s no secret that Connecticut’s workforce is aging, and our younger workers are often finding opportunities elsewhere when they enter the job market. In the meantime, we have high-tech manufacturers, Fortune 500 companies, and financial services corporations in ongoing need of local talent.
In just a few years, we might see a doctor, an astronaut, a builder or engineer among our Minority Achievers Program graduates. The Minority Achievers Program that is taking place in the Greater Hartford area is a first significant step to a future filled with choices.
Kevin Washington is president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford.
