Youth Empowerment Programs

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

Avondale Meadows, Baxter, Benjamin Harrison, Jordan, OrthoIndy Foundation
9/3/24 - 3/17/25
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Students won’t just read about government; they will be the government!

In this model government program, students in grades 6-12 will go through government
simulations. They get to elect their own peer leaders, debate their own bills, and build a vision for a better tomorrow. Middle school students become part of the
legislature and work on public speaking and debate, parliamentary procedures, writing, evaluating, and ranking bills. High school students can join the legislature, judicial process, legislative oversight, or media.

Participants Choose One Meeting Site:
Avondale Meadows YMCA
Baxter YMCA
Benjamin Harrision YMCA
Jordan YMCA (High School Students Only)
OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA

Org Day: Saturday, November 2, 2024
*MS Conference: Saturday, December 14, 2024
*HS Conference: February 28-March 1, 2025
*Conference fees will apply

Contact Laney for more info [email protected] or 317-207-7460


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
7/9/24 3/31/25 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
09/03/24 - 03/17/25
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Indiana YMCA Youth and Government Conference for High School Only

All Locations
2/28/26 - 3/2/26
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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
Lodging
Continental Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner
T-shirt
Celebration Banquet

Completion of additional program forms may be required.


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
9/1/24 3/31/25 Online / Front Desk $ 275.00$ 275.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
02/28/26 - 03/02/26
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Y Empowerment Zone Afterschool

Avondale Meadows
1/9/25 - 5/15/25
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Student Must be Enrolled at Avondale Meadows Middle School (Grades 5-8)

Join the YMCA Y Empowerment Zone After School program, designed to empower young minds through a comprehensive curriculum. Our program focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), academic support, literacy enhancement, college and career readiness, as well as promoting health and wellness.

As a 21st-century community learning center program, we are committed to supporting the holistic development of students beyond the traditional school day. Our dedicated staff creates a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

After School Hours Program: Dismissal until 6:00 p.m. (School Days Only)

Session 1: August 12 – December 21, 2024
Session 2: January 9 – May 15, 2025
No Program on Y-Staff Professional Development

For more information, please contact:
Daniel at [email protected]. or 317-450-8144
Cynthia at [email protected] or 317-455-6832


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
7/1/24 5/31/25 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
01/09/25 - 05/15/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
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Young Men of Distinction (YMOD)

Ransburg
3/15/25 - 5/17/25
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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 MemberNon-Member
7/31/24 5/31/25 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
03/15/25
Sa - 1:00 pm - 4 hrs
Register  
04/19/25
Sa - 1:00 pm - 4 hrs
Register  
05/17/25
Sa - 1:00 pm - 4 hrs
Register