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Youth Empowerment Programs
The YMCA offers a variety of specialty classes, programs and services for teens to help them give back, read ahead, work out, learn a new skill and meet friends.
Indiana YMCA Youth and Government
Students won’t just read about government; they will be the government!
The Indiana YMCA Youth and Government (INYaG) program provides a fun and unique opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to step into shoes of the individuals who run our State Government! This program provides the opportunity to study and debate public issues, learn the different parts of our state government, and participate in events that shape growth, public speaking skills, social skills, leadership skills, and more! Local activities lead to a regional leadership conference during the fall and a threeday statewide model government conference during the spring where students can apply what they have learned.
Choose One Meeting Site:
Avondale Meadows YMCA
Baxter YMCA
Benjamin Harrision YMCA
Jordan YMCA
Contact Laney for more info [email protected] or 317-207-7460
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/1/25 | 4/1/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 0.00 | $ 0.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
09/01/25 - 03/31/26
|
Register |
Indiana YMCA Youth and Government Conference for High School Only
Must be a part of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Delegation to register: For more information contact Laney at [email protected].
This is an exciting opportunity for youth to step into shoes of the individuals who run our State Government! Indiana Youth and Government is a three-day conference in which students participate directly in a simulation of the democratic process. At this high school event, students will learn the legislative process; how to research and debate public issues; present and rank bills; as well as meet students from different schools and gain critical skills, like social skills, public speaking skills, leadership skills, and more!
Registration costs for MGC cover:
Conference Materials
T-shirt
Celebration Banquet
Completion of additional program forms may be required.
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
02/28/26 - 03/02/26
|
Registration Closed |
Teen Life Skills Workshop
Attention Teens!
Join us for an exciting new series of workshops created specifically for you. The Teen Life Skills Workshop Series, offered at YMCA locations throughout Indianapolis, will equip you with essential skills to excel in various aspects of your life
February 3rd – The youth workshop will be hosted at Avondale Meadows by Indy Champions – teaching young people about boundaries, consent, and the warning signs of unhealthy relationships. They will have 4 educational sessions on Tuesdays in February – 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24. There will be a ceremony/celebration on 3/3.
Free to all, attendees must register.
Teen Life Skills Workshop
Attention Teens!
Join us for an exciting new series of workshops created specifically for you. The Teen Life Skills Workshop Series, offered at YMCA locations throughout Indianapolis, will equip you with essential skills to excel in various aspects of your life
1/31 – Valentine’s Candy Workshop: Sweetheart Sweets
Join us and Delicate Delites Bake Shop LLC for a sweet treat-making experience! Teens will craft homemade candies and assemble charming Valentine’s Day treat boxes. Learn cooking tips from Delicate Delites’ expert chef, Renee Williams, enjoy tasty creations, and take your personalized boxes home to share with friends and family.
5/15 – Sowing Seeds of Self Sufficiency
“Sowing Seeds of Self Sufficiency” is a hands-on workshop where teens discover the joy of cultivating their own food. Participants will learn seed-planting techniques, vegetable growth cycles, and the value of independence through gardening. This interactive experience fosters life skills, environmental awareness, and a deeper connection to nature.
Particpants will take home planted seeds to grow at home.
07/18 – Cooking from the Garden
“Cooking from the Garden” builds upon the gardening skills learned in part one, guiding teens through the culinary process. Participants will harvest their homegrown vegetables and prepare a tasty, garden-fresh meal. This workshop teaches kitchen safety, cooking techniques, and the rewarding cycle of nurturing food from seed to plate. Teens will gain confidence in their ability to grow, cook, and enjoy their own nourishing meals.
located at the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA
All workshop materials included
Free to all, attendees must register.
Registration Information
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
01/31/26
Sa - 6:00 pm - 1 hr
|
Registration will open on 01/10/2026 |
|
|
05/15/26
Fr - 4:30 pm - 1 hr, 30 mins
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Registration will open on 03/17/2026 |
|
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07/18/26
Sa - 1:30 pm - 1 hr, 30 mins
|
Registration will open on 03/17/2026 |
Teen Life Skills Workshop
Attention Teens!
Join us for an exciting new series of workshops created specifically for you. The Teen Life Skills Workshop Series, offered at YMCA locations throughout Indianapolis, will equip you with essential skills to excel in various aspects of your life.
5/30 – Equipping for the Unexpected
“Equipping for the Unexpected” prepares teens with the practical skills and knowledge needed to handle emergencies with calm and confidence. Participants will learn how to create a personal emergency kit, understand common emergency scenarios, and develop a basic readiness plan. Through interactive activities, teens will discover the importance of awareness, adaptability, and preparation in staying safe during the unexpected.
Participants will take home a starter emergency kit and the know-how to continue building their readiness.
6/13 – Constructing Confidence
“Constructing Confidence” is a hands-on workshop where teens learn the essentials of building and DIY craftsmanship. Participants will explore tool safety, basic construction techniques, and the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands. Through guided instruction and practical projects, teens will strengthen problem-solving abilities, spatial awareness, and self-reliance. This engaging experience empowers youth to approach new challenges with confidence and curiosity.
Participants will complete a small take-home build that showcases their newly developed skills.
All workshop materials included, located at the Arthur Jordan YMCA.
Free to all, attendees must register.
Registration Information
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
05/30/26
Sa - 4:30 pm - 1 hr, 30 mins
|
Registration will open on 03/17/2026 |
|
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06/13/26
Sa - 4:30 pm - 1 hr, 30 mins
|
Registration will open on 03/17/2026 |
Y-Achievers
Y-Achievers at the Jordan YMCA designed to help guide current 8th and 9th graders prepare for life beyond highschool!
Students will leave this 10-week Program with increased confidence in the various of career pathways that exist in the world!
Educators and Guest Speakers from local colleges, businesses, and more will teach practical skills like Resume Building and Interviewing Tips and Tricks.
This 10-week program will meet Saturdays, from 9:30-11:00 AM at the Jordan YMCA. Lite Breakfast will be provided.
There will be no class February 28th.
Registration Information
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
01/24/26 - 04/04/26
Sa - 9:30 am - 1 hr, 30 mins
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Register Closes 01/23/2026 |
Y Achievers Program Coed
Y-Achievers at the Jordan YMCA designed to help guide current 8th and 9th graders prepare for life beyond highschool!
Registration Information
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
11/19/25 - 02/28/26
We - 12:00 am - 1 hr, 15 mins
|
Register |
Young Men of Distinction (YMOD)
Young Men of Distinction (YMOD), is geared toward young men in middle and high school. The goal of this program is to promote clear pathways to skill building and improving outcomes in numerous areas such as academic achievement, positive identity, personal and professional agency, social-emotional health and wellbeing, career readiness, financial stability, and civic engagement. This program is structured to help boys and young men of color reach their full potential, empowering young men to understand their power of choice.
SATURDAY SERIES INCLUDES:
Creation Sessions • Guest Speakers Leadership Development • Life Skills Rec Time • Post-secondary & Career Exposure • Financial Literacy • Service Learning • Mentoring • Experiential Trips
For more information, please contact:
Daniel at [email protected]. or 317-450-8144
Learn more about the YMCA’s national Boys and Young Men of Color Strategy and how you can get involved! https://ymcadc.org/engage/
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/31/24 | 12/31/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 0.00 | $ 0.00 |